Good reasons to live in Thuringia

Life in Thuringia offers a high quality of life in a region that blends modernity and tradition. Short distances, affordable housing, and strong educational and childcare facilities make the Free State particularly attractive for skilled workers and their families. Add to that a wide range of cultural and leisure activities, as well as ample space to live and work – right in the heart of Germany.

Affordable housing

Rents and property prices are among the cheapest in Germany.

Career & Balance

Attractive jobs in future-oriented industries and a comfortable living environment.

Family-friendly

High quality of life, plenty of space and excellent care.

Excellent education

High-quality schools, universities and research centers for a strong future.

Central location

Quickly everywhere: Perfect connections by car, train or plane.

Nature & Recreation

Hiking in the Thuringian Forest, cycling on panoramic trails or simply taking a deep breath.

Health & Medicine

Modern clinics and good medical care.

Pure culture

From Goethe and Bauhaus to festivals and modern art – Thuringia inspires.

Culinary delight

From Thuringian Rostbratwurst to dumplings – regional specialties to fall in love with.

Castles & Palaces

Experience history up close – from Wartburg Castle to Friedenstein Castle.

Affordable building and living in Thuringia

A house of your own with a garden? A stylish apartment in an old building in the city center? Or perhaps a modern loft? In Thuringia, the choice is yours! The housing market is relaxed, and prices are among the most affordable in Germany – ideal conditions for making your home here.

Of course, there are differences: In Erfurt, Jena, or Weimar, properties are more in demand and therefore more expensive. But those who prefer a greener and quieter environment will find interesting alternatives in rural regions – often just a few minutes from the nearest motorway access.

Affordable rents

For anyone looking for a rental apartment: Thuringia scores points with fair prices. The average net rent (excluding utilities) across the state is currently €6.44/m². Depending on location, amenities, and size, rents range from €4.81/m² to €16.16/m².

For comparison: In Bavaria the average is €10.32/m², in Baden-Württemberg €10.20/m² and across Germany €8.55/m².

Average rents are highest in Jena (€9.80/m²), followed by Weimar (€8.46/m²) and Erfurt (€8.23/m²). However, those who don't want to live directly in the city will find significantly cheaper alternatives in the surrounding area.

Current information on the level of education in the Thuringian districts and independent cities can be found at immobilienscout24.

Our rental apartments

Affordable building land prices

With an average price of €77.41/m², land prices in Thuringia are the lowest in Germany. Prices vary depending on the region

In Erfurt, Jena and Weimar, prices per square meter start at €120
In exclusive urban locations, over€450/m²required.
In some rural regions, plots of land are already available for less than €5/m²

The Thuringian State Office for Surveying and Geoinformation offers an online land value information system (BORIS-THHere you can access the standard land values for properties throughout Thuringia free of charge.

Offers for residential building land can be found here:

Our residential building plots

Affordable condominiums and houses

Those who prefer to fulfill their dream of owning their own home will also find Thuringia to be the right place. The average apartment price in the state is €1,349/m² and the average house price is €2,012/m².

For comparison: Across Germany, the average price for condominiums is €2,592/m² and for houses €3,102/m².

In Erfurt, condominiums cost an average of €2,619/m², houses €3,059/m²
In Eisenach, the price per square meter for condominiums is €1531 and for houses it is €2371.
In cities like Gera (1,163 or 2,055 €/m²) or in the district of Altenburg (1,022 or 1,900 €/m²), home ownership is even more affordable.

Especially for young families who value a good work-life balance, rural areas offer favorable opportunities for property acquisition.

Current information on real estate prices in the Thuringian districts and independent cities can be found at immobilienscout24.

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Thuringia – Working with quality of life

Thuringia offers attractive job opportunities for skilled workers. The job market is growing with innovative companies in key sectors such as automotive, optics, and medical technology. Medium-sized global market leaders and globally operating companies are driving the region's progress, while close collaboration with universities and research institutes fosters innovation. Thanks to its strong economy and numerous successful companies, Thuringia offers exciting Career opportunities in an environment with a high quality of life.

labor market

Thuringia combines attractive Career opportunities with a high quality of life. Here you will find innovative companies, strong industries – from automotive to medical technology – and a multifaceted research landscape with renowned universities and institutes.

Your advantages as a skilled worker in Thuringia:

Exciting jobs in high-growth industries
KüShorter commutes and more free time
GüLow cost of living compared to other federal statesachange
Family-friendly employers and excellent childcare

Whether you're looking for Career change or a fresh start – our Thuringian Agency for Skilled Worker Recruitment (ThAFF) will be happy to advise you. You can find current job offers in the Thuringian job exchange.

