Things To Do
in Ilmenau

A spiced pork sausaged grilled over charcoal — often served in a roll or with mustard and potato salad; available at local Wurststände or taverns.

Must-Try!

Dense boiled potato dumplings typically served as a side with roast dishes and gravy; offered in traditional guesthouses.

In season (autumn/winter) venison or wild boar appear on menus in regional restaurants, often with red cabbage and dumplings.

Thuringian bakeries sell dense cakes and pastries—perfect for coffee breaks and picnics.

A weekly market where local farmers and vendors sell bread, cheese, sausage, seasonal produce and baked goods—great to sample regional flavors and pick up picnic items.

Look for seasonal street stalls and festivals that offer grilled wurst, roasted chestnuts, and sweet pastries during autumn and the Christmas season.

Germans value punctuality—arrive on time for appointments, tours and public transport departures.

Use formal 'Sie' when addressing people you don't know; wait until invited to use the informal 'du', especially with older locals or in professional settings.

Observe quiet hours (Nachtruhe) typically after 10pm and all day on Sundays for noisy activities; follow strict recycling rules—separate bottles, paper and organic waste.

Stay on marked trails in the Thuringian Forest, don’t disturb wildlife and follow local signs, especially during hunting season or trail restoration.

In restaurants it’s common to round up or leave 5–10% for good service; in cafés and for casual takeaway food rounding up change is fine. Taxi drivers and hotel porters expect small tips for help with bags. You can hand the tip to the server or tell them the total amount you want to pay including the tip.

Cash (Euro) is still widely used, especially in smaller shops and rural areas. Debit cards (Girocard/EC/Maestro) and contactless payments are accepted in many places; credit cards are accepted at larger restaurants, hotels and stores. Mobile payments are available but not universal—carry some cash for markets and smaller vendors.

Warm but rarely hot: expect daytime temperatures typically between the mid-60s and mid-70s °F (18–24 °C). Excellent for hiking, cycling and outdoor cafés; forests provide shade. Pack a light jacket for evenings and be aware of occasional thunderstorms.

Crisp weather and vibrant fall foliage in the Thuringian Forest make this a great photography and hiking season. Temperatures cool progressively; bring layers and waterproofs for wet days. Hunting season affects some trails—watch signage and seasonal closures.

Cold with regular snow at higher elevations—great for cross-country skiing and winter sports nearby (Oberhof). Town conditions are generally manageable but rural trails may be icy; pack warm clothing and traction for boots if hiking.

Variable weather with budding forests and wildflowers; muddy trails are common early in the season so waterproof boots are recommended. Pleasant for quieter hikes before peak summer tourism.

The closest regional airport (around 50–70 km depending on route) with some connections; reach Ilmenau by car, regional train via Erfurt or shuttle/bus services.

Larger airport with more international connections, typically 1.5–2 hour drive to Ilmenau or reachable by regional trains/buses with transfers.

Major international hub about 2.5–3.5 hours by car or train; offers the widest variety of flight connections and frequent rail links into central Germany.

Another option with good connections in southern Germany; reachable by a 2–3 hour drive or combination of trains and buses.

Technische Universität Ilmenau brings a significant number of students, researchers and young professionals, shaping local culture and services.

Long-term residents who work in local industry, public services or commute to nearby cities; family-oriented community with regional traditions.

A noticeable older population enjoys the quieter pace, access to nature and small-town amenities.

Seasonal visitors and nature-focused travelers who use Ilmenau as a base for hiking, cycling and winter sports.

Local and amateur football clubs are popular, with community matches and youth programs.

The broader region, especially Oberhof nearby, is a hub for cross-country skiing and biathlon and draws enthusiasts in winter.

Given the surrounding forest, hiking and trail running are widespread leisure activities among locals and visitors.

TU Ilmenau supports an active student sports program including indoor and outdoor disciplines, boosting local interest in varied recreational sports.

Vegetarian options are widely available in cafés and many restaurants offer salads, vegetarian mains or pasta; request ‘vegetarisch’ and staff will usually offer alternatives. Larger restaurants and cafés in town tend to be more flexible than rural inns.

Vegan choices are increasingly common in university towns—look for vegan-marked dishes or ask for plant-based versions of soups, salads and a few main courses; carry snacks if you plan to hike in remote areas.

Some cafés and restaurants can offer gluten-free bread or dishes on request, but availability is more limited—check with staff and consider packing essentials if you have a strict intolerance.

Staff in Ilmenau are generally helpful—use simple German phrases to explain allergies (e.g., 'Ich habe eine Nussallergie') and double-check ingredients when ordering.