Feasibility study: „European city and culture tourism – Thuringian ...

Feasibility study: „European city and culture 

tourism – Thuringian chain-of-towns as part 

of the European Cultural Route VIA REGIA“ 

WP5, Output 5.2.2 / 5.3.2, final report (abstract, 14.05.2010) 

IRS CONSULT AG 

on behalf of the Thuringian Ministry of Construction, Regional Development and Traffic

Final report, VIA REGIA „European city- and culture tourism“ 

Table of contents 

1 Introduction and task .....................................................................................................4 

2 Approach and methods..................................................................................................5 

3 Economic significance of the tourism for Thuringia........................................................6 

3.1 Tourism in Thuringia ...............................................................................................6 

3.2 Culture tourism along the VIA REGIA......................................................................6 

3.3 Additional tourism infrastructure..............................................................................8 

3.3.1 Hiking trails ......................................................................................................8 

3.3.2 Bicycle traffic....................................................................................................9 

3.3.3 Natural landscapes ..........................................................................................9 

3.3.4 Waterways .....................................................................................................10 

3.4 Mobility..................................................................................................................10 

4 Acquisition of destinations of the culture tourism in Saxony, Poland and the Ukraine ..12 

4.1 Saxony..................................................................................................................12 

4.1.1 Characteristics of the region...........................................................................12 

4.1.2 Important cities of Saxony..............................................................................13 

4.2 Poland...................................................................................................................15 

4.2.1 Region Dolnośląski ........................................................................................15 

4.2.2 Region Opolski...............................................................................................17 

4.2.3 Region Śląski.................................................................................................18 

4.2.4 Region Małopolska.........................................................................................19 

4.2.5 Region Podkarpackie .....................................................................................21 

4.2.6 Poland – Summary.........................................................................................22 

4.3 Ukraine .................................................................................................................22 

4.3.1 Region Wolynsk .............................................................................................23 

4.3.2 Lvivska Region...............................................................................................23 

4.3.3 Rivnenska Region..........................................................................................25 

4.3.4 Zhytomyrska Region ......................................................................................25 

4.3.5 Kiewska Region .............................................................................................26 

4.3.6 Ukraine – Summary .......................................................................................27 

5 Marketing objectives....................................................................................................28 

6 Measures of marketing ................................................................................................32 

6.1 Audio guide system...............................................................................................32 

6.2 Print media............................................................................................................33 

7 Implementation proposals of a cycling route for the VIA REGIA along the corridor of its 

historical course ..................................................................................................................35 

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8 Implementation proposals on the positioning of sign- and information boards .............58 

9 Prospects ....................................................................................................................72 

Attachment 

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1 Introduction and task 

Being considered as a large coherent culture- and economic area, as well as a trade route 

being rich in tradition, the VIA REGIA looks back on a long history. Now and then, this area 

takes up an important connecting function between meaningful European states and 

metropolises. It includes an economic area of 37 mill. people and provides a significant 

contribution to the emergence of a second core market sector in Europe. 

With respect to the overall context, it shall be made clear that the emphasis of the project 

„Europäischer Entwicklungskorridor III VIA REGIA“ (European Development Corridor III VIA 

REGIA) is put on the revival of the historical East-West Corridor as well as on improving the 

accessibility of this area. The existing potentials of the locations are to be linked with the 

market trends and infrastructure development, as also with the mobility decisions made 

individually and collectively by the actors. 

Thereby the traffic infrastructure constitutes merely one factor out of many. In general, it can 

be said that the accessibility of a location depends on the allocation of utilization in the area. 

The superior aim described finally gives way to the challenge and furthermore the prospect, 

arising out of the continually increasing mobility of the Eastern-European population. 

Constantly growing prosperity promotes the motorization in the new EU countries and leads 

to an enlargement of the movement radius, particularly as regards the neighbouring 

countries of these states. Hence, in the next years, also Thuringia will gain in importance as 

target area for these states so that its development focus is not only made up by economic, 

but also tourism aspects. The tourist commercialization of the Free State Thuringia in the 

Eastern European area hasn’t yet been the centre of attention. In fact, it is especially the 

high density in Thuringia’s cultural assets, turning out to be a crucial factor in order to push 

on a holistic strategy aiming to the tourism of the potential marketing in the city- and culture 

tourism within the development corridor of the VIA REGIA, which may bring about an 

increase of the popularity on the “Destination Thuringia” as special part of the European 

culture street VIA REGIA primarily in Eastern Europe. 

The aim of this feasibility study focuses on the development of international marketing 

solutions for the development corridor VIA REGIA as natural landscape and cultural area 

resp. optimization of already existing ones. This shall take place by way of example for the 

Thuringian part of the VIA REGIA, so as to show by means of a kind of “best case approach” 

the commercialization of tourist and cultural potentials of and in the East European area 

based on the core themes city- and culture tourism. In addition to the investigation of 

possibilities for the development of a Corporate Identity (CI) already described, this 

feasibility study and implementation of the measures, resulting thereof shall serve as 

contribution to the establishment of contacts between the actors and service providers within 

the scope of the development corridor VIA REGIA and bring about a strengthening of 

already existing relationships, in order to build up an European network in the area of city- 

and culture tourism. Moreover the results of the feasibility study will be presented at the 

Saxony National Exhibition “VIA REGIA” in Görlitz 2011. 

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2 Approach and methods 

The feasibility study has been worked out in the period of August 2009 to May 2010 and 

documented in form of two interim reports, a final report and in this abstract. 

The analysis of the tourist and cultural potentials was divided into two measure levels: 

1. a measure level, being more roughly comprised the VIA REGIA in Saxony, Poland 

and the Ukraine; 

2. whereas the more detailed level related to the VIA REGIA in the Free State 

Thuringia. 

For the reason of integrating the relevant actors, two work shops were organized in order to 

enable a better development of objectives, while discussing the practicability of the 

approaches indicated at the same time. Apart from the feasibility of the measures, it was 

also the networking of the partners involved which was given special emphasis. 

The first workshop took place on the 11th of November 2009 in the Thuringian Ministry for 

Construction, Rural Development and Transportation. The invited parties were 

representatives of various Federal Ministries, the Saxony State Ministry of Internal Affairs, 

representatives of the cities, and relevant foundations. The workshop included the common 

discussion and development of objectives and proposals on the realization. The workshop 

topics at a glance: 

1. Marketing alignment in general 

2. Cooperation/Use „VIA REGIA – Kulturstraße des Europarates“ („VIA REGIA-Culture 

Street of the Council of Europe”) 

3. Target groups 

4. Uniform national appearance 

5. Cooperations with culture streets and organizations 

6. Use of display boards 

7. Bike-Hiking (Route network and offer items). 

Based on these subjects, the second workshop took place on the 3 rd of March 2010 like the 

previous one in the Thuringian Ministry for Construction, Rural Development and 

Transportation. Emphasis was being laid on the presentation and discussion of the concrete 

concepts of realization. Invitations were sent to the same circle of participants that had 

already joined the first workshop. The agenda consisted of the topics: 

1. Presentation of the market research on VIA REGIA 

2. Presentation of the marketing objectives 

3. Outlining of the marketing sectors and discussion of the appropriate concepts with 

respect to the implementation. 

The discussion results and suggestions of both events were incorporated into the following 

conceptual work and further elaborated. 

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3 Economic significance of the tourism for Thuringia 

3.1 Tourism in Thuringia 

Thuringia features an impressive diversity of tourism destinations, culture-historical places, 

and miscellaneous landscapes. Tourists visiting Thuringia are particularly interested in 

experiencing the nature, culture/education, as well as in health/recreation (Source: 

Reiseanalyse 2008, FUR). It can be assumed a total of approx. 12 mill. overnight-stays per 

each year in Thuringia. A quarter of the overnight-stays takes place in the city cluster. From 

all cities of the Thuringian city cluster, only Erfurt and Weimar rank amongst the top 18 of the 

federal German ranking list. 

One aim of the VIA REGIA projects is to promote the cross-border tourism. In doing so the 

focus is on stimulating the exchange with the new EU-acceding countries. Currently, visitors 

from Poland, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, the Ukraine and Baltic states represent a 

definite minority in Thuringia. Hence, the official statistics of the year 2009 shows merely 

8,447 (or 4% of all arrivals) arrivals from Poland and 3,790 (2% of all arrivals) from the 

Czech Republic. 

All in all, the tourism in Thuringia generates a gross annual income of 3,1734 mrd. EUR per 

each year (Source: Wirtschaftsfaktor Tourismus in Thüringen, dwif consulting, 2009). For 

this reason, the tourism represents one of the most significant economic sectors in the 

country. On the basis of these figures, it can be assumed, that employees in the tourism 

industry generate an annual income of approx. 974 mill. EUR after deduction of diverse 

taxes and preparatory efforts. 

3.2 Culture tourism along the VIA REGIA 

Culture tourism describes trips to destinations, mainly cities, for the reason of visiting 

historical architecture or cultural events, symbolizing the past or current culture of a society. 

The VIA REGIA and its marketing potentials focus mainly on cultural tourism and hence on 

the city axis between Eisenach and Weimar. 

Apart from the city Weimar, national tourist significance is only held as well by Erfurt. 

(Source: Study on city development of the Thuringian urban framework). 

An absolute tourist significance for the cities of Thuringia can only be derived by a holistic 

consideration, which refers not only to the urban area. The cities are distinguished by their 

close distance to interesting natural areas, providing apart from culture and tourist 

attractions as well nature-related destinations, like for instance the Ilmtal at Weimar or the 

Saaletal inclusive the Dornburger Schlösser near Jena. 

Owing to its historical and cultural places, but also due to the fact of being the former culture 

capitol of Europe (1999), the city of Weimar has the most important significance for tourists 

within Thuringia. 

More than a third of Germany’s former capitol- and residence cities (being capitol until 1918) 

are located in Thuringia. Because of this, there can be found a relatively high density in 

cultural goods, created by Dukes or Earls and which are located on a small regional area. 

Due to the constraints of space, the competition between the owners of the manor houses 

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proved to be enormously high, so that there were built splendid castles and magnificent 

gardens, attracting personalities of art, culture and science to Thuringia. The tourist-related 

strengths of the Thuringian cities are primarily distinguished by the historical architecture 

culture as well as by the regional state culture (residential culture). Also traditions of the art 

handicraft and products, being regionally typical belong to the culture-related tourist 

attractions. 

These heritages constitute nowadays the potential for a internationally successful culture 

tourism in Thuringia and simultaneously make up the approach for a common marketing. 

Besides the tourist attractions, the cities along the Thuringian city cluster make as well 

directed use of events in order to support the commercialization. The agenda of the annual 

event highlights, relevant for that, is shown below (Source: http://www.thueringentourismus.de). 

• Thüringer Bachwochen: largest music festival in Thuringia plus „Lange Nacht der 

Hausmusik“, taking place for 3 weeks during March/April in Arnstadt, Eisenach, Erfurt, 

Mühlhausen, Waltershausen, Wechmar und Weimar 

• Krämerbrückenfest: largest old town festival in Thuringia including medieval market 

taking place on the third weekend in June in Erfurt 

• DomStufen-Festspiele und Sommertheater: Barfüßer-Ruine and stairs of the Mariendom 

are made up as open air stages in July/August in Erfurt 

• Luther - Das Fest: Historic spectacle in August in Eisenach 

• Weihnachtsmarkt Erfurt: including fairy tale forest and the florist exhibition „Florales zur 

Weihnachtszeit“ in front of the scenery of the Domberg in December in Erfurt. 

Apart from the annually celebrated events, one-time large-scale events like the state 

exhibition 2007 „Elisabeth von Thüringen“ or the exhibition series on occasion of the 

Bauhaus anniversary in 2009 may turn out to become important anchor points regarding the 

commercialization of the VIA REGIA. 

In 2008 the Luther decade has been opened and is an event series, aiming to the jubilee of 

the 550 th anniversary of Luther’s posting of his theses in the year 2017. Each year within this 

period is dedicated to a particular theme. 

Selected cities of Thuringia, which are located in the VIA REGIA development corridor, are 

individually introduced in the framework of the bicycle offer components set out in chapter 8. 

The cities Gera and Altenburg are situated at the cycling trail Thuringia city cluster and touch 

the D4 cycling trail. Since these are, however, not included as part of the offer components, 

they are already described at this point as follows: 

Gera 

In Thuringia’s East at the „Weißen Elster“, the city Gera is situated. The official first-mention, 

dated with the year 995; the city’s foundation took place in the year 1237. Gera belongs also 

to one of the former residential cities and served as capitol for the Principality Reuß j. L. Due 

to the minor size of the Principality, there can be found representative buildings, but not to 

the same extent like it’s the case for instance in Weimar. Schloss Osterstein, as residence 

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was destroyed during a bomb attack in World War II, and only one tower was preserved (the 

castle’s ruin was demolished), serving today as location for regular exhibitions. 

In the course of the industrialization and owing to the fabric- and textile industry Gera 

developed to one of the wealthiest cities of Germany. Even in these days, more than 100 

mansions in the city area provide evidence for the glamour of times past. The former 

Wismut-Tagebau has been renatured and the surrounding landscape prepared. This project 

took place within the framework of the BUGA and was successfully completed in 2007. It 

represents a revalorization of the region from the tourist perspective. Even in year 1 after the 

BUGA, Gera still had higher figures of overnight-stays than in the previous year. On top of 

that, the premises which had been used for the BUGA were preserved and changed into 

attractive park ways. 

Altenburg 

Altenburg, as well being a former residential city, has a history going back to more than 1000 

years (first-mention in the year 976). The location nearby important trade routes, namely 

exactly in the tri-city area Leipzig – Chemnitz – Gera, and a flourishing social life were the 

determinative factors of the city’s development. As can be traced back to the years 

between1810 and 1815, the card game Skat was invented in Altenburg. Card sets have 

been produced in the city since 500 years; the „Bechsteinsche“ card set factory, established 

in 1832 developed to the largest card set manufacturer of Germany. With the Lindenau- 

Museum in Altenburg, which holds an extensive and varied art collection, the city gained an 

entry in the Blaubuch of the most important cultural facilities in East Germany. 

A card set collection can be viewed in the Residenzschloss Altenburg. A highlight is the 

annually recurring festival in honour of the “Prinzenraub” in Altenburg. 

3.3 Additional tourism infrastructure 

In addition to approx. 16,000 km well-built hiking trails and a cross-regional long-distance 

cycling route, Thuringia possesses of varied natural landscapes and waterways. Moreover, 

theme streets such as the „Klassikerstraße“ (Eisenach – Gotha – Erfurt - Weimar – Arnstadt 

– Jena) or the TRANSROMANICA (recognised culture street by the European Council) 

deserve to be mentioned as another tourism infrastructure. 

3.3.1 Hiking trails 

The Thuringian forest is as well known for its long-distance hiking trail, being the most 

popular one all throughout Germany, namely the Rennsteig, mainly in altitudes from 500 to 

970 meters. That’s a hiking trail, leading from Hörschel a. d. Werra nearby Eisenach to 

Blankenstein a. d. Saale over 169.3 km and distinguishing itself by being a certified „Quality 

Hiking Trail“. Furthermore, it represents the longest cultural relic of Thuringia. 

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In addition to the Rennsteig, there are still more thematic hiking trails. These include the: 

- Vogtland Panorama Trail 

- Goethe hiking trail from Ilmenau to Stützerbach 

- dam trail Zeulenroda 

- Panorama trail Schwarzatal 

- summit hiking trail Suhl 

- Goldpfad. 

Further hiking trails are being developed by the Thuringian Geoparks „Inselsberg – Drei 

Gleichen“ and Kyffhäuser“ in co-operation with the “Panorama Museum Bad 

Frankenhausen”, the “Kaiserpfalz” and the Kyffhäuser monument and with the 

“Barbarossahöhle”. 

3.3.2 Bicycle traffic 

Thuringia has been deemed as hiking destination and ideal place for culture interested 

tourists for a long time. In the course of the last years, the Federal State Thuringia has 

increasingly established itself as destination for bicycle tours. This trend is also supported by 

the growing popularity of the cycling in the everyday life. The urgency of this matter has also 

been recognized by the policy, therefore a strategically well-founded policy and support for a 

positive advancement has been provided with the Bicycle Traffic Concept for the Free State 

Thuringia from the year 2008 (http://www.radroutenplaner.thueringen.de) 

The requirements for the discovery of the VIA REGIA and the adjacent regions on or along 

the cycling routes of the Thuringian city cluster are already provided to a large extent. 

The Free State Thuringia can resort to a dense network of cycling trails. All in all the Free 

State Thuringia comes with over 13 long-distance cycling trails and 22 regional cycling trails. 

The already existing long-distance cycling trail Thuringian city cluster is of particular interest 

to the VIA REGIA. It´s already designated and signposted as such one. It leads along the 

historical VIA REGIA and comprises all cities of the VIA REGIA from Eisenach to Altenburg. 

Along the long-distance cycling trail Thuringian city cluster, the German route D4 runs in the 

sector Eisenach – east of Ronneburg. The D4 route Aachen – Zittau (center-Germany-route) 

continues through Crimmitschau (Saxony) on the long-distance cycling trail Saxony City 

Route towards Zittau. 

3.3.3 Natural landscapes 

Thuringia is also referred to as „The green heart of Germany“, which is owing to the mostly 

solid natural- and cultural landscapes comprising a considerably high share in forest area for 

one reason on the one hand and on the other one, as it’s situated in the centre of Germany. 

