Good reasons for living in Thuringia

Life in Thuringia stands for a high quality of life in a region that combines modernity and tradition. Short distances, affordable housing, and strong educational and childcare offerings make the Free State particularly attractive for skilled workers and their families. In addition, there are diverse cultural and leisure opportunities as well as plenty of space to live and work – in the heart of Germany.

Affordable housing

Rents and real estate prices are among the most affordable in Germany.

Career & Balance

Attractive jobs in future-oriented industries and a living environment to feel good in.

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 Delights

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

Castles & Palaces

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

Affordable Building and Living in Thuringia

A house of your own with a garden? A stylish old building apartment in the city center? Or would you rather have a modern loft? In Thuringia, you have the choice! The housing market is relaxed, and the price level is among the most affordable in Germany – the best conditions to create a home for yourself here.

Of course, there are differences: In Erfurt, Jena or Weimar, properties are in higher demand and therefore more expensive. But if you prefer it greener and quieter, you will find interesting alternatives in rural regions – often only a few minutes from the nearest motorway junctions.

Affordable rents

For those looking for a rental apartment: Thuringia scores with fair prices. The average net cold rent is currently 6.44 €/m². Depending on location, amenities, and size, rents range between 4.81 €/m² and 16.16 €/m².

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

The highest average rents are in Jena (9.80 €/m²), followed by Weimar (8.46 €/m²) and Erfurt (8.23 €/m²). But if you don't want to live directly in the city, you'll find significantly cheaper alternatives in the surrounding area.

You can find current information on the rent level in Thuringia's districts and independent cities at immobilienscout24.

Our rental apartments

Affordable building land prices

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

In Erfurt, Jena and Weimar, square meter prices start at 120 €
In exclusive city locations, over450 €/m²are demanded.
In some rural regions, plots of land are already available for under €5/m²

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

You can find offers for residential building land here:

Our residential building plots

Affordable condominiums and houses

If you prefer to fulfill the dream of your own four walls, Thuringia is also the right place. On average, apartment prices are 1,349 €/m² and houses 2,012 €/m².

For comparison: nationwide in 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 and houses €3,059/m²
In Eisenach, the price per square meter for condominiums is 1531 € and for houses it is 2,371 €.
In cities like Gera (1,163 or 2,055 €/m²) or in the Altenburg district (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 acquiring property.

You can find current information on real estate prices in Thuringia's districts and independent cities at immobilienscout24.

Find properties for rent or purchase here:

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Thuringia – Working with quality of life

Thuringia offers attractive job opportunities for skilled workers. The labor market is growing with innovative companies from key sectors such as automotive, optics, or medical technology. Medium-sized global market leaders and globally operating companies drive the location forward, while close networking with universities and research institutes ensures innovation. Thanks to the strong economy and numerous successful companies, Thuringia offers exciting Careeropportunities 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 leisure time
Günstige cost of living compared to other federal statesästates
Family-friendly employers and excellent childcare

Whether Careerchange 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 And Applicant Exchange.

Successful Companies

Thuringia is home to numerous successful companies and Hidden Championsthat 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, or Melexis stand for cutting-edge technology. But traditional brands such as Opel Eisenach, Storck (Knoppers, Toffifee), or Köstritzer Schwarzbier also point to the diversity of the Thuringian economy. If you are looking for exciting Careerperspectives in a dynamic environment, you have come to the right place!

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Hidden Champions Thuringia

Companies & Technologies

Economy

Thuringia is a business location with tradition and future. Medium-sized global market leaders, high-tech startups and global players from industries 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.

Economy in figures:

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

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Industries in Thuringia

Thuringia is family-friendly

Thuringia – family life and professional challenges in harmony

Thuringia is family-friendly. Work and family can be combined particularly well here. Whether through companies that support their employees with flexible working time models, reserved places in neighboring kindergartens, or financial subsidies. Or through the wide range of daycare facilities: The childcare rate for children between 3 and 6 years old is 97 percent – a top value in Germany!

Diverse educational offerings

Thuringia offers the best conditions for lifelong learning – from school days to an academic Career. A strong school system with flexible educational paths creates the foundation. Renowned universities, practice-oriented universities of applied sciences and specialized educational institutions enable a sound education and corresponding Career perspectives. Whether classic 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 top location, fast connections, and stress-free mobility – perfect for anyone who wants to be well connected yet live relaxed.

