Meiningen Travel Guide

Trek Zone

Town

Facts and practical information

Nestled in the heart of the picturesque Thuringia region in Germany, the charming town of Meiningen is a hidden gem waiting to be discovered. Steeped in history and surrounded by beautiful landscapes, this enchanting destination offers a unique blend of cultural attractions and natural wonders.

Meiningen is renowned for its rich architectural heritage, with stunning buildings that showcase a variety of styles from different eras. The imposing Elisabethenburg Palace, a masterpiece of Baroque architecture, dominates the town's skyline and offers a glimpse into the opulent lifestyle of Thuringian nobility. Visitors can explore the palace's lavish rooms and admire the exquisite craftsmanship that went into creating this architectural marvel.

Beyond its architectural wonders, Meiningen boasts a vibrant cultural scene. The Meiningen Theater, one of Germany's oldest court theaters, is a must-visit for theater enthusiasts. With its opulent interiors and a program that ranges from classic plays to contemporary productions, the theater promises an unforgettable experience for audiences of all ages.

Nature lovers will also find Meiningen to be a paradise, with its proximity to the stunning Thuringian Forest. Outdoor enthusiasts can embark on scenic hikes or cycling tours through the forest's lush trails, taking in breathtaking vistas and immersing themselves in the serenity of nature. The nearby Werra River offers opportunities for boating and fishing, allowing visitors to unwind in the tranquility of the water.

Meiningen is also a town with a vibrant culinary scene, offering a range of traditional German cuisine as well as international flavors. Local restaurants and cafes serve up delicious dishes made with fresh, locally sourced ingredients, providing a true taste of Thuringian gastronomy.

Alternative names: Population: 24.2 thous. (2019)Area: 22.96 mi²Elevation: 961 ft a.s.l.Coordinates: 50°34'8"N, 10°24'55"E

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ThuringiaGermany

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Meiningen Top Attractions

Meiningen Attractions - What to See and Explore

Meiningen offers many attractions and places to visit. Here are the most important ones: Meininger Staatstheater, Elisabethenburg Palace, Meiningen Steam Locomotive Works, Schloss Landsberg. Below you will find a complete list of places worth visiting.

Concerts and shows • Theater
Meininger Staatstheater
The Meiningen Theatre, now called the Meininger Staatstheater, is a four-division theater in the Thuringian town of Meiningen. The theatre offers music theatre, drama, concerts and puppet theatre.
Museum • History museum • Baroque architecture
Elisabethenburg Palace
Elisabethenburg Palace is a Baroque palace located on the northwestern edge of Meiningen in Germany. Until 1918 it was the residence of the Dukes of Saxe-Meiningen.
Museum
Meiningen Steam Locomotive Works
The Meiningen Steam Locomotive Works is a railway repair shop in Meiningen, Germany. It is owned by Deutsche Bahn and has specialised in the maintenance of museum steam locomotives since 1990, having extensive experience in maintaining steam engines.

Forts and castles
Schloss Landsberg
Landsberg Castle in Meiningen is a former pleasure palace of the Dukes of Saxe-Meiningen and housed a romantic first-class hotel until December 2013.
50°34'39"N • 10°25'13"E
Amtsgericht Meiningen
Amtsgericht Meiningen is the District Court of Meiningen and one of 23 district courts in Thuringia, Germany. It has 23 judges and 40 employees in mid-service, 19 employees in the elevated service and seven bailiffs.
50°33'54"N • 10°25'29"E
Wasserhochbehälter
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Memorial
Gedenkstein Fritz Scherer
Fritz Scherer was an anarchist migrant worker and bookbinder.
50°34'55"N • 10°25'15"E
Dampflok Erlebniswelt
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Hiking • Alpine hut
Bakuninhütte
The Bakunin Hut is a cultural monument of anarcho-syndicalism near Meiningen on the 498 meter high mountain Hohe Maas. Named after Mikhail Bakunin, a Russian revolutionary, anarchist and opponent of Karl Marx, the hut was built from 1926 by the...

Day trips

Meiningen – popular in the area (distance from the center)

In the vicinity of Meiningen, it's worth seeing attractions such as: Bachhaus (Eisenach), Wartburg, Veste Coburg (Coburg).

28 milesN
Museum, Greek Revival architecture
Bachhaus, Eisenach
Nestled in the heart of Eisenach, Germany, the Bachhaus stands as a tribute to one of the world's most renowned classical composers, Johann Sebastian Bach. This historic museum, dedicated to Bach's life and work, is a must-visit destination for music lovers and history...
27 milesN
Square-towered stone castle with museum
Wartburg
Perched atop a precipitous rock in the Thuringian Forest, Wartburg Castle is a monumental testament to German history and culture. This well-preserved medieval palace, located near the town of Eisenach, Germany, has been a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1999.
33 milesSE
Medieval palace with art and glass museums
Veste Coburg, Coburg
Perched atop a hill overlooking the town of Coburg, Veste Coburg is a historical landmark that encapsulates centuries of German history. Known affectionately as the "Crown of Franconia," this formidable fortress is one of the largest and best-preserved medieval...
29 milesN
Museum, Specialty museum
Automobile Welt, Eisenach
Automobile Welt Eisenach is a museum that celebrates the rich automotive history of Eisenach, a city located in Thuringia, Germany. This museum is a treasure trove for car enthusiasts and history buffs alike, offering a glimpse into the evolution of the automobile...
24 milesNW
Military museum, Museum
Point Alpha, Geisa
Point Alpha, located near the small town of Geisa in Germany, is a site steeped in the history of the Cold War. This former U.S. Army observation post played a critical role as a surveillance point along the border between East and West Germany.