From history to high-tech: Jena

Jena offers a fascinating combination of industrial and intellectual heritage, of science, innovation and commerce, of a beautiful old quarter and vibrant academic life. A perfect setting for great festivals, for music and theatre – and for deep discussions in one of the old student bars that may just be inspired to reach new heights with the help of some strong spirits.

Literary greats, students and the seven wonders
Jena's appearance is shaped by its many architectural monuments, many of them associated with famous names. The surrounding countryside alone is reason enough for a visit to the town. Jena is tucked away in the almost mediterranean Saale valley, ringed by steep limestone cliffs and criss-crossed by romantic cycling and walking routes. Goethe himself enjoyed travelling in this area, albeit not by bike, and he returned many times over a period of nearly five years. Friedrich Schiller lived in Jena for twice that time. His summer house on Schillergässchen is a magnet for literature buffs – Schiller had his most productive period here and the oval stone table where he often sat with Goethe remains in the garden to this day. Then as now, the well-kept streets of the old quarter were the centre of social, student and literary life. Nowadays there are also trendy cafés, excellent restaurants and some delightful shops. Some of the 'seven wonders' of Jena can also be seen here, like the ornamental astronomical clock on the town hall and the Draco, which dates from around 1600, a terrifying dragon with seven heads thought to represent a board of examiners at the university.

Innovation and industry: the other face of Jena

Light, glass and optics: thanks to the 'big three' – Carl Zeiss, Ernst Abbe and Otto Schott – Jena evolved into an industrial city during the second half of the 19th century. Their collaboration produced the Zeiss factory and Schott Glas, both famous around the world. Research and business made Jena a centre of science and learning, another mainstay of the town's success. One legacy of its different traditions rooted in culture and commerce is a remarkable variety of museums. And in addition to the technological, natural history, literature and art historical museums Jena also offers some fine modern entertainment. The annual Cultural Arena festival attracts international stars to the town, and Jena's theatre, the Jena Art Association and the philharmonic orchestra are all first rate. But then, so is the entire town.