Thuringia is located in the middle of Germany! That means short distances in all directions! Whether for business or private purposes – from Thuringia, destinations are quickly reached. Thanks to the ICE hub in Erfurt, it takes about two hours from here to Berlin, Munich, or Frankfurt. Five highways (A4, A9, A38, A71, A73) connect the region with the entire federal territory. Thuringia is also one of the federal states with the least traffic jams according to the ADAC traffic jam statistics.

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Thuringia – An Eldorado for nature lovers

Whether for a short vacation or forever: with its natural backdrop of primeval forests, winding valleys, and wide plains, Thuringia offers the setting for plenty of nature and leisure fun.

Out into the green
Hiking, mountain biking, paragliding
Active in winter
Tobogganing, skiing
Fun for water fans
Adventure bathing

Imposing forests and waters

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

The Hainich National Park – home to the largest contiguous deciduous forest in Central Europe – delights with its fascinating treetop walk, primeval beech forests, and the rare wildcat. In autumn, the area transforms into a spectacular play of colors in gold, red, and brown.

The river landscapes of the Saale, Unstrut, Werra, Schwarza, and Ilm invite you to explore them – whether on a relaxed walk, a canoe trip, or while fishing. In summer, more than 30 natural bathing waters and reservoirs offer perfect conditions for swimming, paddling, or simply relaxing by the water. If you prefer more comfort, you will find pure relaxation and wellness in the numerous adventure pools and thermal baths.

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Varied leisure activities

Whether on land, on water, or in the air – Thuringia is a paradise for outdoor fans! Hiking, horseback riding, climbing, golf, rafting, rafting, tubing, or paragliding – here everyone finds their personal challenge or their relaxing retreat in nature.

Thuringia is one of Germany's most famous hiking regions! The famous Rennsteig, with its almost 170 kilometers, is Germany's oldest continuous ridge path and delights with breathtaking views.

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Cycling in Thuringia

Whether relaxing through idyllic river valleys or sporty over challenging trails – cycling in Thuringia is fun! More than 2,000 kilometers of cycle paths lead through breathtaking landscapes, past historic towns and impressive natural scenery.

Highlights:

Rennsteig Cycle Path – 200 km through the Thuringian Forest
Ilm Valley Cycle Path – Enjoyable cycling from Ilmenau to the Saale
Thuringian City Chain Cycle Route – Experience culture & history by bike
Bikeparks & Mountainbike-Trails for adrenaline junkies

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

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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 slopes with modern lifts, or snowboarding fun – there is something for everyone.

Unique in Germany: Oberhof is home to Germany's first indoor ski hall for Nordic winter sports, offering perfect conditions year-round for both elite athletes and recreational sports enthusiasts.

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Thuringia offers a relaxing environment and a good healthcare system

Being healthy and staying healthy is our greatest endeavor in life. Thuringia has a highly developed healthcare system and an environment that guarantees relaxation and recovery.

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 culture offerings

A rich history, world-famous personalities and an impressive cultural diversity – all this makes Thuringia a unique cultural landscape. It is no coincidence that the federal state bears the title “Land of Poets and Thinkers”. The classic city of Weimar, the Wartburg in Eisenach and the historic Krämerbrücke in Erfurt are just some of the cultural landmarks that attract visitors from all over the world.

Historic Cities – History You Can Touch

In Erfurt, a walk across the Krämerbrücke leads directly into the Middle Ages: narrow alleys, picturesque squares, and lovingly restored half-timbered houses make it the longest bridge in Europe that is fully built up with houses – a true gem in the heart of Thuringia's capital.

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

Music history has also left a lasting mark on Thuringia: 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: “Not Bach – sea should he be called“.

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Thuringian cities

Theater, museums, and festivals – culture for every taste

With around 200 theaters, opera houses, museums, and orchestras, Thuringia offers a cultural program that is second to none nationwide. Highlights include:

German National Theatre Weimar – a stage with worldwide radiance
Meiningen State Theatre – known as the "cradle of modern director's theatre"
Thuringia Philharmonic Gotha-Eisenach – one of Germany's most traditional orchestras
Liebhabertheater Schloss Kochberg – a baroque gem on the European Route of Historic Theatres

Summer in Thuringia belongs to the major cultural festivals: The DomStufen-Festspiele in Erfurt, the Jenaer Kulturarena, or the Kunstfest Weimar attract thousands of visitors every year. But there is also a real highlight for fans of electronic music: The SonneMondSterne Festival (SMS), Saalburg – one of the largest electronic music festivals in Europe, which annually brings together international top DJs such as David Guetta, Paul Kalkbrenner, or Charlotte de Witte at the Bleilochstausee.