Successful companies

Thuringia is home to numerous successful companies and hidden champions that set global standards. From high technology and mechanical engineering to medical technology and food production – innovations that are in demand worldwide are created here. Names like Jenoptik, Carl Zeiss, Bosch, and Melexis stand for cutting-edge technology. But traditional brands like Opel Eisenach, Storck (Knoppers, Toffifee), and Köstritzer Schwarzbier also highlight the diversity of Thuringia's economy. Anyone looking for exciting Career prospects in a dynamic environment will find it here!

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Hidden Champions Thuringia

Companies & Technologies

Business

Thuringia is a business location with both tradition and a future. Medium-sized world market leaders, high-tech startups, and global players from sectors such as automotive, optics, medical technology, and mechanical engineering drive innovation here. Thanks to its central location in Germany and Europe, companies benefit from excellent infrastructure and short distances.

Economic figures:

üover 1.1 million employed people and an unemployment rate of only 5.3%
Approximately 90% of companies are medium-sized
Cutting-edge research at 13 universities and numerous institutes
strong export orientation

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Industries in Thuringia

Thuringia is family-friendly

Thuringia – Balancing family life and professional challenges

Thuringia is family-friendly. Here, combining work and family life is particularly easy. This is thanks to companies that support their employees with flexible working hours, reserved places in nearby kindergartens, or financial subsidies. It's also due to the wide range of childcare facilities: the childcare rate for children between 3 and 6 years old is 97 percent – a top figure in Germany!

Diverse educational opportunities

Thuringia offers ideal conditions for lifelong learning – from school days to an academic Career . A high-performing school system with flexible educational pathways provides the foundation. Renowned universities, practically oriented universities of applied sciences, and specialized educational institutions enable a sound education and corresponding Career prospects. Whether traditional schooling, dual studies, or international degrees – in Thuringia, everyone can find the right educational path.

Central location and state-of-the-art transport infrastructure

Thuringia combines a prime location, fast connections and stress-free mobility – perfect for those who want to be well connected yet live a relaxed life.

Thuringia is located in the heart of Germany! This means short distances in all directions! Whether for business or pleasure – destinations are quickly reached from Thuringia. Thanks to the ICE hub in Erfurt, you can travel from here to Berlin, Munich, or Frankfurt in about two hours. Five motorways (A4, A9, A38, A71, A73) connect the region to the rest of Germany. Thuringia is also among the states with the fewest traffic jams according to the ADAC traffic statistics.

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Thuringia – A paradise for nature lovers

Whether for a short break or forever: With its natural scenery of primeval forests, winding valleys and expansive plains, Thuringia offers the setting for plenty of nature and leisure fun.

Get out into nature
Hiking, mountain biking, paragliding
Active in winter
Sledding, skiing
Fun for water lovers
Adventure swimming

Impressive forests and waters

Thuringia is a true natural paradise – where lush green meets sparkling blue. With 32% forest cover, the state is one of the most densely wooded regions in Germany. The three low mountain ranges of the Harz, Rhön, and Thuringian Forest shape the landscape and offer countless opportunities for those seeking relaxation and nature lovers to enjoy the beauty of nature.

Hainich National Park – home to the largest contiguous deciduous forest in Central Europe – captivates visitors with its fascinating treetop walkway, primeval beech forests, and the rare European wildcat. In autumn, the area transforms into a spectacular display of gold, red, and brown.

The river landscapes of the Saale, Unstrut, Werra, Schwarza, and Ilm invite exploration – whether on a leisurely stroll, a canoe trip, or while fishing. In summer, more than 30 natural bathing lakes and reservoirs offer perfect conditions for swimming, paddling, or simply relaxing by the water. Those seeking more comfort will find pure relaxation and wellness in the numerous adventure pools and thermal baths.

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Diverse leisure activities are available

Whether on land, on water or in the air – Thuringia is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts! Hiking, horse riding, climbing, golf, rafting, floating, inflatable boat tours or paragliding – here everyone will find their personal challenge or their relaxing retreat in nature.

Thuringia is one of the most famous hiking regions in Germany! The renowned Rennsteig, with its almost 170 kilometers, is the oldest continuous high-altitude hiking trail in Germany and impresses with breathtaking views.

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Cycling in Thuringia

Whether you prefer a leisurely ride through idyllic river valleys or a sporty ride on challenging trails – cycling in Thuringia is fun! More than 2,000 kilometers of cycle paths lead through breathtaking landscapes, past historic cities and impressive natural scenery.

Highlights:

Rennsteig Cycle Path – 200 km through the Thuringian Forest
Ilmtal Cycle Path – Leisurely cycling from Ilmenau to the Saale River
Thuringian Towns Cycle Route – Experience culture & history by bike
Bike parks & mountain bike trails for adrenaline junkies

Whether for work, leisure or sporting challenges – Thuringia will get you moving!