A majority of the guests associates as well landscape, nature and recreation with Thuringia 

(source: results report of the guest survey in the Thuringian Forest). 

In immediate vicinity to the VIA REGIA, the South is bordered with the natural park 

Thuringian Forest and the GeoPark Inselsberg – Drei Gleichen as in the North with the 

national park Hainich and the natural park Eichsfeld-Hainich-Werratal. 

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3.3.4 Waterways 

The VIA REGIA is crossed by several rivers, which are partly accompanied by tourist routes. 

Thus it’s possible to undertake intensive water hiking on the Werra and Saale or to try out 

most different varieties of water sports, e.g. on the Saale dams Hohenwarte and Bleiloch. 

But also other rivers provide the opportunity for wataer hiking, like for instance the Unstrut, 

Ilm or Gera. 

River Intersection 

Settlement 

Structure 

Ilm Weimar Ilmtal-cycling trail, 

water-hiking 

Saale Jena Water-hiking,tourism 

infrastructure,Saalebike-hiking-trail 

Unstrut In parallel to 

VIA Regia 

Weiße 

Elster 

Tourism Development Destinations of cultural significance 

(selection) 

Water-hiking,Unstrutcycling-trail 

Gera Water-hiking,White 

water rafting 

tours,Elster-cycling-trail 

Gera Erfurt Water-hiking, Geracycling-trail 

Werra Eisenach Water-hiking, boat 

rental, Raft rides, 

Werratal-Cycling-Trail 

UNESCO World Heritage Sites 

Weimar,Church “St. Marien”, Stadtilm 

,”Oberschloß und Niederburg” 

Kranichfeld,Bad Sulza (Weintor) 

“Deutsch-Deutsches Museum” 

Mödlareuth, Märchenwald Saalburg, 

Saalfelder Feengrotten, Schloß 

Heidecksburg, Dornburger Schlösser 

Wasserburg Heldrungen, Kyffhäuser 

(Barbarossa),Marienkirche 

Mühlhausen,Ruine Wendelstein,Arche 

Nebra 

Greizer Park und Sommerpalais, Oberes 

Schloss, unteres Schloss,Kloster 

Mildenfurth, Otto-Dix-Haus, 

Hofwiesenpark, Heinrich-Schütz-Haus, 

Erfurt: Mariendom, Severinkirche, 

Krämerbrücke, Zitadelle Cyriaksburg, 

Michaeliskirche 

UNESCO World Heritage Site Wartburg, 

Themar, Meiningen,Schloß 

Gerstungen,Märchenhöhle Walldorf, 

Erlebnisbergwerk Merkers 

Image 1: Waterway nearby the VIA REGIA and its tourist infrastructure provision 

Source: www.thueringen-tourismus.de 

3.4 Mobility 

Thuringia was and is a transit country due to its central situation in Middle Europe and its 

geomorphologic condition and takes an important role within the entire culture-, economy- 

and trading area of the VIA REGIA. As well its situation as the relief contributed to the early 

development of the traffic related infrastructure in Thuringia. 

The incident succession of the cities Eisenach, Gotha and Erfurt over to Naumburg along 

the West-East traffic pulse allows for the conclusion that traffic roads have started to develop 

at a quite early time. This fact, combined with the flourishing trade made up the main 

reasons for the establishment of today’s cities constituting the Thuringian city cluster along 

that tie. 

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Motorised individual traffic 

The most important arterial road of the Free State Thuringia and the VIA REGIA is the 

Bundesautobahn 4, crossing the Free State from West to East nearly parallel to the 

Thuringian city cluster and linking, as part of the Transeuropean Transportation Network 

(TEN) the VIA REGIA with the subordinated road axes towards East- and West Europe. 

Furthermore there are another two road axes crossing the Free State in North-South 

direction which are namely the Bundesautobahnen 9 and 71. 

Air traffic 

The Free State Thuringia offers with the airports Erfurt and Leipzig-Altenburg national and 

international flight connections. 

Owing to its cooperated airline Cirrus Airlines, the international airport Erfurt is in the position 

to offer daily scheduled flights to Munich (codeshare with Lufthansa). From Munich the 

worldwide Lufthansa flightconnections are available. Charter flights with prime destinations 

in the South of Europe are offered additionally by Air Berlin. 

Railway transport 

The reasons for the well development of the Free State Thuringia in general and the city 

cluster in particular lie primarily in the geographic situation of Thuringia in the middle of 

Germany and in the continuous expansion of the location Erfurt as railway junction point, 

which has been ongoing over the last years. 

Important long-distance routes, crossing Thuringia include: 

• ICE route Berlin – Munich with stop in Jena Paradies. The route is served every 2 

hours 

• ICE route Frankfurt (Main) – Dresden with stops in Eisenach, Gotha, Erfurt and 

Weimar. The route is served every hour 

• ICE/IC route Düsseldorf – Stralsund with stops in Eisenach, Gotha, Erfurt and 

Weimar. The route is served every 2 hours. 

Another future milestone of the railway infrastructure and the connection of Thuringia to 

Europe will be the expansion and completion of the Trans-European high-speed connection 

Verona-Munich-Erfurt-Berlin. This will make possible a fast connection to South Europe. 

For train journeys across Thuringia the state provides, besides the well-developed east-west 

railway infrastructure (city cluster Thuringia), an adequate regional development based on 

this „main branch“. All cities of Thuringia with more than 10,000 inhabitants are connected to 

the railway network. 

The main axis is represented by the city cluster which is served at least hourly by the DB 

Regio from Eisenach to Gotha over Erfurt through to Weimar. In the East of Weimar, the 

capacity of the railway infrastructure is to be improved, as already mentioned in the previous 

section. Apart from that, it comes to a splitting of the main axis. While one track section forks 

off towards North in the direction of Apolda (connection possible without change from 

Eisenach to Apolda), another section connects the cities Jena, Gera and Altenburg. This 

connection leading from Eisenach to Altenburg requires at least one change in Weimar and 

Erfurt. 

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4 Acquisition of destinations of the culture tourism in Saxony, Poland and the 

Ukraine 

4.1 Saxony 

The emphasis of the investigations carried out in the framework of this study is not only set 

on the historical course of the VIA REGIA in the Free State of Saxony, but also includes an 

introduction of selected prominent cultural trip destinations like Dresden and Meißen, which, 

though not located immediately at the VIA REGIA route, nevertheless make up a part of the 

VIA REGIA development corridor. 

The VIA REGIA in the way it represents itself in the Free State of Saxony, is situated along 

places like Markranstädt, Leipzig, Eilenburg, Wurzen, Grimma, Mutzschen, Dahlen, Strehla, 

Oschatz, Riesa, Großenhain, Schönfeld, Königsbrück, Kamenz, Panschwitz-Kuckau, 

Bautzen, Weißenburg, Reichenbach/O. L., and Markersdorf, in order to eventually continue 

its course in Görlitz and through Poland and the Ukraine. For the upholding of cultural 

traditions, the development of the former and new connection Hohe Straße/VIA REGIA for 

education, occupation, and international exchange, as well as for the reason to promote 

tolerance and international understanding, the association VIA REGIA Begegnungsraum – 

Landesverband Sachsen e. V. (http://www.viaregia-sachsen.de) was formed 2003 in the 

Free State of Saxony. 

4.1.1 Characteristics of the region 

Owing to its diversity in culture and nature, the Free State of Saxony is also deemed to be a 

popular getaway-destination in Germany. The tourism industry in Saxony is not only 

constituted by the architecture and cultural opportunities in cities like Dresden, Meißen, or 

Görlitz: The six holiday regions Oberlausitz, Sächsisches Elbland, Sächsische Schweiz, 

Sächsisches Burgen- and Heideland, Erzgebirge and Vogtland as Saxon landscapes are 

touristic in character and represent attractive journey destinations for active travellers and 

nature lovers. In addition to active- and recreation holidays, these destinations provide as 

well highlights such as castles and palaces, mining tradition, art and tradition, and regional 

culinary products to mention just a few. 

The Free State of Saxony has well-developed and sign-posted long-distance cycling routes, 

such as the Elbe-cycling trail, the Elster-cycling trail, the Muldental-cycling-hiking trail, and 

the Saxon city route, as well as numerous thematic cycling trails and such being generally 

known as euro-regional cycling trails like the circuit Dreiländereck and the Rübezahlweg. 

As well the hiking on sign-posted hiking trails and long-distance hiking trails such as the 

cross-border long-distance hiking trail Vogtland Panorama Weg (Thuringia, Saxony, Bavaria, 

and Bohemia) is a popular leisure activity in Saxony. Particularly in the Erzgebirge, winter 

tourism plays a major role. 

To be mentioned separately at this point is the euro-region Neiße-Nisa-Nysa, an 

amalgamation of three border regions and the contact region between Germany, Czech 

Republic, and Poland. This region that distinguishes itself by its exceptionally geo-political 

location is a junction at which the VIA REGIA crosses the former Salzstraße, which led from 

the north to the south. 

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4.1.2 Important cities of Saxony 

There are numerous cities in Saxony that are due to their situation and history closely linked 

with the VIA REGIA. The cultural-historic city cluster of Saxony starts in Leipzig and ends in 

Görlitz, where the VIA REGIA continues its route in Poland after crossing the borderline. 

Below, a few of these cities will be considered under their culture-related tourist 

characteristics. 

Leipzig 

Leipzig was founded at the crossroads of two old trade routes, the VIA REGIA and Via 

Imperii in the year 1165. The tradition of Leipzig under the aspect of a trade fair city goes 

back to the year 1497, when the imperial right of holding trade fairs was granted. 

As well the “Oper Leipzig” can look back to a tradition of more than 300 years. The city has 

numerous museums, like for instance the “Bach-Museum”, the “Mendelssohn-Haus”, the 

“Grassi Museum for Ethnology”, the “Sommertheater”, and the “Musikinstrumenten 

Museum”, being popular for numerous, brilliant music events like for instance the “Bachfest”, 

the “Mendelssohn-Festtage”, the “Jazztage” or the “a cappella Festival”. 

Wurzen 

Wurzen is situated at the ecumenic pilgrim’s route of the St. Jakobus which does for the 

most part follow the old railway of the medieval VIA REGIA. 

With the cathedrale and castle, the centre of the city represents an eye-catching highlight for 

tourists interested in culture. 

Still, the environment of Wurzen is mainly left in its natural state thus pretty interesting for 

hikers and cyclists. 

Grimma 

Situated in the Muldental, this city was founded from the margrave Otto the Rich in the year 

1170 and had once been a flourishing location. Witnesses of this town’s area include the 

historic city hall with its remarkable renaissance facade, one fragment of the city’s 

fortification, the castle, various museums like for instance the “Göschenhaus” or the 

“Seume-Haus” as well as the “Wassermühle Höfgen”, and the district museum. 

Grimma is located at the cycling and hiking trail of Muldental, which runs across public roads 

with light traffic. The route has a total length of approx. 180 km, from which around 60 km 

run through the Muldental district. 

Oschatz 

Being initially mentioned in the year 1238, Oschatz lived through a changeful history, 

becoming visible for the visitor in the well preserved city core: Beautiful middle-class houses 

in the renaissance style, the city hall which has been rebuilt in 1842 after the great fire under 

direction of the famous master builder from Dresden Gottfried Semper, as well as the 75 m 

high twin towers of the St. Aegidienkirche. One of the city’s oldest buildings is the medieval 

minster, being the only building, which has been preserved from the ruins of the 

Franziskaner Kloster. A particular attraction of the city is the „kleine 

Schmalspurdampfeisenbahn”. It’s still in operation and drives its route as economy- and 

tradition train (goods and persons) between Oschatz and Mügeln, which provides for a high 

attraction level for visitors in this town. Hiking- and cycling trails lead through the „Oschatzer 

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Stadtwald“, passing by the Wüsten Schloss Osterland tot he Collm (314m) and Wermsdorfer 

Wald. 

Meißen 

This 1000 year-old city, being situated at the „Sächsischen Weinstraße“ is characterized by 

its medieval townscape, precious porcelain (popular all over the world for the manufactory of 

the Meissen porcelain, the very first porcelain of Europe since 1708) and the wine yards of 

the Elbtal. The skyline of this picturesque town is distinguished by the „Meißner Dom“ 

(Meißen Cathedral) and the Albrechtsburg which is the first castle building in the Germanspeaking 

area. 

Meanwhile, Meißen has also become popular for its numerous festivals, like the 

AlbrechtsBurgfest, the Pottery market and the Wine Festival. 

The completed “Elbe - Cycling Trail” (with a total length of 860 km!) proves to be very 

popular as place of excursion. 

The historic paddle steamers of the Saxon Steam Navigation with an age between 80 and 

130 years are deemed to be particularly appealing to tourists, visiting the surrounding areas 

of Meissen. The historic fleed’s route between Seußlitz and Bad Schandau in the Saxon 

Switzerland also traverses one of the most beautiful river landscapes of Europe, namely the 

Dresdner Elbtal. 

Großenhain 

In the Middle Ages, Großenhain gained great importance at the VIA REGIA and was 

considered as one of the most significant town festivals of Saxony. The keep and fragments 

of the city’s fortification still remind of the changeful history. Most of buildings in the historic 

city centre originate from the 18th century. 

The probably most important personality of Großenhains in the 19th century was Karl 

Benjamin Preusker, as he was the one, who built the first public library of Germany in 

Großenhain in the year 1828. 

Worthwhile destinations for trips near Großenhain are a.o. the „Schönfelder 

Schlossensemble“, the „Palais Zabeltitz“ and “Schloss Moritzburg”. Friends of cycling and 

hiking can find more than 380km cycling and hiking trails in and around Großenhain. 

Dresden 

Dresden comes up with 800 years of cultural history being linked with modern developments 

in the fields of architecture, art, music, and theatre in a vibrant way. Hence, tourists will be 

impressed by the paramount attractions offered by this European culture metropolis. 

The historic city centre and its unique ensemble comprising the „Zwinger“, „Semperoper“, 

„Residenzschloss“, „Brühlscher Terrasse“ and the „Frauenkirche“, which represent areas of 

excellence in the world culture are popular all over the world and attract millions of visitors. 

Bautzen 

Bautzen belongs to the sights at the Spree – cycling trail, stretching itself across a length of 

420 km starting from the river heads of the Spree behind Bautzen running to Berlin. Above 

all, it’s the historic city core, comprising around 1,500 building monuments and a city 

fortification, which has been already completely preserved. Culture-interested visitors will get 

their money’s worth as the city offer comes up with a. o. remains of a living-together of 

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German and Sorbic traditions (the „Sorbische Museum“ on the Ortenburg and the 

professionally bilingual theater in Germany being the only one of its kind, namely the 

Deutsch-Sorbische Volkstheater) that has lasted for ages. Moreover, embedded between 

the lovely „Oberlausitzer Bergland“ and a heath- and pond landscape, being unique in 

Europe, Bautzen provides a full variety of opportunities for tourists in its outer conurbation 

area. 

Görlitz 

Having been hardly destroyed in World War II, Görlitz represents a masterpiece of the 

European architecture. The city is deemed to be starting point of numerous historic exploring 

tours. The most famous sights in Görlitz are the copy of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem, 

the “Schlesische Museum”, the “Görlitzer Synagoge”, the “Oberlausitzische Bibliothek” and 

furthermore the “Museum für Naturkunde”. 

From May until October 2011, Görlitz is going to host a very special event: The 3 rd Saxon 

State Exhibition under the theme “VIA REGIA, 800 Jahre Bewegung und Begegnung”. 

4.2 Poland 

In the course of its boom years, the VIA REGIA was bearing a special meaning: it didn’t only 

link countless cities with each other, but was also attached with a symbolic meaning, being 

of particular importance for the former European culture, as it connected the West with the 

East. The following chapter describes the highlights and its possible potentials in the tourist 

commercialization of the VIA REGIA in Poland. The five regions, which are crossed by the 

VIA REGIA are considered to be the most attractive regions for tourists throughout Poland. 

4.2.1 Region Dolnośląski 

The VIA REGIA’s course in Poland starts at a place in the region Dolnośląski. The 

multifaceted face of this region bears large potential for a tourist commercialization of this 

culture street. 

4.2.1.1 Characteristic of the region 

Amongst other, this region counts numerous castles and manor houses to its highlights, 

whose architectural style was continuously changed during the course of history. The most 

famous ones and those that are most worth of being seen can be found in KsiąŜ, Czocha, 

Grodno, and Bolków. 

Another place, bearing great significance for tourists is the Southern part of the region, 

called the Sudetes. They rank among the oldest mountain ranges of Europe. Here, the offer 

in plenty of disused galleries and mines prove to be highly appealing to tourists. In the 

course of these underground routes, the visitors are given a glimpse of the mining history. 

The coal mine in Nowa Ruda and the gold mine in Zloty Stok belong to the most popular 

ones in this context. 

The region is provided with a very well-developed tourist infrastructure which is due to a.o. a 

high number of health resorts (spa waters), several national- and natural parks, reserves, 

and lots of other interesting locations. 

The “Riesengebirge” is one of those tourist regions, coming up with a tourist region being 

most rich in tradition across Middle Europe and a well-developed network of hiking trails 

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which was constructed even before World War II. With a total length of several hundreds of 

kilometers, the trails‘ structure connects all routes, being situated on the Czech side. One 

example for this is represented by the „Weg der Polnisch-Tschechischen Freundschaft“ 

(Path of the Polish-Czech Friendship). 

