Feasibility study: „European city and culture tourism – Thuringian ...
Feasibility study: „European city and culture tourism – Thuringian ...
Feasibility study: „European city and culture tourism – Thuringian ...
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Final report, VIA REGIA <strong>„European</strong> <strong>city</strong>- <strong>and</strong> <strong>culture</strong> <strong>tourism</strong>“<br />
Stage 1:<br />
Offer component 1: From Eisenach on the long-distance cycling-hiking trail<br />
<strong>Thuringian</strong> <strong>city</strong> cluster to Gotha<br />
Route: Eisenach <strong>–</strong> Wutha/Farnroda <strong>–</strong> Laucha <strong>–</strong> Waltershausen - (Friedrichroda) <strong>–</strong><br />
Hörselgau - Gotha<br />
Distance: approx. 35 km<br />
Use of the long-distance cycling trail <strong>Thuringian</strong> <strong>city</strong> cluster, connection to the<br />
Rennsteig-cycling-hiking trail <strong>and</strong> Werratal-cycling trail<br />
------ ----- One Etappe stage Fahrradroute of Cycling trail Via Regia<br />
----- Historical course VIA REGIA<br />
-------- Historischer Verlauf VIA REGIA<br />
Image 5: Stage from Eisenach to Gotha<br />
Source: http://geo.viaregia.org/pub/index.php?pline=historische%20Via%20Regia; Own Image<br />
Eisenach<br />
Eisenach, situated in the West of Thuringia at the Hörsel <strong>and</strong> the Northern border of the<br />
<strong>Thuringian</strong> Forest, acts as district centre with sub-functions of a regional centre. In the<br />
Middle Ages, Eisenach used to be the residence of the l<strong>and</strong>graves of Thuringia. Eisenach<br />
mainly gained its national popularity through the Wartburg (UNESCO World Heritage), which<br />
is situated above the <strong>city</strong>. The Wartburg has nationwide importance <strong>and</strong> ranks among the<br />
most significant cultural facilities of Germany, which is not only due to the acting of the Saint<br />
Elisabeth of Thuringia (1211-1227) at first, but also because of Martin Luther (1521-1522),<br />
dressed up as “Junker Joerg” while translating the New Testament into German. Despite<br />
these facts, many citizens do not know that the Wartburg is actually situated in Thuringia.<br />
The foundation of the Wartburg is dated to the year 1067. In 1080, this is officially mentioned<br />
for the first time by the Saxon chronicler Bruno von Merseburg. Then, in 1150, the name<br />
“Eisenach” is firstly mentioned in a document, followed by the mention as „l<strong>and</strong>gräfliche<br />
Civitas“ in 1180.<br />
Moreover Eisenach is the birthplace of Johann Sebastian Bach. Eisenach has, besides a<br />
great cultural <strong>and</strong> historical significance, as well a varied function as place for hiking <strong>and</strong><br />
recreation. Situated between two natural areas, the <strong>city</strong>’s vicinity comes up with a great<br />
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