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A paradise for winter sports enthusiasts

When it snows, Thuringia transforms into a winter sports mecca. Whether cross-country skiing on hundreds of kilometers of groomed trails, beautifully situated downhill slopes with modern lifts, or snowboarding fun – there's something for everyone here.

Unique in Germany: Oberhof is home to Germany's first indoor ski slope for Nordic winter sports, offering perfect conditions all year round for top athletes as well as recreational athletes.

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Thuringia offers a relaxing environment and a good healthcare system

Being and staying healthy is our greatest ambition in life. Thuringia boasts a highly developed healthcare system and an environment that guarantees relaxation and recreation.

Places to relax
Kneipp cures, brine baths and healing springs
Active and different
Forest wellness and treetop yoga
Medical care
Modern clinics and medical facilities

Exceptional art and cultural offerings

A rich history, world-renowned figures, and an impressive cultural diversity – all this makes Thuringia a unique cultural landscape. It's no wonder the state bears the title "Land of Poets and Thinkers." The classical city of Weimar, Wartburg Castle in Eisenach, and the historic Merchants' Bridge in Erfurt are just a few of the cultural highlights that attract visitors from all over the world.

Historic cities – history you can touch

In Erfurt, a walk across the Krämerbrücke (Merchants' Bridge) takes you directly into the Middle Ages: narrow streets, picturesque squares and lovingly restored half-timbered houses make it the longest bridge in Europe with houses built on it – a real gem in the heart of the Thuringian capital.

Weimar is inextricably linked to Johann Wolfgang von Goethe and Friedrich Schiller. Some of their most important works were created here. But it is not only German Classicism that has left its mark on Weimar: Walter Gropius founded the world-famous Bauhaus here in 1919, which, with artists such as Paul Klee, Wassily Kandinsky, and Lyonel Feininger, became the cradle of modern architecture.

Thuringia has also had a lasting impact on music history: Johann Sebastian Bach, born in Eisenach, is considered one of the greatest composers of all time. Franz Liszt and Richard Wagner also found inspiration in Thuringian cities. Ludwig van Beethoven once said of Bach: "It should be called not Bach – Meer (Sea).".

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Thuringian cities

Theatres, museums and festivals – culture for every taste

With around 200 theaters, opera houses, museums, and orchestras, Thuringia offers a cultural scene that is unparalleled in Germany. Highlights include:

German National Theatre Weimar – a stage with worldwide appeal
Meiningen State Theatre – known as the “cradle of modern director’s theatre”
Thuringia Philharmonic Gotha-Eisenach – one of the most traditional orchestras in Germany
Kochberg Castle Amateur Theatre – a baroque gem on the European Route of Historic Theatre

Summer in Thuringia belongs to the major cultural festivals: the Cathedral Steps Festival in Erfurt, the Jena Culture Arena, and the Weimar Arts Festival attract thousands of visitors every year. But there's also a real highlight for fans of electronic music: the SonneMondSterne Festival (SMS) in Saalburg – one of the largest electronic music festivals in Europe, which annually brings together top international DJs such as David Guetta, Paul Kalkbrenner or Charlotte de Witte at the Bleiloch reservoir.

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Young Culture – Scene, Clubs and Creative Spaces

Thuringia offers not only classical high culture, but also a vibrant young scene. Whether alternative concerts, off-spaces for art or legendary clubs – new trends and creative spaces are emerging here.

Selected examples:

Kalif Storch, Erfurt – one of Thuringia's trendiest clubs with electronic music, concerts and urban subculture
FAT FAT FAT, Weimar – an alternative club with indie and electronic music, run by cultural workers from the Bauhaus University
C.Keller & Galerie Markt 21, Weimar – Bar, live music venue and exhibition space with a student atmosphere
L50, Erfurt – an off-space for contemporary art, workshops and experimental cultural projects
Open Work Erfurt – alternative youth and cultural scene with concerts, political education and DIY culture
Kassablanca, Jena – remains a must-see, as it is the center of the alternative music and club scene in Thuringia
Trafo Jena – a new creative space with art, music and a unique industrial hall atmosphere
Kulturfabrik Apolda – an art and culture hub with events ranging from poetry slams to electro parties
Wallcome Festival, Schmalkalden – Street art & music festival with urban flair

Whether classical high culture or alternative subculture – Thuringia inspires!

Thuringia is known for its culinary delights and hospitality

Thuringia's culinary delights are on everyone's lips. But gourmets don't just experience pleasure with bratwurst and Thuringian dumplings. Summer and winter alike, visitors to Thuringia are greeted with a smile and invited to discover the many different facets of the region.