4.2.1.2 Most important cities of the region Dolnośląski 

As regards the tourism and culture, the cities Wrocław, Świdnica and Kłodzko are definitely 

to be mentioned as cities with the most significance for the region. 

Wrocław 

Wrocław, the region’s capitol enchants with its over thousand year history. As historic centre 

of Silesia, it’s not surprising that it’s considered as one of most beautiful and largest cities of 

Poland. The city’s history laden situation, which is at the border point of three states, is 

reflected in its sights: in the oldest part, located on the former island on the Oder and whose 

diffluence, one can find Ostrów Tumski und Wyspa Piasek (Sand Island) – that is the 

medieval residential part, counting to the historical monuments of Poland. The second 

meaningful object of the city is the „Jahrhunderthalle“ (Century Hall), which has been 

honored with the inclusion into the World Heritage Sites of the UNESCO. Further sights are 

the church complex to the Saint Cross and the church to the Saint Bartholomaeus. 

The city itself comes up with numerous bicycle routes which can be found on the town’s 

homepage under „Rower w mieście“ (Bicycle in town) . The website includes as well helpful 

links for cyclists containing news, tours, parking facilities, etc. 

The network of cycling routes in Wroclaw ranks among the best-developed ones in Poland, 

which is attributable to an initiative, the “Programm 100 km” being realized since 1994. 

Despite this project, it was determined that there would actually be numerous routes, which, 

however, don’t enable any provision of a reasonable network. 

Świdnica 

Worthwhile of being mentioned within this VIA REGIA corridor is Świdnica, as it is deemed 

to be a good starting point for trips to the Sudetes and furthermore provides a welldeveloped 

infrastructure regarding overnight accommodations. 

Świdnica is known for its sights and tourist attractions. The most popular ones include the 

Cathedral of Saint Stanislaw from the year 1330 and the “Friedens-Kirche”, being 

considered as largest wooden church of Europe (mentioned on the UNESCO list since 

2001). 

Kłodzko 

Kłodzko, a mecca for tourists, is an important centre of culture, administration, and trade. 

The city with the thousand-year old history (first tradition from the year 981) reflects the 

interaction of different cultures: Polish people, Germans, Czechs and Flamen, who settled 

this town in turn, have left their marks. 

The fortification complex in Klodzko belongs to the best-maintained systems of its kind from 

the 17 th - 18 th century. Its area amounts more than 30 hectares. In the 70ies of the 20 th 

century, there was built an underground route at this place facilitating the tourist 

commercialization of this newly secured and renovated attraction. The market place from the 

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Renaissance and a Gothic bridge originating from the year 1390 complete the lovely picture 

of this city. 

Noteworthy with respect to this region is a.o. the cycling and hiking trail ER 2 Szlak 

Liczyrzepy (Rübezahl‘s route), which represents one section in the emerging system of 

bicycle trails in the Polish part of the Euro-Region NYSA. This region offers many more 

designated bicycle trails with a total length of more than 300 km. A graphic depiction of 

these trails can be found under http://www.pttk-jg.pl/rower/m_rower.htm. 

4.2.2 Region Opolski 


Loads of sights originating from various epochs can be found in this region as for instance 

the precious Renaissance- and Prince Castle of the Piast Dystany in Brzeg. Another pearl of 

the region is the place Paczków Opole (German: Oppeln) with its historic city district. 

Because of the music festival that is carried out each year, the place is also referred to as 

“Centre of Polish Folk Music”. Even today, the nearby situated Góra Św. Anny (St. 

Annaberg) is still home of the largest German minority in Poland. 

As well the nature friends will get their money’s worth in this region. A popular starting point 

for hiking- and cycling tours, as well as water sports and horse riding is the historic city 

Glucholazy, situated at the foot of the landscape park Opatowski Mountains, which is a 

mountain chain of the Western Sudetes. 

4.2.2.2 Important cities of the region Opolskie 

Opole 

The region’s Capitol is today a cultural, scientific, and tourist centre, being renowned as 

„Centre of Polish Folk Music“. The festival takes place once a year in the Amphitheater. The 

historic city district is ornamented with the, by Schinkel and Stüler rebuilt city hall in 

Florentine pattern, the Gothic Cathedral, the former monastery, and numerous middle class 

houses originating in the 17 th – 18 th century. Only the „Piastenturm“ remained intact from the 

castle. 

The Franziskanerkirche is home to a mausoleum of the Silesian Piasts. The long history of 

the city can be told in the best way by the Silesian State Museum. 

Brzeg 

Brzeg lies situated at the VIA REGIA between Opole and Wroclaw. It is one oft he oldest 

and most beautiful cities of Silesia. In 1234 it was first-mentioned as fishing- and trading 

settlement. Until today the Old Town, founded according to Neumarkt law has remained 

preserved. Another interesting sight is the gothic castle, where the Collegiate Church Sankt 

Hedwig including its great collection of books was erected. 

Besides the monasteries, the Odertor, numerous town houses, the Renaissance city hall, 

and the parish church St. Nikolai, the picturesque Renaissance- and Prince Castle of the 

Piast Dystany situated at the Oder, represents the most precious monument of architecture. 

It contains the Piasts Museum with art collections from the Gothic- and Renaissance era, as 

well as princely graves in the chapel of the Saint Hedwig. 

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4.2.3 Region Śląski 


The face of the region, being primarily known as coal-mine- and steel area is today 

characterized by the dense city network and industrial monuments. As museums, the mines 

from the 19th century in Zabrze, Rybnik and Tarnowskie Góry constitute nowadays an 

attraction for tourists. The old mining railway can be used to get from Bytom to Miasteczko 

Ślaskie. Moreover there are preserved two listed working class estates (Nikiszowiec and 

Giszowiec). Considered for being prestige residences are the castle in Pszczyna as well as 

the hunting lodge in Promnice. An attractive place for hikers is deemed to be the Jura 

Krakowsko-Częstochowska (Krakau-Tschenstochauer Jura). In the South, lying on one of 

the best developed mountain chains for tourists throughout Poland, namely the Beskid 

Śląski, one can find a dense network of designated hiking trails and possibilities for alpine 

sports, cycling and riding. The main destinations are: Szczyrk, Wisła and Ustroń. 

Over 80 km well-signposted cycling trails, the "Rowerem po Śląsku" with plenty of resting 

places invite to discover the surrounding nature reserves. 

4.2.3.2 Important city of the region Śląskie 

Katowice 

Katowice, Capitol of the Upper-Silesian region constitutes the centre of one of the largest 

conurbations all across Poland. Having been settled by a rural population since the Middle 

Ages, it’s above all the lodge construction- and mining industry that has particularly 

developed under the Prussian rule. After 1922, Katowice belonged to the resurged Poland. 

Katowice offers several cultural goods and sights, which primarily include the most popular 

museum of the city Katowice, the Silesian Museum and the Museum of the Polish 

Scenographers. The Silesian Theatre, being the largest and most important theatre of Upper 

Silesia is deemed to be one of the city’s landmarks. 

Opened in 1975, the Museum of Law and Lawyer represents a unique institution all over 

Poland. 

The Silesian Philharmonic Orchestra has developed to one of the most important Polish 

music institutions and makes up being the only philharmonic orchestra in Poland that 

possesses three music ensembles with its chamber orchestra, the symphony orchestra and 

the choir. 

Katowice is home to many different festivals and other culture events which are celebrated 

every year. One of the most important events of the city and region is the Rawa-Blues- 

Festival, being the greatest Blues festival in Poland with the longest tradition, whose 

significance has increased to the international level since 1992. 

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4.2.4 Region Małopolska 


A worth seeing region proving to be the best place to get an understanding of the Polish 

history and tradition, while beauty of the Polish nature invites for exciting excursions, is 

Malopolska (Engl. Small Poland). The respective places in the region provide an unique 

chance to discover the Catholic and Orthodox wooden churches, farms, and open air 

museums lying hidden under the villages which are situated in a lovely environment and 

remind, due to their appearance, of the small Polish villages originating in a period of time 

centuries ago. 

Furthermore there are to be found medieval castles and fortresses. The uniqueness of the 

Small Poland is also appreciated worldwide. This place has 8 objects, which have been 

included into the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage List. 

Since 1999, the Days of the World Cultural Heritage are annually organized in Malopolska, 

whose purpose aims at the promotion of the region’s cultural institutions. 

The hiking routes, being designated throughout Malopolska are best suitable to discover the 

history of the joined cultures of the Jewish, Lemkos and the Polish people. 

The most important attractions of the regions include: Kraków, the salt mine in Wieliczka, the 

highest Polish mountains in the Tatra and Zakopane – deemed to be the Winter Capitol of 

Poland. The former concentration camp Auschwitz-Birkenau is an important memorial place 

of the younger history. 

There are plenty of signposted bicycle routes, whose length grows from year to year. The 

most interesting ones are situated a.o. in the vicinity of Kraków, Ojców, Zawoja und 

Zakopane. Mountain-biker can find all difficulty levels here: from easy routes up to extremely 

challenging ones. The exploration of Malopolska by bicycle allows for the close experience 

of this unique landscape. 

4.2.4.2 Important cities of the region Malopolska 

The following provides a brief summary of the most important cities of the region in order to 

emphasize their significance for the VIA REGIA. 

Kraków 

The former Capitol of Poland is situated only 100 km away from the mountainous „Hohen 

Tatra“, the picturesque Beskides, and the Gorce Mountains. Kraków, the city of the Kings 

forms the culturel and historic centre of the country. 

The fortress Wawel and its cathedral are the national sanctuary while the exhibits, which 

have been collected for decades, are considered as evidences to prove the power of the 

Polish country. 

Other main attractions of the city include the Marienkirche, the Tucherhallen on the market 

place and numerous museums and galleries. 

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Tarnów 

The, also referred to as „Pearl of the Renaissance“, renewed Old Town of Tarnów forms a 

lovely ensemble of the Gothic and Renaissance era with its cathedral and the city hall. The 

fragments of the fortification wall from the 16 th century can still be visited today. Remains of 

its dilapidated residence can be found approx. 2 km away from the city, situated on the 

mountain of the Saint Martin. The 30 m high city hall tower provides among others one of the 

most valuable collection of glass and porcelain made by Polish manufactories, as well as 

historic weapons and armors. In the unique ethnographic museum, one can find a collection 

for Roma-culture and history including old caravans and everyday objects. 

Moreover the health resort Bochnia with its salt mine as well as further health resorts like for 

instance Krynica rank amongst the most visited places of the region. 

4.2.4.3 Recommended tours of the region Malopolska 

This region, deemed to be attractive for tourists offers extensive routes and thematic trails. 

The most popular travel routes are, however, the car tour “UNESCO-Tour through 

Malopolska”, which can definitely be considered as example for other routes, combining 

nature and culture in Thuringia or Saxony and the “Wanderweg der Holzarchitecture” (Hiking 

trail of the Wood Architecture). 

The „UNESCO – Tour through Malopolska“ start in Krakau and leads through 

- Oświęcim (Concentration camp Auschwitz-Birkenau), 

- Kalwaria Zebrzydowska: Being the most important sanctuary in Poland besides 

Częstochowa. It was founded around the year 1600 in the pattern of the Via 

Dolorosa in Jerusalem. This historical site in Kalwaria is constituted by the Basilica of 

Saint Mary of the Angels with the miraculous image of the Mother of God of Kalwaria 

and the Bernadine Monastery. 

- Salt mine in Wieliczka. It is one of the world’s oldest salt mines, being still in 

operation at which salt has already been handled in the 13th century. In fact, one 

started to boil salt at this place 3500 years before our time. 

- The „Hl. Michael Erzengel Kirche“ in Dębno Podhalańskie has its origins in the 

year 1335 – whereas the current shape is from the 15th century. It is built of wood 

and without the use of nails. The interior of the church is a masterpiece of decoration 

(impressive polychromy). 

- The „Hl. Apostel Filip and Jakob-Kirche“ in Sękowa was built around 1520, 

wooden structure – halving made of larch wood with the hidden rows of the rain 

shield (open galleries). 

- The „Hl. Michael Erzengel Kirche“ in Binarowa was built around 1500, wooden 

structure – halving, famous for its beautiful polychromy from the 16th and 17th 

century. 

- „Leonard Kirche“ in Lipnica Murowana was erected at the end of the 15th century 

in the wooden comb construction with a rain shield. The interior of the church 

includes countless wood ornaments. 

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Image 2: „UNESCO-Tour through Małopolska“ 

Source: http://www.wrotamalopolski.pl/ 

4.2.5 Region Podkarpackie 


The region Podkarpackie, an interweaving of the ethnical, political, and religious aspects, is 

known as one of the most differentiated regions as regards the history and culture in Poland. 

Podkarpackie with its Capitol Rzeszów is apart from its cities, renowned for untouched 

nature, the mountain landscapes, fast rivers and jungles. 

A phenomenon is shown in the local density – by the way as well the highest one from whole 

Poland – of sacral wooden buildings, like Catholic and Orthodox churches (Chaczów i Blizne 

honored on the UNESCO- World Cultural Heritage List). 

Also the old city Przemyśl as well castles and palaces in Krasiczyn, Baranów Sandomierski, 

Przecław and Łańcut represent outstanding monuments of architecture. From Rzeszów, 

Jarosław, Przemyśl and other cities, one can follow traditional paths crossing river valleys up 

to the highest mountain chains. The mountains of the Bieszczady offer a fantastic view on 

the miles long mountain pastures.The Bieszczady can be reached with the light railway, by 

foot or with horse hikings on the indigenous Huzule horses. 

One of the projects being planned for the tourism promotion in this region concerns the 

construction of a 400 km long bicycle route. 

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4.2.5.2 Important cities of the region Podkarpackie 

Rzeszów 

The city had its economic boom in the 16th and 17th century. During this time, the city hall, 

the defensive fortifications, the Bernadine Monastery, and the castle were built. At the 

beginning of the 20 th century, Rzeszów became to the centre of the Polish airplane industry 

which was due to the settling of the Public Aircraft Plants PZL. As of today, the city prides 

itself for the economic- and scientific centre of South-East Poland. 

Places, worth seeing include, in addition to the cobblestoned Rynek (market place), the 

middle-class houses from the 18th-19th century, and the neo-classically rebuilt city hall, the 

labyrinth of the multi-storey cellar vault that are situated under the market place and the 

middle-class houses. 

The Square of the Ghetto Victims, as well as the both synagogues, of which is none any 

longer used for religious purposes these days, remind of the Jews who made up 1/3 of the 

population in Rzeszów. 

Sandomierz 

First-mentioned in the 10th century, Sandomierz profited from the trade a.o with corn and 

wood in the Middle Ages. It was considered as important inland port on the route to Danzig 

and was conveniently situated at the trade route towards Kiew. Today, the city picture is 

evidence of influential and prosperous bourgeoisie from those times. The origin face of 

Sandomierz has been preserved. Until today, the city impresses with its architectural 

integrity and a high number of buildings worth seeing. 

4.2.6 Poland – Summary 

The former course of the VIA REGIA running through the five regions shown in South 

Poland holds a great tourist potential: a very well-developed tourist infrastructure, pretty 

attractive and varied regions related to the landscape, locations of many significant historic 

buildings, interesting places where old traditions are lived, well-developed traffic networks, 

hiking trails, thematic streets and lots of available, resp. planned bicycle routes. These 

factors that form the basis for active tourism are available in South Poland and can already 

be included in the framework of many interregional resp. international initiatives. 

4.3 Ukraine 

Although the country has lots of attractive cities and landscapes, the Ukraine has been 

scarcely developed yet. This is one the hand due to the, according to Western-European 

standards poorly considered conditions, making it almost impossible for the people of the 

Ukraine to undertake travels as well because of the previous isolation of the state. Merely in 

the Western part of the Ukraine around Lviv, in the impressive mountain landscapes of the 

Carpates with options for hiking and alpine sports, health resorts with mineral water sources 

and on the Krim with a subtropical climate, popular bath locations, historic monuments and 

beautiful mountain landscapes providing numerous hiking possibilities, there can be spoken 

of tourism which is worth being mentioned. 

A boost of the international tourism in the Ukraine is expected from the hosting of the 

European Soccer Championship in 2012. 

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The VIA REGIA runs through the following regions in the Ukraine: Wolynsk, Lvivska, 

Rivnenska, Zhytomyrska and Kievska. Each of these regions offers excursions to 

interesting, historic cities and unique landscapes. 

4.3.1 Region Wolynsk 

In the region Wolynsk, the cities Wolodymir and Lutsk prove as evidence of the former 

significance of the flyover VIA REGIA. 

Wolodymyr 

In the course of its thousand-year old history, Wolodymyr Wolynsk, a small town in the West 

of the Ukraine, has enjoyed far-reaching trade relations to numerous cities of Europe owing 

to the connection by the large East-West trading route to numerous cities of Europe, which 

are undergoing a revival in the nowadays being independent Ukraine. The place, being an 

economic and political centre of the Kiew Rus has always been important for the history of 

the country, as its inhabitants even stood up for the Ukrain culture and language during the 

different periods of occupation through Russia, Poland and Germany. Impressive sanctuary 

buildings define the city’s picture, thus for example the giant St. Upensky Cathedral, whose 

gleaming dome of gold can already been seen from far distance, or the unique Wassylivska 

Church and not to forget the fiery red shimmering church to the Saint Georg. 

