In Thuringia, it is primarily Altenburg, on the border with Saxony, where saffron farmers gather the vibrant purple crocus blossoms and harvest the intensely red saffron threads by hand – hence the name "red gold." Saffron gardens existed centuries ago in the former Principality of Altenburg. Besides Altenburg, other stops on the new Saffron Route are planned to include the towns of Torgau in northern Saxony and Annaburg in Saxony-Anhalt. The idea for the project originated at the Torgau Saffron Day, which was held for the first time in 2022 as part of the state garden show there. The project is scheduled to launch in 2025 – the 500th anniversary of the death of the famous Elector Frederick the Wise, who, as a key patron of Martin Luther, helped the Reformation to gain traction in Europe. (hw)
“Red gold” attracts tourists to Thuringia
A field of crocus blossoms containing the precious saffron threads. Image: ©Wandel-Werte-Wege gGmbH, Katja Kipping
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