Stützerbach: Goethe, Glass and the AtemWeg

The Goethe House and technical glass

Johann Wolfgang von Goethe visited Stützerbach thirteen times from 1776 onward. During these stays, he lived in the Gundelach House, now the Goethe House Stützerbach Museum. Goethe’s connection to the town is therefore tied to a specific house: it is part of the story of his stays in Stützerbach.

The museum also offers a look at the town’s industrial history. The manufacture and processing of glass have had a major influence on Stützerbach. The ground floor of the Goethe House Stützerbach Museum houses an exhibition on the history of technical glass in Stützerbach. Goethe’s visits and an important chapter in the history of glass thus come together in the same museum.

Another highlight of the town’s technological history is the first X-ray tube, which was developed and first tested in Stützerbach. Together with the history of glass, this offers an additional perspective on the town’s technological themes.

Breathing and the Biosphere Reserve

At eleven stations along the AtemWeg, visitors are introduced to exercises to strengthen lung and heart function, as well as breathing techniques, relaxation through breathing and breathing meditation. The content ranges from strengthening exercises and breathing techniques to meditation. This offers a different perspective from the museum and technology themes and provides another point of reference for your plans. When weighing up your interests, you can consider cultural history, technological developments and breathing practices side by side.

More themes in the wider Ilmenau destination

In the wider Ilmenau destination, the 20-kilometre Goethewanderweg links sites associated with Goethe’s work from Ilmenau to Stützerbach. The Goethe House represents Goethe’s stays in Stützerbach; the trail offers another perspective on the sites associated with his work along the route connecting the two towns.

Kickelhahn, Ilmenau’s local mountain, is 861 metres high. Its 21-metre observation tower is one of the town’s landmarks. Mountain bikers can enjoy three different trails at the Lindenberg Trail Park. Check the latest local information before setting off.

Winter trails are also among Ilmenau’s attractions: numerous ski and winter hiking trails run from Ilmenau to the Rennsteig and from Auerhahn to Kickelhahn. Snow and trail conditions may vary, so check current availability if you plan to use these routes.

Which focus suits your trip?

When looking for a holiday apartment in Stützerbach, the kind of stay you want can make all the difference. The Goethe House, glass exhibition and history of the X-ray tube represent cultural and technological history; the AtemWeg and the Biosphere Reserve zone offer different thematic focuses. If you are weighing up different interests, this comparison can help you choose Stützerbach as a holiday destination based on the experiences that matter most to you.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Großbreitenbach, Geraberg, Gräfenroda, Großliebringen, Wipfratal, Kirchheim, Stadtilm, Schmiedefeld Am Rennsteig.

Back to the wider travel overview: Ilm-Kreis.