Lutsk 

Lutsk, being the Capitol of the Region Wolynsk is one of the oldest cities in the West- 

Ukraine. The architecture of the city reflects the decade-long coexistence of different 

cultures. The castle in Lutsk, a representative building, constructed in the pattern of the 

crusader castle has often been the scene of significantly political events. Today this building 

complex houses several municipal museums. Owing to the Wolynsk University, which is 

connected to Lutsk and the numerous scientific institutes, the city became to an important 

centre of the intellectual life. 

4.3.2 Lvivska Region 

The cities Gorodok, Brody and Lviv characterize the cultural landscape in the course of the 

VIA REGIA through this region. 

Gorodok 

Gorodok is a county town in the Lviv Oblast and the administrative centre of the region. The 

city was firstly mentioned in a document of 1213. Gorodok (Ukrain: „a small castle“) 

received the city charter in 1389. The city’s first name was Gródek Solny (literally small salt 

castle), later Gródek Jagielonski (literally small Jagiellonian castle). Worth seeing are the 

remains of a wooden castle from the 12 th – 13 th century, several Greek-Catholic and Roma- 

Catholic churches, as well as a lovely surrounding area abundant with water. 

Brody 

Brody is over 800 years old and has once been a Jewish trade metropolis at the Polish 

border. The city charter of Magdeburg was achieved by it at a relatively early time, which 

facilitated the trade and intra-urban handicraft. 

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A significant factor for the cultural development of the city was contributed by the Jewish 

population making up temporarily two thirds of the total population. The outer wall of one of 

the both former synagogues is still intact. The Jewish cemetery in front of the city’s gates is 

unkempt, the castle has completely disappeared and the fortification walls are dilapidated at 

many places. 

Lviv 

Lviv, the „City of the Lion“ being since ages one of the large traffic junctions and trading town 

at the VIA REGIA in the East, has been marked for a very long time from the integration of 

several races and their cultures. The city picture is characterized by the cultural heritage of 

the togetherness of Polish, Jewish, Ukrainian, German, and Armenian inhabitants. Many 

historic buildings were spared from destruction during the centuries, so that the city may be 

counted to the most beautiful architecture ensembles of Europe. Right in front of the city hall, 

over the market place, the VIA REGIA takes course through the Old Town, which belongs 

today to World Cultural Heritage of the UNESCO. 

The city has a large offer for culture-oriented tourists: numerous palaces, churches and 

monasteries are evidence of Lviv’s wealth in the centuries past. The parks in the town invite 

to relax, taking a walk, having a rest and discover the nature. Particularly recommendable is 

the visit of the open air museum for public architecture and – traditions. Lviv is rich in 

museums and galleries. 

Lviv’s culture scene is not only known throughout the Ukraine but also beyond the country’s 

borders. 

The surroundings of Lviv (former Lemberg) comprise many small castles, monasteries, and 

fortresses, which give evidence of the variegated, diverse history of the region and the 

cultural highlights of the vicinity around Lemberg. They are called as “The Golden 

Horseshoe of Lemberg“. 

The medieval preserved Zhovkva is an attraction point for tourists being interested in 

culture-, architecture-, and religion-related history. 

The castle Olesko has once been a huge fortress. In the 13 th and 14 th century, the troops of 

the Kiew Rus defended attacks from the West at this place. The castle itself is an 

architectonic gem of the region. 

In Pidhirtsy, there can be found the probably most beautiful and important late renaissance 

castle of East Europe, which is famous for its special grounds and richly ornamented 

facades. 

The castle in Zolochiv, originating from the 17th century is considered as model of former 

defense architecture. For the purpose of protection against attacks, the castle complex was 

embraced by huge walls and dams with strong bastions, which had been equipped with 

cannons. The castle was one of the most modern fortresses in its days. Today the late 

renaissance palace and the Chinese Palace is open to public and can be visited in order to 

view oriental an European art exponates of the extensive collection, which are exhibited by 

the Art Gallery of Lemberg. 

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4.3.3 Rivnenska Region 

During the course of the VIA REGIA through Dubno, Rivne and Korets in the Rivnenska 

region, the architecture being in parts still preserved provides an insight into the former 

extent of the trading route. 

Dubno 

Dubno is one of the oldest cities of Wolhynien, whose early development was facilitated due 

to its situation at the junction of two trading routes. In 1507 already, Dubno was granted with 

the right of Magdeburg and was therefore allowed to hold weekly markets and fairs. 

Today, this historic city comes up with several cultural attractions: the castle, the Lutsk Gate, 

the former Bernadine Monastery, both the Roma-Catholic- and the Illinskyi Cathedral, the 

synagogue as well as further religious and temporal buildings from the 18th to 19th century 

being listed. The castle, today the oldest building of the city, is preserved to a great extent. 

(Source: .dubno-adm.rv.ua) 

Rivne 

Rivne is Capitol of the region Rivenska and that place, where those parts of the VIA REGIA, 

running through Luck in the North and through Lviv in the South, come together again. At the 

peak of the magistrale Wuliza Soboma, which can be assumed as the present course of the 

old trading route, there is situated a giant Uniate cathedral. Despite the fact of Rivne’s firstmentioning 

in the year 1283 and thus has already been an important trading centre, there 

are not too many possibilities to find any evidences of an old tradition and a big history. The 

oldest building is a small wooden church from the 18th century that should have been 

demolished for several times in the Sovjet period what could always be prevented by the 

population. 

Korets 

The first mention in written of the city leads back to the year 1150. It was situated at that 

trading route, connecting the Rus with West Europe and played an important role in the 

history of the Kiew Rus. As time went by, Korets did often become to a significant cultural 

centre of the region. Many architectonic and historic monuments being of cross-regional 

significance have been preserved until today – the ruins Prince Chartoryisky’s castle, the 

church St. Nikolai from the 19 th century, the Basilianus Monastery, a small palace of the 

Chartoryisky, built in the typical architecture of the 18 th century and the Catholic Church of 

the Saint Antonius. The 1620 founded Frauenkloster represents a real pearl of architecture. 

4.3.4 Zhytomyrska Region 

The Zhytomyrska region has two cities, namely Nowograd-Wolynskij and Zhytomyr, which 

bear, owing to their history and architecture potential for tourist commercialization of the VIA 

REGIA. 

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Nowograd-Wolynskyj 

The city was first-mentioned in the year 1256 under the name Woswjagel. One year later, it 

was burnt down from the Galician Prince Danilo Galitzkij. At a later time, the city was called 

Swjagel. In 1795 it got under Russia’s dominion and was renamed to Nowograd-Wolynskyj. 

From 1920 to 1939 Nowograd-Wolynskyj had an important military significance, as it was 

situated at the borderline between the Soviet Union and Poland. In World War II, Nowograd 

was severely destroyed. 

Nowograd-Wolynskyj is the birthplace of the Ukrainian poetess, dramatist, and lyricist Lesja 

Ukrainka (1871-1913). 

Zhytomyr 

Zhytomyr was founded around the 9th century. The city is an administration-, cultur- and 

industry centre of the region with the same name. It has always been the traffic junction 

point of the region, however it has considerably enlarged as location for trade during the last 

century. Zhytomyr is popular for its gardens, parks and green alleys, in particular those 

along the rocky riverside of the Teterew, where the city is located. Worth seeing evidences 

of the architecture of Zhytomyrs comprise among other the former magistral building from 

the 17 th century, the Sophien-Cathedral originating from the 18 th century, as well as several 

museums, which include the Korolenko- and Koroljow Memorial Place. 

4.3.5 Kiewska Region 

Since the Middle Ages, Kiew the Capitol of this region, already represents a great tourist 

attraction because of itself. Owing to its historic role, people refer to it as Mother of all 

Russian Cities. 

Being first-mentioned in the year 559, Kijiv (Kiew) has ever since been one of the most 

important culture- and trade metropolises of East Europe and is often called as Jerusalem of 

the North due to the many churches and monasteries, as well as because its meaning for 

the Orthodox Christianity. 

Kiew’s city picture stands in contrast between the dreariness of the metropolitan new 

buildings and the charm of sacral and historic monuments. Popularity was gained by the old 

city district Prodil with its numerous buildings from the 12th – 13th century. 

The early years haven’t left that many marks for the characterization of the city. The Golden 

Gate, which is today a reconstruction in concrete, some uncovered foundation walls of 

previous buildings and the walls of the Sophien-Cathedral, which have been raised in 

Byzantine opus mixtum-technique tell of the early and late medieval times. 

Characterizing attributes for the present city picture are the Ukranian Baroque of the 17th 

and 18th century, the buildings from the time of the industrialization in the 2. half of the 19 th 

century and moreover the seven decades of communist rule. Kiew is the starting point for 

the popular river boat tours on the Dnjepr. 

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4.3.6 Ukraine – Summary 

The former historically-rooted „remoteness“ of the Ukraine as tourist destination is at the 

moment deemed to be no longer current. 

Without a doubt, the West-Ukraine, which includes the course of the VIA REGIA, can be 

considered to be most attractive to tourists. The attractions of this region are multifaceted. It 

is the traditional landscape of the Carpathians, plenty of historic cities, whose interesting 

factor becomes increased twice in these days due to their communist history, as because of 

a noteworthy culture, arisen by the coexistence of different nations or the crossings of 

numerous historic routes between East and West, North and South. 

The tourist usage of these factors through international travelers faces the „slowing down“aspect 

of the language skills, which makes it difficult to travel certainly around in the country. 

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5 Marketing objectives 

For a successful marketing of the “Entwicklungskorridor VIA REGIA” the city cluster´s 

integration including all its interesting tourism, scenic and cultural destinations in the Free 

State of Thuringia is to be handled with utmost importance. Especially the use of crossconnections 

like rivers, cycling trails, and natural areas, when starting from the Thuringian 

city cluster and travelling into the area of Thuringia, bring about a holistic view. This involves 

as well the places of cultural interest, which are being located within these cross 

connections. 

The definition and hence specification of the target groups to be approached, represents the 

necessary prerequisite in order to realize a successful marketing as regards both, the 

internal and external scope. The basic elements of the definition for the marketing of the VIA 

REGIA result on the one hand from the product itself (culture, history) as on the other hand 

from the requirement to make possible an integrated experience. The former will pave the 

way to the target group made up of city- and study tourists, whereas the latter will attract 

bicycle tourists and pilgrims. However, it is also an objective to increase the popularity and 

significance of the VIA REGIA among the people which means the approach of the target 

group local inhabitants and among those pupils and students in particular. 

In a geographical context, this means that these groups are shortly to be restricted to the 

Federal States Thuringia and Saxony, as well as to the direct neighboring state Poland so as 

to take into account an economic benefit of marketing resources. In the long-run, this 

definition needs to be extended step-by-step on all European States. Especially with respect 

to the intended European integration, it turns out to be of great importance to successfully 

address the Polish market (both, students and culture- and city tourists). 

Apart from the definition of target groups, it is also necessary to determine the framework of 

the contents of marketing regarding the tourism in order to enable a successful marketing. 

Known as cultural area and trade route, the VIA REGIA has been coming up with a multitude 

of historic and conceptual facets over the centuries, which now have to be sorted for the 

selection of focal points. 

From a historic viewpoint, the VIA REGIA can´t be attached to only one historic epoch. 

That´s why there can´t be recognized any specific style of architecture which dominates the 

street. Another point is that it leads along such a high number of environmental features 

which makes it impossible to direct any focus on one theme. This thematic diversity of the 

VIA REGIA and hence the difficult topic oriented positioning are indicative for the particular 

challenge being brought about when it comes to a marketing of the VIA REGIA. 

The majority of the cultural-tourism marketing potentials of the VIA REGIA culture-tourism 

arises out from the era of residences. Due to the high density of residences concerning this 

matter, Thuringia enjoys a certain monopolistic position in Germany. For the marketing 

purposes of the VIA REGIA, it is deemed to be necessary to benefit from exactly this 

monopolistic feature and the various grasp- and livable historic witnesses from those days. 

There´s no need for any worries about potential negative impacts on the tourism marketing 

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chances due to the inaccuracies which have to be put up with as regards the historic course 

of the VIA REGIA. Besides the representation of buildings, parks, and museums which are 

already grasp- and livable for itself, the implementation of the measures (audio guide, print 

media, etc.) has to include conceptual thematic focuses such as: 

1. Personalities of art, culture, and science 

2. Dynasties and their family relationships 

3. Traditions of the art handicraft 

4. Regionally popular products 

5. Art collections, etc. 

which are prepared and being brought into relation with the VIA REGIA. 

In case of selected marketing measures it´s furthermore advisable to consider the period of 

the formation of cities. The integration of descriptions and tales about campaigns, longdistance 

trades and handicraft (e.g. manufacture of indigodine) but also stories about 

interesting histories of the dynasties are especially suitable for audio guides, paper chases 

across the town and student trips. Also ancient buildings take a role in bringing life into 

history. As a supportive measure it might be recommendable to combine existing, annual 

events and culture offers like the “Krämerbrückenfest”, the “Kunstfestival Weimar”, the “Tag 

des offenen Denkmals”, as well as “die lange Nacht der offenen Museen” with VIA REGIA. 

In addition to this, already existing city sightseeing tours are ought to improved with the topic 

VIA REGIA. Apart from that, it might as well turn out to be reasonable to make a tradition out 

of it by means of a “Tourism Theme of the Year” in the Free State Thuringia. 

Integration of existing routes 

The VIA REGIA, an accredited cultural route of the Council of Europe, is being crossed or 

accompanied by various, tourism-oriented routes and trails. 

The integration of three routes and trails, „TRANSROMANICA“, „Luther-Weg“ and 

„Ökumenischer Pilgerweg“ (Ecumenical pilgrimage trail) leading through Saxony and 

Thuringia is possible: 

� the TRANSROMANICA bears the title „ cultural route of the Council of Europe“ and 

represents the European heritage of the Romanticism 

� the „Luther-Weg“ (Thuringia) is being planned to become developed during the 

Luther-Decade (2008 to 2017). It´s intended to integrate it with significant Luther 

places and sites into hiking routes 

� the ecumenical pilgrimage trail is oriented towards the historical course of the VIA 

REGIA and ties in with the history of the pilgrims from the past centuries. 

A network or co-operation with these trails might turn out to be advantageous for the 

marketing. However, on the one hand, it must be carefully considered that there exists a 

thematic possibility for a link in order to be able to give plausible reasons for a co-operation. 

On the other hand, the external presentation of the joint marketing has to be designed in 

such a way, that each theme itself still remains recognizable. 

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Cross-regional integration of the VIA REGIA 

Besides the previously described integration with other theme routes, it´s planned to make 

use of the promotional effect of the VIA REGIA that is to apply it as connection element in 

the cooperation between states/regions. 

A realistic example for cooperation between Thuringia and Saxony might be pointed up by 

means of a cycle path being marketed and subject to the topic VIA REGIA whose framework 

comes up with various offer packages. The both already existing, cross-regional cycle paths 

(long-distance bike-hiking trail Thuringian city cluster and Saxony city route) might serve as 

basis for the representation of the connecting element. 

Another dimensional integration approach can be established by the connection of the 

pilgrimage paths „Ökumenischer Pilgerweg“ (Ecumenical pilgrimage trail) in Thuringia and 

Saxony, as well as of the „Jacobusweg“ in Small-Poland, which also follows the route of the 

VIA REGIA. An initial contact with the project sponsors has already been made. According 

to this, the chances for a sponsorship of cooperation within the framework of the existing 

partnership between the Free State of Thuringia and the voivodeship of Small-Poland are 

pretty good. 

Regional integration of the corridor to North and South 

When it comes to the marketing of the East-West corridor VIA REGIA, it is necessary to also 

take the adjacent regions into account. Opening up the North and South for development 

doesn´t only broaden the offer of the VIA REGIA but also contributes to the promotion and 

marketing of the adjacent regions. There are two topic areas providing promising 

opportunities for that. On the one hand, it is about the directly adjacent natural areas 

(„Naturpark Eichsfeld“, „Geopark Inselsberg-Drei Gleichen“ and „Nationalpark Hainich“) and 

on the other hand, we´ve got the diversified culture of the Thuringian residence cities located 

outside of the Thuringian city cluster (Meiningen, Arnstadt, Rudolstadt, Schmalkalden, 

Hildburghausen). Appropriate topics for the realization of the envisaged North-South 

enlargement would be cycling tours, hiking and water-hiking in combination with cultural 

destinations. 

Bringing history to life 

A fundamental challenge for the marketing of history and therewith also of the VIA REGIA is 

to make these easy to understand and exciting at the same time. This turns out to be 

inevitable especially with regard to the addressing of younger target groups. A brilliant 

opportunity for this purpose is being provided by the well-known paper chases. This 

innovative way of getting to know a city without the traditional city guide provides a mixture 

of play, riddle and pictures, card sets, and other materials which have particularly been 

prepared for the purpose of the game. The tourist becomes actively involved in the game 

and its course. Another essential part of the game is made up of the encounter with 

historical personalities of the city. Interesting tasks are waiting to be solved in the course of 

the city tour. 

This kind of city sightseeing tour is especially for pupils and young people attractive, since 

the possibilities of bringing in innovative technologies like audio guides or navigation 

systems ensure an exciting experience. That way, the multifaceted history and significance 

of the VIA REGIA can be turned into a vividly graspable and comprehensive adventure. 

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Student exchange, school trips and children`s academies 

The external marketing of the VIA REGIA can only remain successful in the long-run, if the 

internal knowledge and acceptance regarding this topic is always present among the 

population. In terms of sustainability, it proves to be important to especially address the 

target group of the students. School trips and student exchange convey knowledge and 

arouse an understanding of historical and geographical relations. This is particularly 

important when it comes to the European integration. 

