The lively students' city has many "optical eye-catchers" for young and old – let yourself be whisked away into the breathtaking world of the universe at the Zeiss Planetarium Jena, for example. And the view from the observation deck of the JenTower at a height of 128 m gives you a great change of perspective. Visitors to the German Optical Museum (Deutsches Optisches Museum) can also admire the largest collection of glasses, participate interactively in numerous experiments and learn all about inventions and the history of the optical industry.
Not only entrepreneurs such as Carl Zeiss and Otto Schott worked in Jena, but also famous writers and philosophers such as Goethe and Schiller have left historical traces that can still be felt today in Schiller's Garden House, among other places. Other sights such as the St. Michael's Church (Stdtkirche St. Michael) as well as theatres, museums and festivals round off the diverse cultural attractions.
Another highlight is Jena's old town with its enchanting half-timbered houses. Especially in Wagnergasse, you can enjoy delicious Thuringian specialities in charming cafés, pubs and restaurants. In addition, small boutiques make for a special shopping experience. Your shopping tour can also take you via the market square and the surrounding streets to elegant arcades and exclusive brand stores.
The botanical garden with over 10,000 plants, the Volkspark Oberaue – also known as "Paradies" – and local recreation areas in the surrounding area invite you to go for walks, hikes and bike tours.