Branded products from Thuringia
Köstritzer Schwarzbier, Mühlhäuser plum jam or Born mustard
Traditional Festivals
Krämerbrückenfest in Erfurt, Rudolstädter Vogelschießen or Zwiebelmarkt in Weimar
Alternative enjoyment
Cafés with specially created delicacies, organic and natural food stores, or vegan restaurants

Thuringian delicacies and restaurants

Anyone visiting Thuringia will inevitably encounter two classics: the original Thuringian Rostbratwurst and the famous Thuringian dumplings are culinary cultural treasures – renowned far beyond the state's borders. But Thuringian cuisine has much more to offer!

Whether hearty home cooking or refined specialties: Thuringia's culinary delights reflect the region's rich and down-to-earth food culture. How about a savory beer or onion soup, an aromatic Mutzbraten (a type of roast pork), tender saddle of hare, or a juicy Schwarzbierbrätl (a dark beer roast)? Sweet treats are also plentiful: Schaala apple soup or the legendary Schnapskuchen (a type of schnapps cake) offer delicious surprises.

Branded products from Thuringia

Festivals and celebrations

Whether steeped in tradition, culinary delights, or musical experiences – Thuringia offers plenty of reasons to celebrate all year round. From historical city festivals and wine tastings to legendary music events, there's something for everyone.

Selected highlights from the event calendar:

Summer Festival (Eisenach) – one of Germany's largest spring festivals with a centuries-old tradition
Krämerbrückenfest (Erfurt) – Medieval flair, arts and crafts & live music around the famous bridge
Saale Wine Mile (Roßbach) – enjoy fine wines along the idyllic Saale river
Onion Market (Weimar) – the “Thuringian Oktoberfest” with regional specialties & braided onions
Rudolstadt Festival – Germany's largest festival for folk, roots, and world music
Genius Loci Weimar – a unique festival for light art and facade projections

In Thuringia, tradition is alive and modern festival culture is celebrated – the best way to experience it is for yourself!

Thuringia – The land of castles and palaces

Thuringia is famous as the land of castles and palaces. Romanesque village churches and expansive cathedrals, bizarre knights' castles and princely palaces, neoclassical theaters and buildings characterize the landscape.

Wartburg near Eisenach

High above the city of Eisenach stands Wartburg Castle – Thuringia's most famous castle. Founded around 1067 by Ludwig the Springer, it was, among other things, home to Saint Elizabeth of Thuringia and a refuge for Martin Luther. Disguised as Junker Jörg, the reformer translated the New Testament of the Bible at Wartburg Castle. Today, Thuringia's "Queen of Castles" is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Art treasures

Thanks to the collecting and artistic passions of several dukes and princes, Thuringia boasts rich art, natural history, and cultural collections housed in its numerous castles and palaces. The Ducal Museum in Gotha displays art treasures from antiquity to the modern era, including one of the oldest Egyptian collections in Germany.

Thuringian Castles – Romance of Knights and Defensiveness

Thuringia is a treasure trove of medieval castles and magnificent palaces. Along the Saale River, which once separated Franconia, Thuringia, and Saxony from the Slavic Sorbs, imposing fortresses stretch like pearls on a string. These impressive relics of the past tell stories of knights, kings, and master builders.

Besides the world-famous Wartburg Castle, numerous medieval castles invite visitors to explore:

The "Three Gleichen" – the spectacular trio of castles that, like the castles of the Shire, watch over the Thuringian Basin
Creuzburg – with its well-preserved castle complex and one of the oldest stone bridges in Germany
Runneburg – one of the most powerful castle complexes in Central Germany, with impressive fortifications and jousting tournaments
Leuchtenburg – the “Queen of the Saale Valley” with breathtaking panoramic views and an interactive porcelain world

Whether a family outing or a historical journey – Thuringia's castles offer vivid experiences of bygone eras.

Castles – Splendor, Art and History

Thuringia is also the land of magnificent residences. Particularly in the former royal residences of Gotha, Altenburg, and Rudolstadt, lovingly restored castles tell tales of courtly elegance

Friedenstein Castle (Gotha) – one of the largest Baroque castles in Germany with valuable art collections
Dornburg Castles – a picturesque ensemble of Renaissance, Rococo and Old Castles with enchanting gardens overlooking the Saale Valley
Altenburg Castle – famous as the cradle of the card game Skat, with impressive state rooms
Heidecksburg Castle (Rudolstadt) – a jewel of the late Baroque period with the fascinating miniature state "Rococo en miniature"

Each of these castles invites you to immerse yourself in past centuries – be it through breathtaking architecture, exhibitions or historical festivals.

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