Student exchanges provide the opportunity of carrying out regular visits between partner 

cities and whose students and schools while also enabling a cultural exchange. According to 

this model, especially student exchanges being arranged between the partner regions Free 

State of Thuringia and Malopolska (Poland) promise to come up with great success. 

Student exchanges are supposed to used in the narrow sense of the project „Europäischer 

Entwicklungskorridor III VIA REGIA“. In case of low age levels, the organization of school 

trips to places between Saxony and Thuringia would be a good choice, whereas higher 

school classes are recommended to undertake a trip to places located between Poland and 

Thuringia. 

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6 Measures of marketing 

There can be derived sectors of the tourism marketing from the determined objectives. For 

this purpose, the project´s definition of the feasibility study was taken as a basis and the 

outcomes of the first and second workshop were included. Four sectors and the appropriate 

measures of realization have been worked out: 

1. Audio city guide system 

2. Print media 

3. Offer packages bike tours 

4. Information boards 

The chapters „Audio city guide system“ and „Print media” will be shortly explained in the 

following passage. The contents “Offer packages bike tours” and “Informations boards” are 

own chapters 7 and 8. 

6.1 Audio guide system 

Apart from the lacking knowledge of the subject matter, one of the main reasons for the poor 

popularity of the VIA REGIA with tourists and the population can be attributed to the still 

being rudimentary marketing. One of the actual reasons is related to the difficulty of turning 

the VIA REGIA´s history into a graspable and exciting experience. 

The here described approach is based on the imagination of the tourists and local 

inhabitants. The century-long development of the VIA REGIA and the historical events are 

things that have to be conveyed to the people. And this can be achieved by means of an 

audio guide system. Audio contributions are an ideal means for the representation of the 

history related to the respective places being currently visited by the tourist/local inhabitant. 

Image 3 shows hardware solutions which facilitate the implementation of the approaches 

being introduced in the following section. 

Image 3: Possible technical solutions for audio guide systems 

Source: Presentation on the project „Erlebnis Grünes Band“ 

According to the requirements and provisions to be fulfilled regarding the project matter, the 

technical solution options turn out to be suitable in different ways. In addition to this it will 

come to efforts of realization which vary from each other depending on the technical 

solution. 

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Besides the provision of mobile information for the relevant end-devices, a significant role in 

the framework of an audio guide system is being taken by an accompanying signage and 

print media. These both media ensure for the perception of an audio guide system in 

potential users. 

Sign boards will be mounted at those places, which provide mobile information on the 

subject VIA REGIA. That way, attention is being roused which leads to a considerable 

increase of users and hence to a broader spread of the subject VIA REGIA. On the contrary 

there might be, depending on the technical implement measure, additional information by 

means of sign boards required in order to enable the audio guide user for the demand of the 

relevant information (e.g. phone number for the tapping of information). 

Accompanying print media give the opportunity of obtaining a brief overview of the entire 

information offer, illustrating the course of the routes and describing the user instruction of 

the audio guide system. The next chapter will examine these media in more detail. 

Actors of the implementation: 

1. Thuringian Ministry of Economy, Employment and Technology 

2. Thuringian Ministry of Construction, Regional Development and Traffic 

3. Thüringer Tourismus GmbH 

4. Tourism associations of the respective 

5. Tourism attractions and cultural sites 

6. Agents for the development of the audio guide system 

6.2 Print media 

With respect to the measures, pointed up within the frame of this feasibility study, the 

employment of print media for the marketing of the VIA REGIA will turn out to be inevitable 

as regards two areas. These are made up of that one concerning the information about the 

VIA REGIA on the spot and the other one which is related to the handling and integration of 

an audio guide. 

The first workshop brought out the results that sign postings for the VIA REGIA will create an 

information demand in tourists which cannot be adequately satisfied with the contents 

available in tourist information and tourist accommodations. Since it´s very likely that there 

will be an increase of sign postings, there arises a demand for a medium on part of the 

responsible bodies for tourism that ensures for the availability of the general information on 

the VIA REGIA and who moreover establish locally historical associations in the respective 

cities. Apart from that, these information serve for the purpose of extending the geographical 

context of the VIA REGIA to the Eastern neighbor states of the Free State of Thuringia. This 

means a concise depiction of tourism highlights along the VIA REGIA in the Free State of 

Saxony, Poland and the Ukraine. Therefore, it becomes necessary to consult the bodies 

being in charge of the tourism in the respective states and countries. As a supportive means 

it might be useful to incorporate a cartographic representation. 

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The possibilities of representation being provided by means of this print medium do, 

however, not comply in any form with the demands (geographical and contentual complexity 

of the VIA REGIA). The connection with an audio guide system or the VIA REGIA-GIS 

created by the European Center for Culture and Information in Thuringia which provides a 

map-based and theme-related depiction of objects and events in the VIA REGIA Corridor 

open up solutions regarding this matter (http://www.via-regia.org.de). 

The print medium ought to include links to additional information about the audio guide (in 

form of texts and maps). Besides that, there must be pointed out options for the purchase 

and advice on the handling of the audio guide devices and/or of the information files. 


1. Thuringian Ministry of Economy, Employment and Technology 

2. Thuringian Ministry of Construction, Regional Development and Traffic 


4. Official bodies in charge of tourism of the cities 

5. Agents for the creation of the print medium 

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7 Implementation proposals of a bicycling route for the VIA REGIA along the 

corridor of its historical course 

The design of offer components along the VIA REGIA with respect to the aspects „people on 

the move“ as well as „experiencing cultural heritage along the VIA REGIA“ represents an 

approach for the tourism development and marketing in future. Based on the framework of 

the mobility, priority is given to the theme bicycle trips and to the thematic level to the 

educational- and cultural tourism. The aim is to connect these theme blocks with each other 

and to design attractive offer components. 

The starting basis to provide mobility along the VIA REGIA might be the long-distance 

cycling-hiking trail Thuringian city cluster. It leads from Eisenach over Erfurt and Weimar 

through to Altenburg. It corresponds in parts with the historical route of the VIA REGIA, but 

is generally oriented along the corridor VIA REGIA. With the Saxon city route (Glauchau, 

Chemnitz, Freiberg, Meißen, Dresden, Kamenz, Bautzen, Löbau, Görlitz) there exists also a 

cycling trail on the Saxon part, which corresponds with the historical course, resp. the 

corridor of the VIA REGIA to some extent. With the inclusion of these both routes, the 

realization of a federal state-crossing cycling trail of 565 km length (225 km Thuringia, 340 

km Saxony) would be possible and might hence serve as starting basis for the offer 

development in the framework of the VIA REGIA. Admittedly, the passage of the both 

cycling trails still shows gaps in the route. Especially between the places Schmölln and 

Glauchau, the spatial orientation and navigation turns out to be problematic. 

Selection of the routes for bicycle tours within the VIA REGIA corridor 

The definition of a bicycle route leading exactly along the historical course of the VIA REGIA 

is not feasible. Through the years of the temporal development, the routes of roads and 

paths have changed and buildings and cities were built on the historical course of the VIA 

REGIA. Today, some places have become busy roads (highways, interstate- and country 

roads) and this makes a bicycle route impossible. 

Thus, the already described contemplation of the corridor for the VIA REGIA applies here, 

too. As shown in the images 4 and 5 (Historical course VIA REGIA and bicycle route), it has 

been made sure that, besides the possibly short distance to the VIA REGIA, also already 

existing cycling trail infrastructure flow into consideration. 

In general, it would be best to set the starting point in Eisenach towards east and through to 

Weimar when the Thuringian city cluster cycling trail is used. From Weimar, this cycling trail 

orients towards east, while the historical course of the VIA REGIA can be found to the northeast. 

For this reason, the further route course will, under the use of the Ilmtal cycling trail, 

lead towards north-east. This route is divided into four stages, which will be described in 

more detail, as follows. 

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In addition, there are proposed four further round tours, whose starting- and destination 

points are situated in the cities Eisenach, Gotha, Mühlberg and Apolda. See the following 

map for this purpose: 

------ ----- Possible Fahrradroute Cycling Via trail Regia Via Regia 

-------- ----- Alternative round Rundtouren tours 

----- Historical course VIA REGIA 

-------- Historischer Verlauf VIA REGIA 

Image 4: Bicicle route along the VIA REGIA corrido 

Source: http://geo.viaregia.org/pub/index.php?pline=historische%20Via%20Regia; Own image 

All in all, the bicycle route along the VIA REGIA corridor features a length of 8 stages (4 

offer components and 4 alternativ round tours). These are described more detailed in the 

following sections. 

Stage allocation for bicycle routs 

Some parts of the proposed offer components run along the long-distance cycling trail 

Thuringian city cluster, the Werratal-cycling trail, as well as the Ilmtal-cycling trail. This route 

leads through Thuringia´s areas of outstanding natural beauty, which are also characterized 

by their rich history with respect to the VIA REGIA. Tourists interested in culture can 

discover lovingly renovated historic old towns, medieval flair, or modern architecture in the 

cities located along the cycling trails. Intermediate stops offer a perfect opportunity to visit 

various sights (castles and palaces, cultural institutions, museums, historic monuments). 

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Stage 1: 

Offer component 1: From Eisenach on the long-distance cycling-hiking trail 

Thuringian city cluster to Gotha 

Route: Eisenach – Wutha/Farnroda – Laucha – Waltershausen - (Friedrichroda) – 

Hörselgau - Gotha 

Distance: approx. 35 km 

Use of the long-distance cycling trail Thuringian city cluster, connection to the 

Rennsteig-cycling-hiking trail and Werratal-cycling trail 

------ ----- One Etappe stage Fahrradroute of Cycling trail Via Regia 



Image 5: Stage from Eisenach to Gotha 

Source: http://geo.viaregia.org/pub/index.php?pline=historische%20Via%20Regia; Own Image 

Eisenach 

Eisenach, situated in the West of Thuringia at the Hörsel and the Northern border of the 

Thuringian Forest, acts as district centre with sub-functions of a regional centre. In the 

Middle Ages, Eisenach used to be the residence of the landgraves of Thuringia. Eisenach 

mainly gained its national popularity through the Wartburg (UNESCO World Heritage), which 

is situated above the city. The Wartburg has nationwide importance and ranks among the 

most significant cultural facilities of Germany, which is not only due to the acting of the Saint 

Elisabeth of Thuringia (1211-1227) at first, but also because of Martin Luther (1521-1522), 

dressed up as “Junker Joerg” while translating the New Testament into German. Despite 

these facts, many citizens do not know that the Wartburg is actually situated in Thuringia. 

The foundation of the Wartburg is dated to the year 1067. In 1080, this is officially mentioned 

for the first time by the Saxon chronicler Bruno von Merseburg. Then, in 1150, the name 

“Eisenach” is firstly mentioned in a document, followed by the mention as „landgräfliche 

Civitas“ in 1180. 

Moreover Eisenach is the birthplace of Johann Sebastian Bach. Eisenach has, besides a 

great cultural and historical significance, as well a varied function as place for hiking and 

recreation. Situated between two natural areas, the city’s vicinity comes up with a great 

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piece of scenic gem. While the North is directly attached to the natural park Hainich, the 

West is surrounded by the Werratal and the Hörselberge, whereas the South is attached to 

the Northern Thuringian Forest and the East to the Geopark Inselsberg-Drei Gleichen. 

Although Eisenach is a city with district status, it has a close connection to the Wartburg 

District. This meaning, as well as the depicted one for the tourists of the entire area should 

be integrated into a concept, coming up as a whole and resulting in an enhancement of the 

tourist importance regarding the entire region. 

Another attractive face presents the city with its scenic highlights which include: the Hörseltal 

as location of the city centre of Eisenach, the Thuringian Forest and the famous Rennsteig 

as natural south-border of the urban area, the „Drachenschlucht“ (the dragon canyon), the 

“Landgrafenschlucht” (The landgraves canyon) see picture documentation, image 1), and a 

rock cave called “Das verfluchte Jungfernloch” (The cursed maids´ cave) in immediate 

distance to the city. 

As well the mountains of the south urban area are home to one of the most famous and 

popular castles of Germany, the Wartburg. It represents the landmark of Eisenach and 

belongs to the UNESCO World Heritage (see picture documentation, image 2). 

The following culture- and leisure facilities can be found in Eisenach: 

- Wartburg 

- Thüringer Landestheater Eisenach (Thuringian State Theatre Eisenach) 

- Bachchor Eisenach (Bach choir Eisenach) 

- Eisenacher Stadtschloss (City castle of Eisenach) 

- Fischbacher Schlösschen (Castle of Fischbach) 

- Palais Bechtolsheim 

- Hohe Sonne 

- Schloss Berteroda (Castle Berteroda) 

- Herrensitz Dürrerhof (Mansion Dürrerhof) 

- Bachhaus (Bach House) 

- Lutherhaus (Luther House) 

- Wandelhalle (open music pavillon) 

- Alte Mälzerei (Industrial monument, International Jazz archive) 

- Exhibition pavillon of the automotive plant Eisenach 

- Automobile Welt Eisenach (Automotive museum ) 

- Miniaturpark (Miniature park) 

- Fraternity monument 

- Thüringer Museum 

- Goldener Löwe – Gründungsstätte SDAP (Golden Lion – Founding place SDAP) 

The following personalities were born in Eisenach and therewith have marked the history of 

the city (selection): 

- Saint Elisabeth of Thuringia (1207 – 1231) 

- Martin Luther (1483 – 1546) 

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- Johann Sebastian Bach (1685 – 1750) 

- Charlotte von Stein (1742 – 1827) 

- Ernst Abbe (1840 – 1905) 

Wutha-Farnroda 

Wutha with its district Farnroda gains its special character by the historic town centre with 

the castle tower dated back to the 12 th century and the palace garden. Another interesting 

monument is the bell tower of the Laurentiuskirche of Farnroda. The “Röbersche Park” at the 

townhall ranks among the most beautiful parks of the region. The municipal area possesses 

also many natural monuments, such as the Small Hörsel-Hill. Well worth seeing is as well a 

memorial „In den Erlengräben“, which was erected in the year 1946. 

Laucha 

The village being rich in historical events is situated at a low, south-oriented cove of the 

Hörseltal. Sights, worth seeing are the St. Kilians-Kirche, which was reconstructed into a hall 

church after a major fire, a palace garden and memorials like the Steinkreuz, which 

commemorates a murder case. 

Waltershausen 

Waltershausen is said to be the gate to the Thuringian Forest. As first staging post in this 

scenically attractive region and, at the same time, for its cultural-historical sights, this place 

is definitely worth a visit. The Castle Tenneberg (see picture documentation, image 3), the 

museum of local history, the parish church with the largest baroque organ of Thuringia, as 

well as the Salzmann Guth-Muths Memorial place are only a few of the highlights in the 

town. The significant puppet-making craft, once an export hit of the toy industry of the GDR 

contributed to the popular reputation, Waltershausen has gained over the years. A natural- 

and cultural-historic heritage trail completes the attractivity of Waltershausen. 

Friedrichroda 

The small town Friedrichroda is considered to be an interesting side trip with a 

“Marienglashöhle”, a former mine which reveals a lot of details about the formation of the 

Thuringian Forest and the mining around Friedrichroda. Moreover, Thuringian´s smallest 

brewery can be visited here. 

Hörselgau 

The long-distance cycling trail Thuringian city cluster leads through that town, where the first 

seamless firehose was manufactured as a memorial tablet tells, which can be found at that 

house, where Johann Jacob Burbach, a master clothes weaver, ran his business. Apart from 

that, a war memorial to remember of the fallen troops in World War I and II, and a communal 

grave with a memorial cross can be visited in Hörselgau. 

Gotha 

This day-stage ends in Gotha which is known as former residence city of the dukedom 

Saxony-Gotha. Once, the city was a central market place and post station at an intersection 

of the VIA REGIA. Many historical buildings invite for both, individual and guided city tours: 

Worth a visit are, among others, restored town houses with Baroque portals at the main 

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market, the historical town hall, and the Palace Friedenstein (see picture documentation, 

image 4) exhibiting the oldest English Garden on the European continent, as well as the 

walkable casemates. 

With 45,000 inhabitants, Gotha is the fifth-largest city of Thuringia and serves as district 

centre with sub-functions of a regional centre. Gotha is also an old residential city and was 

capitol city of the dukedom Saxony-Gotha until 1918. The castle is deemed as city’s 

landmark. The geographic proximity brought Gotha into close competition with the Ernestian 

Weimar. While this constituted the cultural centre, Gotha rather represented a natural 

scientific and cartographic centre. Here, the insurance industry was given birth with the 

founding of the “Gothaer” and the immediate predecessor of the SPD took place in the 

Tivoli. Located in the Western centre of Thuringia, it forms the borderline between the 

Thuringian Basin in the North and the foot of the Thuringian Forest in the South. With its 

first-mention in the year 775, the city can look back to a long history. 

Meanwhile, Gotha, the city of the tramway construction, is also known as operator of the last 

existing interurban tram of Germany with destinations in Waltershausen and Tabarz 

(Thüringerwaldbahn). 

The publishing house Justus Perthes has its roots in Gotha. The “Gothaischen 

Genealogischen Taschenbücher“ have been published here until 1942 before they were 

released under the title „Genealogisches Handbuch des Adels“ by the publishing house C.A. 

Starke. 