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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 freedoms are emerging here.

Selected examples:

Kalif Storch, Erfurt – one of Thuringia's most trendy clubs with electronic music, concerts, and urban subculture
FAT FAT FAT, Weimar – an alternative club with indie and electro sound, 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
Offene Arbeit Erfurt – alternative youth and culture scene with concerts, political education, and DIY culture
Kassablanca, Jena – remains a must-visit, as it is the center of the alternative music and club scene in Thuringia
Trafo Jena – new creative venue with art, music, and a unique industrial hall atmosphere
Kulturfabrik Apolda – an art and culture forge with events from poetry slam to electro parties
Wallcome Festival, Schmalkalden – street art & music festival with urban flair

Whether classical high culture or alternative subculture – Thuringia inspires!

Enjoyment and hospitality – that is what Thuringia is known for

Thuringia's culinary delights are on everyone's lips. However, connoisseurs experience gastronomic pleasures not only with bratwurst and Thuringian dumplings. In summer and winter alike, visitors to Thuringia are welcomed with a smile and invited to discover the many different facets of the state.

Brand products from Thuringia
Köstritzer black beer, Mühlhausen 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 health food stores, or vegan restaurants

Thuringian delicacies and restaurants

Anyone visiting Thuringia cannot miss two classics: the original Thuringian grilled sausage and the famous Thuringian dumplings are culinary cultural assets – and that extends far beyond the state's borders. But Thuringian cuisine has much more to offer!

Whether hearty home-style cooking or fine specialties: Thuringia's delicacies reflect the region's traditional and down-to-earth food culture. How about a savory beer or onion soup, an aromatic Mutzbraten, tender saddle of hare or a juicy dark beer bratwurst? Sweet delights are not neglected either: Schaala apple soup or the legendary schnapps cake provide delicious surprises.

Brand products from Thuringia

Festivals and Celebrations

Whether traditional, culinary, or musical – in Thuringia there are good reasons to celebrate all year round. From historic city festivals to wine enjoyment to legendary music events, there is something for everyone.

Selected highlights from the event calendar:

Sommergewinn (Eisenach) – one of Germany's largest spring festivals with centuries-old tradition
Krämerbrückenfest (Erfurt) – medieval flair, arts & crafts and live music around the famous bridge
Saale Wine Route (Roßbach) – enjoy fine drops along the idyllic Saale
Onion Market (Weimar) – the "Thuringian Oktoberfest" with regional specialties & onion braids
Rudolstadt Festival – Germany's largest festival for folk roots world music
Genius Loci Weimar – unique festival for light art & facade projections

In Thuringia, tradition is lived and modern festival culture is celebrated – best to experience it yourself!

Thuringia – The Land of Palaces and Castles

Thuringia is famous as the land of castles and palaces. Romanesque village churches and expansive cathedrals, bizarre knight's castles and princely palace complexes, classical theaters and buildings shape the landscape.

Wartburg near Eisenach

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

Art treasures

It is thanks to the collecting and artistic passion of some dukes and princes that Thuringia, with its numerous castles and palaces, houses rich art, natural history, and cultural collections. 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 – knightly romance and fortification

Thuringia is a treasure trove of medieval castles and magnificent palaces. Along the Saale, which once separated Franconia, Thuringia, and Saxony from the Slavic Sorbs, sturdy fortresses line up like a string of pearls. These impressive witnesses to history tell stories of knights, kings, and master builders.

In addition to the world-famous Wartburg, numerous knight's castles invite you to explore:

The "Drei Gleichen" – the spectacular castle trio that watches over the Thuringian Basin like the castles of the Shire
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 an impressive fortification and knight games
Leuchtenburg – the “Queen of the Saale Valley“ with breathtaking panoramic views and an interactive porcelain world

Whether a family outing or a journey through history – Thuringia's castles are living experiences of times past.

Palaces – Splendor, Art, and History

Thuringia is equally the land of magnificent residences. Especially in the former residence cities of Gotha, Altenburg, and Rudolstadt, lovingly restored castles tell of courtly elegance:

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

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

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