“Red Gold“ lures tourists to Thuringia

09.01.2024

It strengthens the heart and circulation, colors cosmetics, provides the right seasoning in the kitchen – and is becoming a tourist magnet for Thuringia and Central Germany. The subject is saffron, an “all-rounder“ that is obtained from a crocus plant – among other places, in the region in and around Thuringia. Experts from the Free State as well as the neighboring federal states of Saxony and Saxony-Anhalt now want to establish a “Saffron Road“ by 2025, which will attract guests with a variety of events and offerings.

A field with crocus blossoms containing the valuable saffron threads. Image: ©Wandel-Werte-Wege gGmbH, Katja Kipping

In Thuringia, it is above all Altenburg on the border with Saxony where saffron farmers collect violet crocus blossoms and hand-harvest the intensely red saffron threads – hence the name “red gold”. In the former Principality of Altenburg, there were already saffron gardens centuries ago. Further stops on the new Saffron Road are to include, alongside Altenburg, the towns of Torgau in North Saxony and Annaburg in Saxony-Anhalt. The idea for the project arose at the Torgau Saffron Day, which took place for the first time in 2022 as part of the local State Garden Show. The project is scheduled to start in 2025 – marking the 500th anniversary of the death of the famous Elector Frederick the Wise, who, as Martin Luther's key protector, helped the Reformation break through in Europe. (hw)

https://altenburg.travel/safranleuchten

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