The following culture- and leisure facilities can be found in Gotha: 

- Schloss Friedenstein with the oldest English Garden of Europe 

- Ekhof-Theater 

- Kasematten (suburbian weir installations and fortifications of Schloss Friedenstein) 

- City Hall 

- Museum der Natur (Museum of Nature) 

- Deutsches Versicherungsmuseum E.W. Arnoldi (German Insurance Museum) 

- Schloss Friedrichsthal (Castle Friedrichsthal) 

- Abbeys 

- Orangery and parks 

- Zoo of Gotha 

- Gothaer Kulturhaus 

- Maria-Magdalena-Hospital 

- Augustinerkirche (Luther was preaching here) 

- Schloss Mönchshof (Castle Mönchshof) 

- Foundation place of Dt. Schützenbund 

- Cemetery with oldest crematory of Europe 

- Horse race-course Boxberg 

- Observatory 

- Justus-Perthes-Archiv 

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The following personalities were born in Gotha and therewith have marked the history of the 

city (selection): 

- Lucas Cranach d. Ä. (1472 – 1553) 

- Ernst the Pious (1601 – 1675) 

- Conrad Ekhof (1720 – 1778) 

- Adam Weishaupt (1748 – 1830) 

- Justus Perthes (1749 – 1816) 

- Friedrich Gerstäcker (1816 – 1872) 

- Detlev Karsten Rohwedder (1932 – 1991) 

Stage 2: 

Alternative round tour 1: From Eisenach over the Werratal-cyling trail through to Bad 

Salzungen (back to Eisenach by DB (German Railways) 

Route: Eisenach – Herleshausen – Gerstungen – Heringen – Philippstal – Vacha – Dorndorf 

– Bad Salzungen – Eisenach 


Use of the Werratal-cycling trail and the DB (German Railways) between Bad 

Salzungen and Eisenach 

----- ------ One Etappe stage Fahrradroute of Cycling trail VIA Via REGIA Regia 



Image 6: Alternative round tour Eisenach – Vacha - Eisenach 


With a length of 70 km, this alternative round tour with the starting point in Eisenach (see 

stage 1) is the longest stage out of the proposed ones for bicycle interested tourists in the 

VIA REGIA corridor. It leads from the starting point in Eisenach to Bad Salzungen. From 

here, it´s possible to use the German Railways to get back to Eisenach. Hourly train 

connections between the both cities allow for flexibility, the ride time amounts 30 min. 

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Herleshausen 

The first station along the Werratal-cycling trail is the Castle ruin Brandenburg (see picture 

documentation, image 5). It´s renowned as the greatest Roman twin castle of Thuringia. 

Gerstungen 

Gerstungen, the nature protection area Kohlbachtal, is situated about a kilometre in the west 

to the site. The area stretching across four kilometers along the Kohlbach is a very speciesrich 

and varied habitat and hence lends itself for short hiking tours. 

Heringen 

Above all, the place Heringen gained popularity for its potash mining. Over the years of its 

mining operations, the potash works Wintershall has piled up the „Monte Kali“, a salt hill 

which can be seen far beyond the city borders. 

Philippstal 

In 1191, Philippstal was for the first time officially mentioned. Once, this place was the 

residence of the family of knights of Cruceburg. As well in 1191, the former benedictine 

abbey Kreuzburg was officially mentioned, which has been secularized in the course of the 

reformation. What has been preserved into the present day is the former abbey church 

dated back to the 12 th century and today being a Protestant church. At the site of the former 

abbey, the palace including palace garden Philippstal was built in the 17 th century. 

Vacha 

The main attraction in Vacha is definitely the approx. 400 years old timber-framed house 

Widemark situated at the far-reaching market place (see picture documentation, image 6). 

Another important building in Vacha is the Werrabrücke (part of the historical VIA REGIA), 

which originally consisted of two bridges before it was united to one bridge with 17 arches 

after destruction and reconstruction. Today, only 14 arches of the Werrabrücke still exist. As 

well the Castle Wendelstein dated back to the 12 th and 13 th century with its puppet collection 

featuring more than 2000 exhibits in the museum of the castle is well worth seeing (see 

picture documentation, image 6). The sight-seeing tour finds its completion in the former city 

fortification that stretches around the whole castle. 

An interesting aspect is made up of the concourse of the bicycle route with the historical 

course of the VIA REGIA. This point of intersection between a bicycle route and the 

historical course of the VIA REGIA is only very rare within the project area. 

Bad Salzungen 

Bad Salzungen is a state-approved and predicated health resort and health spa at the Werra 

in Thuringia Rhön and Thuringian Forest. The tradition-rich saltwater-spa Bad Salzungen is 

particularly famous for its Celtic bath and the graduation works. It offers the visitor, resp. 

resort guest a healthy and salt-containing air and therewith the treatment for respiratory 

diseases as already mentioned at the beginning (see picture documentation, image 7). 

Besides that, Bad Salzungen provides beautiful parks with the Rathenaupark and Burgsee, 

as well as the Puschkin-Park near the graduation works. Owing to the high salt deposits in 

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the valley of the Werra, the resort facilities are specialised on the treatment of respiratory 

diseases. 

From Bad Salzungen, the way leads back to the starting point in Eisenach by German 

Railways. 

Stage 3: 

Alternative round tour 2: From Eisenach over Creuzburg to Eisenach 

Route: Eisenach – Hörschel – Creuzburg – Mihla – Bischofroda – Thiemsburg – Neukirchen 

– Eisenach over Creuzburg and Mihla to Craula (partly over Gelbe Route National Park 

Hainich – up from Bischofroda) and way back to Eisenach (over Lerchenberg-Radweg) 


Use of the Werratal-cycling trail, the cycling trail Gelbe Route National Park Hainich 

and of the Lerchenberg-cycling trail 

----- ------ One Etappe stage of Fahrradroute Cycling trail Via Regia 



Image 7: Alternative round tour Eisenach – Creuzburg – Mihla – Thiemsburg - Eisenach 


Eisenach 

see stage 1 für details 

Creuzburg 

Creuzburg ranks among the oldest cities of Thuringia. Being situated at the old trade- and 

army road, called „Lange Hessen“, it established as a settlement area in the 18 th century, 

already. In the year 1213, Creuzburg received its town charter. The city exhibits some 

cultural-historical buildings. In addition to the Nikolaikirche, it´s especially recommended to 

visit the medieval castle complex from 1170 and the seven-arch Werrabrücke made of stone 

(built in 1223), (see picture documentation, image 8). 

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Mihla 

Further along the Werratal-cycling trail, the next place to be reached is Mihla. Here, the 

“Graue Schloss” dated back to the 16 th century deserves particular mention (see picture 

documentation, image 9). 

The Rote Schloss is also dated back to the 16th century and ranks among the most 

important Renaissance-timber-framed buildings of the Wartburg district. The Protestant 

church St. Martin is a Baroque hall church from the 18 th century and possesses rococo 

furniture. The tower with its characteristically low spire originates from the Roman 

predecessor building of the 12 th century. 

Thiemsburg 

In consideration of a possible routing for the bicycle corridor „VIA REGIA“, Thiemsburg 

seems to be a good choice as starting point for the entry into the National Park Hainrich, 

which represents one of the scenic highlights in Thuringia. With the National Park centre and 

the Baumkronenpfad, this place offers ideal conditions to find out more about the National 

Park and its natural peculiarities. This location is at the same time the starting point for 

hiking tours within the National Park (see picture documentation, image 10). 

Stage 4: 

Offer component 2: From Gotha on the long-distance cycling-hiking trail Thuringian 

city cluster to Erfurt 

Route: Gotha – Günthersleben/Wechmar - Mühlberg – Wandersleben - Apfelstädt - 

Neudietendorf - Möbisburg/Rhoda - Erfurt 

Distance: approx. 45 Km 

Connection to the Gera-cycling trail 

----- ------ One Etappe stage Fahrradroute of Cycling trail VIA Via REGIA Regia 

----- 

-------- 

Historical 

Historischer 

course 

Verlauf 

VIA REGIA 

VIA REGIA 

Image 8: Stage Gotha - Erfurt 


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Günthersleben/Wechmar 

One of the historic buildings in Wechmar is the country house Studnitz. Built in 1750, its 

centre-piece, a rococo hall ranks today among the most beautiful halls of its kind in middle 

Germany. 

Moreover the museum in the Bach-Stammhaus (see picture documentation, image 11) is 

worth a visit. 

On the grounds of the former water palace in Wechmar, there has been established a 

(nearby) recreational area including the „Informationszentrum für Regionalgeschichte und 

Geologie“ (Information centre for Regional History and Geology). Another sight is the 

“Geopark Inselsberg – Drei Gleichen”, and since 2008 officially the “Nationaler GeoPark in 

Deutschland”. The area around the barrier of Wechmar is considered to be an attractive 

opportunity for recreation. 

Mühlberg 

This place located in the region of the „Drei Gleichen“ is renowned as one of the oldest, 

officially mentioned places in Thuringia. 

The most important sight of Mühlberg is the “Mühlburg” situated at the eastern suburb of the 

town and one of the „Drei Gleichen“. The Drei Gleichen got its name due to a remarkable 

public ensemble on the proposed cycling trail. These include the „Mühlburg“ near Mühlberg, 

and the „Castle Gleichen“ near Wandersleben, as well as the „Veste Wachsenburg“ near 

Holzhausen (see picture documentation, image 12). 

Further sights are the „Mühlberger Spring“, a karstic spring, and the medieval fortified church 

Sankt Lukas which was first officially mentioned in 726. 

Wandersleben 

The worth seeing centre-pieces of the place include for instance the „Menantes- 

Literaturgedenkstätte“, an exhibition about the life and work of the once famous Christian 

Friedrich Hunold alias Menantes. Also the medieval tower house, which was rediscovered 

during construction in 1985, and the church St. Petri with the Schröter-Organ from 1724 (see 

picture documentation, image 13) belong to the interesting places. 

A popular event is the „Thüringer Burgenfahrt“ (Thuringian castle tour), which is participated 

by over 10,000 cyclists every year. This event in Wandersleben is deemed to be one of the 

biggest bicycle rallies worldwide. 

Apfelstädt 

The town being situated at the river of the same name is worth a visit due to its church St. 

Walpurgis which has its origins back in the 11th century and can be seen from wide and far. 

A permanent exhibition about the local history is shown in its immediate vicinity and 

documents the farming lifestyle as well as the history of the school- and baking practice. 

Another sight of the town is the “Öl- und Mahlmühle” (oil- and flour mill). 

Neudietendorf 

Neudietendorf is rich in history around its mill works to be visited in the town, especially the 

listed „Untermühle“ (see picture documentation, image 14). Also worth exploring is, owing to 

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its numerous interesting details, the church hall of the „Herrnhutter Brüdergemeinde“ 

(Brüderkirche). The heart of the town which is designed according to the character of the 

„Herrnhutter Brüdergemeinde“ invites for an exploration- and discovery tour of many 

„brotherly” secrets. 

Möbisburg/Rhoda 

The placid town holds many legends about the formation in its history. These days, 

interested tourists may get an insight in a small “Töpfermühle“ (potter´s mill) (1720), where 

well-preserved painted Baroque table boards were laid open in 1995. 

Erfurt 

The day destination: Erfurt, the regional capital stands out with one of the best-preserved 

medieval urban cores of Germany. The „Mariendom“ and the „Severinkirche“ tower above 

these historical, reconstructed timbered-frame houses (see picture documentation, image 

16). Another sight represents the „Krämerbrücke“ which is unique in Europe: with 120 m and 

32 houses, it proves to be the longest, entirely developed and occupied bridge-street of 

Erfurt. For the VIA REGIA, this bridge was an important river crossover (see picture 


Erfurt as major city of the Free State Thuringia, State Capitol and regional centre constitutes 

besides Weimar the tourism emphasis in the Federal State. Being the State Capitol of 

Thuringia, it forms the administrative centre of the Federal State. The first documentary 

mention took place in the year 742. Due to the long, changeful history (until 1945, Erfurt 

didn’t belong to Thuringia in political terms, but to the Kurmainz and Prussia) and the size of 

the city, Erfurt is able to provide the interesting complementary offer, not only in cultural 

terms but also as regards the offer of leisure activities for demanding tourists, whose 

expections go beyond a 24/7 offer (i.e. 24 hours a day, 7 days a week). Located in the 

centre of Thuringia, it is bordered to the North by the Thuringian Baisin and to the South 

from the foothills of the Thuringian Forest. 

The following culture- and leisure facilities can be found in Erfurt: 

- Cathedral St. Marien, St. Severikirche, Krämerbrücke (UNESCO World Heritage) 

- Protestant Augustinerkloster 

- Citadelle Petersberg 

- Old synagogue Erfurt 

- City Hall 

- Emperor Hall 

- Predigerkirche und Predigerkloster 

- Former „Kurmainzische“ ethnarchy 

- Bartholomäusturm 

- Waidspeicher 

- Haus zum Sonneborn 

- Museum for Thuringian Ethnography Erfurt 

- Druckereimuseum 

- City Museum 

- Natural History Museum 

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- Angermuseum 

- Horticulture Exhibition ega-Park 

- Zoo and Aquarium 

- Erfurt Theatre 

- Erfurt Trade Fair 

- Gunda-Niemann-Stirnemann Halle 

- Steigerwaldstadion 

The following personalities were born in Erfurt and therewith have marked the history of the 


- Bonifatius (672/673 – 754) 

- Meister Eckhardt (1260 – 1327/1328) 

- Martin Luther (1483 – 1546) 

- Adam Ries (1492 – 1559) 

- Johann Ambrosius Bach (1645 – 1695) 

- Max Weber (1864 – 1920) 

- Daniel Becke (1975) 

- Clemens Fritz (1980) 

Stage 5: 

Alternative round tour 3: (Gotha – Mühlberg) From Mühlberg to Arnstadt and over 

Mariental back to Mühlberg from Gotha on the long-distance cycling-hiking trail 

Thuringian city cluster to Erfurt 

Route: Mühlberg – Haarhausen – Arnstadt – Molsdorf – Mariental – Ingersleben – 

Neudietendorf – Apfelstädt – Wandersleben – Mühlberg 

Distance: approx. 44 Km 

Use of the Gera-cycling trail and the cycling trail Thuringian city cluster 

------ ----- One Etappe stage Fahrradroute of Cycling trail VIA Via REGIA Regia 



Image 9: Alternative round tour Mühlberg – Arnstadt – Neudietendorf - Mühlberg 

Source: http://geo.viaregia.org/pub/index.php?pline=historische%20Via%20Regia 

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With regard to the layout, the route between Mühlberg and Neudietendorf is equal to the day 

stage from Gotha to Erfurt along the cycling trail Thuringian city cluster. More details about 

sights along this section can be found in the description of stage 4. 

The general emphasis of this tour is put on castles and palaces. Besides the already 

mentioned „Drei Gleichen“, other worth-seeing sights are the „Wachsenburg“, the Palace 

Molsdorf, as well as further castle- and palace complexes which are definitely worth a visit. 

More sights can be found along the round tour for instance in the Wachsenburggemeinde 

(Haarhausen and Holzhausen): 

• Castle museum Veste Wachsenburg Holzhausen 

• Sausage museum Holzhausen 

• Ground for Experimental Archaeology Haarhausen 

Arnstadt 

Arnstadt is also called to be the gate to the Thuringian Forest. It offers a lot of sights. The 

following leisure activities can be found in Arnstadt. 

• Liebfrauenkirche 

• Bachkirche 

• Papiermühle 

• Bach exhibition in the „Haus zum Palmbaum“ 

• Neues Palais Arnstadt 

• Palace museum and Palace gardens Arnstadt 

• Gärtnerhaus 

• Ruine Neideck 

• Pheasant house 

• Historical city tours 

Ichtershausen 

Still today, Ichtershausen is much influenced by the abbey complex 

(Zisterzienserinnenkloster) from the year 1147. For a long time, the abbey was deemed to 

be the wealthiest abbey of Thuringia. Especially the abbey church St.Georg and Marien from 

the year 1133 characterise the appearance of this town (see picture documentation, image 

17). As well worth visiting is the town´s museum of local history. 

Molsdorf 

Castle Molsdorf is a Baroque palace, situated not far from Erfurt (see picture documentation, 

image 18). Today it´s considered to be one of the most beautiful Baroque palaces 

throughout Thuringia. The Palace has now gone into the possession of the Foundation 

Thuringian Palaces and Gardens. Some rooms of the ground floor were redecorated to a 

restaurant. Furthermore, the museum is home of a collection of paintings by the painter Otto 

Knöpfer. 

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Stage 6: 

Offer component 3: From Erfurt to Weimar 

Route: Erfurt - Azmannsdorf - Vieselbach - Niederzimmern - Hopfgarten - Weimar 

Distance: ca. 25 Km 

Use of the cycling trail Thuringian city cluster 




Image 10: Stage Erfurt - Weimar 

Source: http://geo.viaregia.org/pub/index.php?pline=Radwanderwege 

Azmannsdorf 

Firstly mentioned in a document in the year 876, Azmannsdorf looks back to a long history. 

In the 18 th century, the town experienced a period of prosperity. Today, as a plain residential 

area, its cultural center is the choir tower church St. Cyriakus, which was erected in 1769. 

Vieselbach 

This suburb of Erfurt has been characterised by industrial events after Vieselbach got an 

own railway connection to the Thuringian railway from Halle and Leipzig to Erfurt in 1847. 

