The Goethe and University City Ilmenau - Seat of the TU Ilmenau

Stephan Fischer
International Student Advisory
+49 3677 69-2023
Building M, 1 Helmholtzring, room 507a
98693 Ilmenau
online info session (Thu 3 - 4 pm)
The Goethe and university town of Ilmenau, picturesquely situated in the Thuringian Forest and the biosphere reserve, offers a unique environment for nature and culture lovers. Here, technical knowledge and a wide range of leisure activities come together in a particularly harmonious way.
The numerous concerts and festivals featuring a wide variety of musical genres are an integral part of city life. Annual highlights include the pottery market, the Old Town Festival, the Kickelhahn Festival, and the Christmas markets, which offer a wealth of music, creativity, and culture. Other important events include concerts in the Festhalle, student music and film festivals, and the Ilmenau Jazz Days, which bring together music lovers from all over Germany. Another special cultural highlight is the Goethefestwoche, which is held in honor of the world-famous poet and philosopher Johann Wolfgang von Goethe. An additional highlight is the Spencer Hill Festival, which is dedicated entirely to the world of Bud Spencer and Terence Hill.
Those interested in the history of the city will find what they are looking for in the three Goethe museums. Here you can discover the interplay between Ilmenau and Goethe and learn more about the poet's time in this region.
Ilmenau also has a lot to offer in terms of sports. In the winter months, the ice rink in the city center attracts visitors for ice skating, and there are numerous opportunities for skiing and sledding. In the warmer months, the Thuringian Forest in particular offers numerous opportunities to explore the surrounding area on foot or by bike. For adrenaline junkies, there is a mountain bike trail park on the Lindenberg with exciting challenges. Sporting events such as the Gabelbachbergrennen race round off the wide range of leisure activities on offer.
If you want to relax, stroll, shop, or linger over a good cup of coffee, the downtown promenade is the place to be. Here, numerous cafés, restaurants, and culinary delights invite you to linger.
With its proximity to the state capital Erfurt and excellent train connections, Ilmenau is not only an attractive place to study, but also ideal for active and varied leisure activities.
Further information can be found at www.ilmenau.de