The establishment of the beer brewery, iron foundry, steam mill, and other enterprises made 

a considerable contribution to the development in the town. The sights of Vieselbach today 

include the village churches, the railway viaduct dated back to 1847 (advanced in 1934), as 

well as an Ernst-Thälmann memorial nearby the railway station. The town has one station. 

Niederzimmern 

Niederzimmern is another town situated in the Thuringian Basin. In addition to the idyllic 

location, also the village church called the Wigbertikirche is a well worth-seeing sight. Its 

older part of the complex was erected in the early 15th century. It enchants the beholder with 

the unique portrayals of the Old and New Testament, which are eternalised on the galleries. 

Hopfgarten 

The idyllic town in the Grammetal offers its visitors, besides the beautiful location, interesting 

tales from the past and presence. The landmark of the town, which is traversed by the small 

rivers Weimarbach, Utzberger Bach, and Gramme is the Wartturm situated on the 

Ettersberg and the town´s local mountain. With an own station, Hopfgarten is also connected 

to the rail network of the German Railways. 

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Weimar 

The day destination is Weimar known as the thousand-year-old town and being brought into 

relation with numerous big names, such as Goethe or Schiller, personalities which gave the 

city its unique flair. Numerous museums and memorial places bear witness to the glory of 

former times. Weimar as a vibrant centre of art, culture, and science provides a wealth of 

sights (see picture documentation, image 19). 

Weimar is the fourth-largest city of Thuringia, university city and that city in Thuringia, 

registering the largest increase in inhabitants. It is situated in the centre of Thuringia at the 

river bend of the Ilm. Weimar’s landscape is comprised by the Thuringian Basin in the West, 

the Ettersberg in the North, and the Ilmtal in the South. 

Weimar is related with many events of historical significance of the German history. The 

first-mention leads back to the year 975, when the settlement “Burg Weimar” war recorded 

by emperor Otto II. in documents. 

It has been capitol of Saxony-Weimar, resp. of Saxony-Weimar-Eisenach since 1572. With 

regard to the interests of the Duchess Anna-Amalia and her son, Duke Carl-August, the 

epoch, which became later known as the one of the “Weimarer Klassik” was developed by 

visits of Goethe, Schiller, Wieland, Herder and other artists. 

Weimar was capitol of the state Thuringia from 1920 until 1948 and furthermore cultural 

capitol of Europe in 1999. 

The dukedom Saxony-Weimar was the first state in Germany, giving itself a constitution. 

This laid the foundation for the „Weimarer Republik“ which was proclaimed through the 

constituent assembly of the national assembly in the state theater Weimar in 1919, at which 

the German Empire became a democratic federal state. 

In the early beginnings of the 20th century, the Bauhaus was developed as a result of the 

activities by Henry van de Velde and Walter Gropius and along with the foundation of the 

School for Applied Arts Weimar. However, due to national-socialist trends going on in 1925, 

it was relocated to Dessau. 

The Third Reich was a dark chapter for the former capitol of the tolerant and open-minded 

dukedom Saxony-Weimar. Weimar represented a centre of the NSDAP activities, since it 

has had a double symbolic significance for them as it was the foundation place of the 

abhorred republic and cultural centre. The negative highlight to that effect was the 

construction of the concentration camp Buchenwald on the nearby Ettersberg in 1937, which 

led to the death of approx. 56,000 prisoners. 

The offer of Weimar can be categorized in three, partly contrary cultural-tourist areas: 

- The „Weimarer Klassik“: Therein included are facilities, Goethe, Schiller, Liszt, 

Wieland or Herder have been active in. (UNESCO World Heritage) 

- The Bauhaus Buildings (UNESCO World Heritage) 

- As symbolic place for the contradictory political views (Weimar Republic – National 

Socialism) 

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Weimar offers a wide variety of sights, of which a selection is shown below: 

- Deutsches Nationaltheater mit der Staatskapelle Weimar 

- Goethe’s residential house 

- Bauhaus-Museum 

- Rokokosaal of the duchess Anna-Amalia-Bibliothek 

- Neues Museum Weimar 

- City castle 

- Wittumspalais 

- Castle and park Belvedere 

- Schiller’s residential house 

- Goethe’s garden house 

- Liszt-Museum 

- Römisches Haus 

- Musterhaus am Horn 

- Castle and park Tiefurt 

- Castle and park Ettersburg 

- Park at the Ilm 

- Jakobskirche with historical cemetary, ducal vault and Orthodox grave chapel 

- Herzogin-Amalia-Bibliothek 

- Museum for prehistory- and protohistory 

- Deutsches Bienenmuseum 

- Memorial of historical: Memorial place of Buchenwald 

The following personalities were born in Weimar and therewith have marked the history of 

the city (selection): 

- Lucas Cranach d. Ä. (1472 – 1553) 

- Anna Amalia (1739 – 1807) 

- Johann Gottfried Herder (1744 – 1803) 

- Johann Wolfgang von Goethe (1749 – 1832) 

- Carl August (1757 – 1828) 

- Friedrich Schiller (1759 – 1805) 

- Franz Liszt (1811 – 1886) 

- Friedrich Hebbel (1813 – 1863) 

- Friedrich Nietzsche (1844 – 1900) 

- Wassiliy Kandinsky (1866 – 1944) 

- Lyonel Feininger (1871 – 1956) 

- Gustav Kiepenheuer (1880 – 1949) 

- Walter Gropius (1883 – 1969) 

- Thilo Schoder (1888 – 1979) 

- Louis Fürnberg (1909 – 1957) 

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Stage 7: 

Offer component 4: From Weimar along the Ilmtal cycling trail to Bad Kösen 

Route: Weimar- Tiefurt – Kromsdorf – Oßmannstedt - Apolda – Zottelstedt – (Dornburg) - 

Mattstedt – Bad Sulza – Großheringen - Bad Kösen 

Distance: ca. 40 Km. 

Use of the Ilmtal-cycling trail 




Image 11: Stage Weimar – Bad Kösen 


Weimar 

see stage 6 for details 

Tiefurt 

The castle and its park Tiefurt, a pearl for culture lovers, are located downstream of the Ilm 

in approx. 2 km distance to Weimar. The park with 21 ha stretches across both sides of the 

Ilm shore. The park architecture and its features comprise among others: the „Vergil-Grotte“, 

the „Musentempel“ (Temple of the Muses) including a sculpture of the Kalliope, a tea salon, 

as well as the “Amor als Nachtigallenfütterer” (Cupid as feeder of the nightingale), a sundial, 

a memorial stone in commemoration of Prince Leopold of Brunswick and monuments in 

honour of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and Johann Gottfried Herder (see picture 


Kromsdorf 

The borough Kromsdorf offers two historical constructions for culture-interested tourists: The 

Renaissance Castle Kromsdorf including the park wall with its 64 busts (see picture 

documentation, image 21) and the castle Denstedt. A peculiarity in the church of Denstedt 

represents, what is known as the Liszt-Orgel (Liszt organ), which was regularly used by the 

popular composer Franz Liszt to play organ-music. 

Oßmannstedt 

The six hectare mansion park in Oßmannstedt features the grave site of the poet Christoph 

Martin Wieland, his wife, and Sophie Brentano, which can be found right next to the Ilm. 

Worth-visiting sights of the park include the well house with its large water basin, the 

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Baroque sculpture group of the four seasons made of sand-stone (in restoration), the stone 

basin in the interior courtyard, as well as the Wieland-Grave with an obelisk. 

Apolda 

The „Glockenstadt“ (bell town) of Apolda owns its name to the 250-years-old tradition of the 

bell founding. The most worth-seeing objects in Apolda are among others: The Castle 

Apolda, which is today home to the culture centre, the town hall being one of the oldest 

buildings in town was erected in the years 1558/1559 in the Renaissance style, the 

Bismarkturm and the town house, a building in the Art Nouveau style. The Martinskirche and 

the Lutherkirche represent examples for the ecclesiastical architecture in Apolda. The most 

popular cultural offerings include furthermore: The „Kunsthaus“ Apolda, the bell- and town 

museum, as well as the permanent exhibition „Olle DDR“. 

Zottelstedt 

This suburb of Apolda offers interested tourists quite a few cultural features. A “Sühnekreuz” 

(Cross of Attonement) made of stone and built at some time between the 13 th and16th 

century welcomes the travellers at the shore of the Ilm right at the town entrance from 

Apolda. The 1210-erected village church with the west tower from the 14 th century enchants 

with the historic altar and the ceiling paintings. Also worth-seeing is the 23 m high 

„Seierturm“ (actually: Seigerturm, thus Uhrturm), which was officially mentioned for the first 

time in 1499 and served for the purpose of a place of execution and pillory. 

Mattstedt 

The first corpus of finds that provide the proof for a Roman colony from the 3 rd to the 5 th 

century in Mattstedt were confirmed by archaeological researches. The place, which went 

through eventful times in its history (Thuringian Deluge, Thirty years´ war) invites its guests 

to visit the “Marienkirche” with the historic altar, the organ (around 1800), and frescos, as 

well as the vicarage and the steeped in history feudal estate. 

Bad Sulza 

The landscape surrounding the state-approved and predicated health resort and spa town 

Bad Sulza is rightly called as the Tuscany of Thuringia. Even more value for tourists in this 

area of outstanding natural beauty is given by further features of the town. Moreover, Bad 

Sulza is situated in the wine-growing area Saale-Unstrut, which is the 11th of all in all 13 

wine-growing areas in Germany. A wine route with a length of 60 km leads through the winegrowing 

area Saale-Unstrut. The landscape and architecture is characterised by wineyards 

and wine-growing. The wineyards can be walked through by sign-posted hiking trails. 

The Saline- and Local History Museum to be found in the premises bear witness to the spa 

resort architecture and its history. The spring „Johann Agricola“ is used for therapeutic 

purposes. The „Toskana Therme“ (Tuskany Thermae), another important part of the range 

of tourism offers in Bad Sulza combines a water world and thermal spa at the same time. 

The listed spa gardens on the Lachenberg are another pearl in Bad Sulza. Since 2002, the 

sights not to be missed are complemented by “Goethes Gartenhaus” (Goethe´s summer 

house) in Weimar, known as “Goethes Gartenhaus zwei” (Goethe´s summer house 2). 

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Sonnendorf 

The worth-seeing Sonnenburg with its enchanting scenic views is situated at the southern 

slope of the Sonnenkuppe. Nature-interested tourists may find orchids and other rare plants 

and flowers in the preserve area which has been established there. 

Großheringen 

One of the wonderful sights in this town is a unique monument. Built in 1753, the historic 

house bridge (as well called the Salzbrücke (Salt Bridge)) should serve for the purpose of a 

junction between the „alte Salzstraße“ and the „Saalfeldsche Land“ (see picture 


Bad Kösen 

Salt extraction is a very important topic in Bad Kösen. Points of interest in this context 

include: a graduation works, a plant for the salt extraction, with a length of 320 metres, the 

double head frame of the former saline stretching from the Radinsel to the Borlachschacht 

and the Soleschacht at the graduation works. Also worth a visit is the “Kloster Schulpforta” 

(Abbey Schulpforta), the „Romanische Haus“ (Roman House), which ranks among the 

oldest civil buildings of Middle Germany, an exhibition about the history of the abbey Pforta 

and the salt extraction in Bad Kösen, and the neo-Gothic Lutherkirche dated back to the 

year 1894. Other sights of Bad Kösen are, moreover, its three parks of which one can be 

found in the city centre with historic pump rooms, a modern thermal spa, a zoo, and two 

ponds. 

Bad Kösen is also situated in the wine-growing area Saale-Unstrut in the Free State of 

Saxony. In the vicinity of Bad Kösen, above the “Kösener Pforte”, the castle ruins Saaleck 

and Rudelsburg can be visited. (see picture documentation, image 23). 

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Stage 8: 

Alternative round tour 4: From Wickerstedt over Apolda/Jena and Dornburg to 

Wickerstedt 

Route: Wickerstedt – Apolda– Jena – Dornburg – Zimmern – Kösnitz – Utenbach - 

Wickerstedt 


Use of the Napoleon-cycling trail and Saale-cycling trail 

------ ----- Etappe One stage Fahrradroute of Cycling VIA REGIA trail Via Regia 



Image 12: Alternative round tour Wickerstedt -Apolda – Jena- Dorndorf - Wickerstedt 


Apolda 

see stage 7 for details 

Jena 

Jena constitutes one of the three regional centers of Thuringia and has meanwhile become 

to the second-largest city in the Free State Thuringia. Jena is situated in the Saaletal and is 

bordered by the Kernberge, which makes the climate milder than in the direct surroundings. 

The official first-mention leads back to the year 1182. Considered from a historical point of 

view, Jena has an important significance, which proves, however, much more difficult to 

conveyed and communicated, as it becomes hardly manifested in cultural sights. Viewed 

from the economic and scientific perspective, Jena’s significance is of utmost importance. 

One of the universities in Germany, being most rich in tradition and where numerous popular 

scientists have taught (among others Fichte, Hegel, Schlegel, Brentano, Häckel) can be 

found in Jena (founded in 1558). In Jena, Ernst Abbe, Carl Zeiss und Otto Schott laid the 

corner stone for the basic requirements of the modern optic. 

But also from the historical point of view, the city’s surrounding area plays an important role 

reasoned by the twin battle of Napoleon against the Prussians and Saxons near Jena and 

Auerstedt in the year 1806. Even today, there are carried out annual memorial events, 

organized by the Verein Jena 1806 e. V. Every five years, these are taking place in a larger 

scope for the purpose of arousing the interest of the audience. 

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The cultural landscape of Jena is characterized by the following sights: 

- Theaterhaus Jena 

- Botanic Garden 

- Phyletic Museum 

- Optical Museum 

- Romantikerhaus 

- SchottGlasMuseum 

- Imaginata 

- Schiller’s garden house 

- University Jena 

- Griesbachsches Gartenhaus 

- Carl-Zeiss-Planetarium 

- Mineralogical Collection 

- Ernst-Häckel-Haus 

- City Museum 

- Museum 1806 

- Volkshaus Jena 

- Shell limestone rock Jenzig and landgrave 

- Dornburg Castles 

- Castle Leuchtenburg near Kahla 

- Fürstenkeller 

- Goethe Gallery 

The following personalities were born in jena and therewith have marked the history of the 


- Johann Friedrich I. (Hanfried) (1503 - 1554) 

- Johann Matthäus Meyfarth (1590 – 1642) 

- Johann Gottlieb Fichte (1762 – 1814) 

- Georg Friedrich Wilhelm Hegel (1770 – 1831) 

- Novalis (1772 – 1801) 

- Friedrich Schlegel (1772 – 1829) 

- Immanuel Hermann von Fichte (1796 – 1879) 

- Carl Zeiss (1816 – 1888) 

- Ernst Abbe (1840 – 1905) 

- Otto Schott (1851 – 1935) 

- Lothar Späth (1937) 

- Bernd Schneider (1973) 

- Robert Enke (1977 – 2009) 

Dornburg 

The Dornburger Schlösser (Dornburger Castle), that are definitely worth visiting overlook the 

town Dornburg. Dornburg is situated at the edge of a shell limestone plateau featuring 

fascinating views into the Saaletal. Three architectonic pearls must be seen in this scenically 

attractive area: the Rococo Castle, the Renaissance Castle, and the Old Castle. All of them 

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are surrounded by an impressive palace garden sloping down to the river in several 

terraces. Dornburg is also known as Rosenstadt (Town of Roses) (see picture 




2. Local and regional tourism organisations 

3. Representatives of accomodation services 

4. Representatives of tourist sights and cultural sites 

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8 Implementation proposals on the positioning of sign- and information boards 

The VIA REGIA as historical east-west corridor defines itself not primarily through specific 

„VIA REGIA sights“, but rather by way of the historical and cultural overall context through 

the many centuries. In order to convey this overall context to both, locals and tourists, it´s 

necessary to provide more information about the VIA REGIA in public besides the already 

realised signposting of historical buildings. Various possibilities may be considered for this 

purpose: 

1. Sign boards at crossing cycling-/hiking trails 

2. Sign boards at crossing theme streets 

3. Sign boards at selected railway stations 

4. Information boards at city limits 

5. Information boards at motorway restaurants 

As a start, it would be important to establish a clear relation to the VIA REGIA. For the 

location of the course, it would be reasonable to integrate a map of Thuringia and a 

transnational outline. This should go along with the provision of information on the historical 

development of the route, as well as details about more sights situated in the vicinity. In 

contrast to this, information boards positioned at city limits and motorway restaurants might 

be useful to give a clear overview of trade and commerce, tourism, and serve as orientation 

guide for the respective place. Details concerning the content and route of the VIA REGIA 

should be included here, too. 

Possible locations of sign- and information boards, such as points of intersections at cycling- 

and hiking trails, theme streets, as well as at city limits, railway stations, and motorway 

restaurants are introduced in sequence. The picture documentation of the local prerequisites 

can be seen in the attachment. 

About 1: Sign boards at crossing cycling-/hiking trails 

At points of intersections/forks of roads, trails or routes, an information sign board is simply 

inevitable. It helps with the geographical orientation and can also be used for the thematic 

information. Especially from the tourist perspective, it´s a vital requirement to raise the 

interest of guests in new thematic aspects or historical backgrounds which are located in 

close distance to each other. Often, as it is the case with the location of the VIA REGIA, 

there aren´t provided any visual information about the history that took place there. 

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The following forks/intersections/links of routes/trails offer reasonable possibilities to 

attach information boards with respect to the theme VIA REGIA. 

3 

Image 13: Bad Kösen and Großheringen as possible sign board locations 


2 

------ Historical course VIA REGIA 

Ecumenical pilgrims` path 

------ Cycling trail(s) 

Bad Kösen (1 und 2) is not only the starting point and final destination of the planned 

bicycle route VIA REGIA (over the Ilmtal-cycling trail). At the same time, the town is crossed 

by the historical course of the VIA REGIA, whose route can still be recognized at a slope on 

the outskirts of the town. As well the ecumenical pilgrims´ path runs in spitting distance to 

Bad Kösens in the north. These factors make both, the starting point of the Ilmtal-cycling trail 

and location of the historical course of the VIA REGIA interesting with regard to information 

sign boards. Other places to be considered are the railway station Bad Kösen or the market 

place, as both locations represent central places to go within the town. 

Großheringen (3) is the meeting point of the Ilmtal- and Saale-cycling trail. A sign board at 

the intersection point of the both paths would turn out to be reasonable. There can be found 

a place, which provides, in addition to opportunities for having a picnic, for the required sign 

board infrastructure. This place would be suitable for attaching a VIA REGIA – information 

sign board (see picture documentation, image 25). 

1 

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Image 14: Point of intersection long-distance cycling trail Thuringian city cluster and Geracycling 

trail 


Another significant point of intersection is situated in the south to Erfurt. Here, the Geracycling 

trail (from the direction of Arnstadt) meets with the long-distance cycling trail 

Thuringian city cluster leading to Eisenach towards west. Moreover, this place is also part of 

the previously proposed alternative round tour leading from Mühlberg over Arnstadt and 

Neudietendorf back to Mühlberg. The Gera-cycling trail offers the opportunity to include a 

visit of the Palace of Molsdorf to the Thuringian city cluster. 

The point of intersection is already well sign-posted. This existing infrastructure would be 

very suitable for the information sign board VIA REGIA (see picture documentation, image 

26). 

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Image 15: Intersection point long-distance cycling trail Thuringian city cluster and historical course 

VIA REGIA 


Another intersection between the long-distance cycling trail Thuringian city cluster and the 

historical course can be found in the east to Eisenach (see picture documentation, image 

26). The both trails cross in Sättelstädt, thus it makes it appear reasonable to attach an 

information sign board at this place. Whereas the city cluster cycling trail leads towards 

south, the historical VIA REGIA runs towards east, before both meet again in Eisenach. The 

point of intersection can also be found, when coming from the direction Mechterstädt. The 

place is situated on the outskirts of Sättelstädt shortly behind the motorway bridge of the A 4 

on the Bundesstraße 7. 

An information sign board which has already been put up can be found in Sättelstädt nearby 

the above-described point of intersection and at the same time on the route of the historical 

VIA REGIA. It provides information about the township and vicinity. Hence, also here the 

infrastructure for an information sign board would be available, already (see picture 


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Image 16: Intersection point Werratal-cycling trail, Gelbe Route Nationalpark Hainich and historical 

course VIA REGIA 


Creuzburg can look back on an interesting history. Also the VIA REGIA led through the town 

in those times. Today, Creuzburg is the intersection between the Werratalweg, the starting 

point of the cycling trail Gelbe Route Nationalpark Hainich, and the former VIA REGIA 

(image 16). Apart from that, Creuzburg takes a significant role regarding the considerations 

of the integration of an alternative round tour in the scope of the project “VIA REGIA”. 

The intersection of these routes can be found in short distance to the entrance of Creuzburg 

(coming from Eisenach) situated at a parking area of the Bundesstraße 7 and at the shore of 

the Werra. In addition to a pavillon providing information on the region and the adjacent 

Nationalpark Eichsfeld-Hainich-Werrtal and the Nationalpark Hainich, there´s also a sign 

board informing about the Werratal-cycling trail and further tourist services (see picture 

documentation, image 28). This might be a point of approach concerning a sign board for 

the VIA REGIA and the planned VIA REGIA bicycle route. 

About 2: Sign boards at crossing theme streets 

There must be made distinctions as regards the co-operation with existing theme streets or 

routes. On the one hand, a close collaboration and thematic connection of two complex 

historical topics would be a stumbling block for the comprehensive communication to the 

public. On the other hand, the co-operation and networking, above all on the level of 

experience exchange, would be a desired achievement. With respect to the project 

“TRANSROMANICA”, the co-operation with the VIA REGIA has already been realised at 

one location. Further common intersections coming also into question for this kind of sign 

boards in Thuringia concern i.a. the locations Brandenburg Lauchröden/Herleshausen, 

Creuzburg and castle ruin Gleichen Wandersleben and the ruins of the Lobdeburg Jena (see 

picture documentation, image 29, 30, 31, 32): 

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Further possible locations for a co-operation between „TRANSROMANICA“ and „VIA 

REGIA“ in terms of a sign-posting are: 

• Prot. Parish church St. Nikolai Eisenach 

• Medieval residential tower Wandersleben 

• Wachsenburg Holzhausen 

• Liebfrauenkirche Arnstadt 

• Abbey St. Georg Ichtershausen 

• Benediktinerkloster St. Nikolai und Jakobi (Schottenkirche) – Erfurt 

• Former abbey St. Peter und Paul – Erfurt. 

As also already mentioned in chapter 5.3, a possible co-operation might be realised with the 

„Ökumenischen Pilgerweg“ (Ecumenical pilgrims´ path). The historical course of the VIA 

REGIA and today´s route of the ecumenical pilgrims´ path have several intersections 

between the towns Vacha in the west of Thuringia through to Großheringen in the (north-) 

east, thus a combined sign-posting would be quite reasonable here. First, there are to state 

the urban areas (Vacha, Eisenach Gotha, Erfurt and Bad Kösen (Saxony-Anhalt)). It is not 

only an intersection that arises out of the both trails/routes in these cities. As well an 

overlapping with the bicycle route „VIA REGIA“ can be found here. 

Also the rural areas provide crossing- or meeting points of all three routes which would allow 

for a common sign-posting. The following locations have been elaborated: 

Kerspleben - Vieselbach: 

Intersection point of the Ecumenical pilgrims´ path and the historical course of the VIA 

REGIA, long-distance cycling trail Thuringian city cluster in short distance (see picture 

documentation, image 33-36). 




4 

Image 17: Map of the region Vieselbach/Kerspleben Source: 

http://geo.viaregia.org/pub/index.php?pline=Radwanderwege 

3 

2 

1 

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Wutha-Farnroda: 

An intersection of the historical course of the VIA REGIA, ecumenical pilgrims´ path, and the 

long-distance cycling trail Thuringian city cluster can also be found in this town situated in 

the east towards Eisenach. 




Image 18: Map of the region Wutha-FarnrodaSource: 


A suitable location for a common sign board posting would be for instance the historical town 

centre of Wutha-Farnroda, among others including the „Farnrodaer Schlossturm“ (see 

picture documentation, image 37). 

About 3: Sign boards at selected railway stations 

In general, railway stations come into question as locations for information- and orientation 

sign-posting, provided they´re situated within the defined VIA REGIA corridor and come 

along with a certain degree of frequentation on part of travelling persons and the train timing. 

Railway stations of major cities as important centre spots of the German Railways are, 

however, not taken into consideration as possible locations for this project. In fact, the 

frequentation of these locations proves to be high, but there are hardly or even no suitable 

spots for information sign-postings. Besides the great multitude of most various information 

being vital in terms of mobility and the travel process in general, it wouldn´t be possible to 

attract sufficient attention on information concerning the topic „VIA REGIA“ at such places. 

Despite the spitting distance to the project area, the railway stations of Eisenach, Erfurt, and 

Weimar are not taken into account for a VIA REGIA sign-posting. 

These restrictions don´t apply for railway stations of the periphery and the rural regions. 

Subject to the condition of the willingness for co-operation on part of the German Railways 

(as owner of the railway stations), this location would lend itself to information sign-postings 

with respect to the VIA REGIA. As it becomes clear in some of the following images, an 

attractive sign-posting might enhance the status of the respective location. 

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The following railway stations are considered for information sign-postings regarding the 

topic VIA REGIA within the project corridor (proximity to the historical course of the VIA 

REGIA as well as to the possible connection to the bicycle trail VIA REGIA). 




1 

2 

Image 19: Location of possible railway stations for a VIA REGIA information sign-posting Source: 


The railway station Mechterstädt (1) is directly situated at the planned bicycle route VIA 

REGIA and in spitting distance to the historical course of the VIA REGIA. Besides these 

basic conditions, the railway station (vis-á-vis the building) already includes several 

possibilities for the attachment of a sign-posting (see picture documentation, image 38). 

Due to its size, the railway station of Seebergen (2) itself is not suitable for information 

sign-postings with respect to the VIA REGIA. The example of the sign-posting at this railway 

station rather gives an idea of how a sign-posting for the VIA REGIA might look like (see 


The railway station Neudietendorf (3) also comes into question as location for information 

sign-postings. It´s directly situated at the depicted bicycle route VIA REGIA and may be 

used as starting point for hiking tours or further cycling tours in the Geopark Inselsberg (see 


The railway station Erfurt-Bischleben (4) lies in short distance to the intersection point of 

the cycling trails Thuringian city cluster and Gera-cycling trail (see picture documentation, 

image 41, 42) and may thus be both, starting point of the bicycle route VIA REGIA and of the 

alternative round tour over Arnstadt. 

3 

4 

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1 



The railway station of Vieselbach (1) is actually, due to its size, not suitable as location for 

a sign-posting. However, the peculiarity of the spitting distance to the bicycle route VIA 

REGIA, the ecumenical pilgrims´ path, and the historical course of the VIA REGIA make 

information sign-postings worth considering at this place (see picture documentation, image 

43). 

The railway station Oßmannstedt (2) distinguishes itself for its convenient location to 

major points of interest (Schloss Kromsdorf, Schloss Tiefurt, and Wielandgut Oßmannstedt). 

Furthermore, the planned bicycle route VIA REGIA leads straight through this town on the 

Ilmtal-cycling trail. There´s already been placed an „information booth“ with details about the 

topic bicycle excursions and hiking tours (see picture documentation, image 44). This one 

might also be integrated into the VIA REGIA sign-posting. 

It would be very reasonable to equip the railway station Apolda (3) with information signpostings, 

since it provides a very good passenger frequentation and train timing. The railway 

station Apolda serves as a suitable starting point for the exploration of the sights in town 

(see picture documentation, image 45). Another advantage is given by the immediate 

connection to the Ilmtal-cycling trail and thus to the bicycle route VIA REGIA (as well to the 

alternative bicycle route over the Napoleon-cycling trail to Jena and further on along the 

Saale-cycling trail to the Castle of Dornburg). 

2 

3 




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1 



2 

The railway station Bad Sulza (1) suits very well as location for information sign-postings. 

As a health resort, the town registers a high number of tourists while it is situated at the 

planned bicycle route VIA REGIA (Ilmtal-cycling trail). The region around the railway station 

is already equipped with information boards (see picture documentation, image 46). 

Therefore it would be recommendable to check the possibilities in order to include them in 

the plans with respect to the VIA REGIA project. 

In immediate distance to the railway station of Großheringen (2), there can be found an 

information centre providing all the facts about the history of the old mill works and their 

significance for the town and region. Nearby Großheringen, the Ilmtal-cycling trail crosses 

the Saale-cycling trail, in fact, no insignificant location with regard to the bicycle tourism, as 

the connection of the both trails results automatically in an increase of the bicycle tourism. 

For this reason, it´s important to provide as well the railway station of Großheringen or even 

the existing information centre (if possible) with sign-postings regarding the topic VIA 

REGIA. 

The further route of the Ilmtal-cycling trail towards north finds its end in Bad Kösen, Saxony- 

Anhalt. As it has already been been shown in section 1 of this chapter, Bad Kösen 

represents a peculiarity, which is owing to the immediate spatial proximity of the historical 

course of the VIA REGIA, the ecumenical pilgrims´ path and the start/end of the Ilmtalcycling 

trail. These interesting aspects should be factored in, when planning for the 

information sign-posting in the town, resp. the railway station. 

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About 4: Information boards at city limits 

City limits are generally very suitable for the location of information boards. Many towns put 

this into practice by putting up sign boards for trade professionals and information on 

accommodation possibilities or as a whole by putting up a city map which includes the most 

important information (sights, car parks nearby, or also park + ride possibilities). As well for 

the presentation of the theme “VIA REGIA”, the putting-on of sign boards at much 

frequented city limits would be very reasonable. However, in this case the focus should be 

limited to the major cities within the VIA REGIA corridor, which, apart from that, provide as 

well a direct proximity to the VIA REGIA (regarding both, the spatial location and the 

historical/thematic context). In this case, it concerns in particular the city limits of Weimar, 

Erfurt, Gotha, and Eisenach. 

City-focused sign-postings are already available in the following locations and may possibly 

be used. These plans must be discussed with the individual cities, resp. with the persons 

responsible in this matter. 

Weimar 

The following locations have been defined (see picture documentation, image 48, 49): 

Location 1: City limit Weimar (Bundesstraße 85) coming from the direction of Erfurt, nearby 

and direct at the railway station of Berka 

Location 2: Near the city entrance to Weimar (Bundesstraße 7) coming from the direction of 

Umpferstedt nearby the side road to the industrial area Süssenborn. 

1 

Image 22: Map of the region Weimar 

Source: http://maps.google.de/ 

2 

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Erfurt 

The following locations have been defined (see picture documentation, image 50, 51, 52): 

Location 1: City entrance to Erfurt (Bundesstraße 7) coming from the direction of Gotha 

nearby the Park+Ride-area at the trade fair of Erfurt 

Location 2: City entrance to Erfurt (Bundesstraße 7 Weimarische Straße) coming from the 

direction of Weimar in close proximity to the Globus-Market Erfurt Linderbach 

Location 3: In short distance of the city entrance to Erfurt (Bundesstraße 4) coming from the 

direction of Arnstadt, situated at the car park Hubertus 

1 

Image 23: Map of the region Erfurt 


3 

2 

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Gotha 

The following locations have been defined (see picture documentation, image 54, 55): 

Location 1: City entrance to Gotha (Bundesstraße 7) coming from the direction of Erfurt at 

the service station Gotha-Ost, as well as a few hundred metres along the further course 

Location 2: City entrance to Gotha (Bundesstraße 247) coming from the direction motorway 

4, junction Gotha, situated at the barracks of the German armed forces in the commercial 

area Gotha Süd 

Image 24: Map of the region Gotha 


2 

1 

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Eisenach 

The following locations have been defined (see picture documentation, image 56): 

Location 1: City entrance to Eisenach (Bundesstraße 7 Kasseler Straße) coming from the 

direction of the motorway 4, junction Eisenach West 

Location 2: In short distance of the city entrance to Eisenach (Bundesstraße 247) coming 

from the direction of the motorway 4, junction Eisenach-Ost, situated at the large 

roundabout, at the point of intersection with the former course of the motorway 4 

Image 25: Map of the region Eisenach 


1 

There´s no image available for location 2 

2 

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About 5: Sign boards at motor way restaurants 

Putting up information boards at motorway restaurants is definitely reasonable. The service 

areas at the motorway A4 Teufelstal (at the Hermsdorfer Kreuz) and Hörselgau (between 

Erfurt and Eisenach) would be appropriate locations to inform tourists about historical 

backgrounds and the course of the VIA REGIA. Due to the high traffic volume, motorway 

restaurants are generally very suitable for the provision of information about this topic. 

Especially the location Hörselgau stands out with a direct proximity to the project area, 

however, due to the north-south-axis motorway A9, it´s said to be the gateway to Thuringia. 

This is also an important aspect which backs up the idea of putting up information boards at 

this place. Since both service areas with the motorway restaurant serve as a central point of 

interest, the location lends itself to putting up information boards (see picture documentation, 

image 57). 

Both service areas each provide only one location along the motorway A4 in driving direction 

east-west. Thus, only one board would be necessary for each location (see picture 



1. Thuringian Ministry of Economy, Employment and technology 

2. Thuringian Ministry of Construction, Regional Development and Transportation 

3. Administrative units (Regulatory authority) 

4. Regional and local authorities in charge of tourism 

5. Trade professionals 

9 Prospects 

The feasibility study „European city- and culture tourism – Thuringian city cluster as part of 

the European culture street VIA REGIA“ shows potentials and measures regarding the 

tourism marketing of the VIA REGIA along the EDC III development corridor. 

Besides the analysis of tourism, culture and mobility, also the relevant actors of these 

sectors have been involved in the development of the study. Workshops were carried out 

for the reason of defining focal points of marketing, finding practical implementation 

measures, and identifying institutions of the implementation. 

Now, it´s important to put the developed results into practice upon the completion of the 

study. On the one hand, the brand VIA REGIA might be used to further enhance, link, and 

market already existing things, such as city festivals, event series, or city tours, while 

projects like information boards, information leaflets, bicycle tours, audio-guides, and geoinformation 

systems are to be realised on the other hand. 

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In the framework of these implementation projects, the co-operation with the national and 

international partners along the pan-European development corridor should be further 

deepened and an improvement of the know-how transfer should take place, too. 

In doing so, every single project can make a contribution to the network formation and hence 

to the continued integration of the European partner countries and of these located in the 

east of Europe in particular. 

September 2010 

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Feasibility study: „European city and culture tourism – Thuringian ...

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