It couldn't be more central: Thuringia, right in the middle Germany's is a charming attraction as the cradle of German history. Whether from Hamburg or Munich, holidaymakers can reach the small state in around four and a half hours by car. In Thuringia, travelers encounter cultural and historical memorials everywhere. Luther, Goethe and Schiller left their traces here, but also the former border strip between West and East Germany. Today this forms a unique biotope in the form of the Green Belt. Visiting medieval castles, baroque towns and museums brings history to life. In addition to places of cultural and historical value, the Free State also has unique nature to offer for those who enjoy sports. Thanks to their special features, national parks and biosphere areas are partly UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

These four insider tips are not to be missed.

Time travel through the epochs - from the Middle Ages and Baroque to Bauhaus

The state capital Erfurt, the largest city in Thuringia, retains a charming ambience thanks to its medieval old town centre. The baroque citadel Petersberg is worth seeing as well as the oldest preserved synagogue in Central Europe or the numerous half-timbered houses and town houses. As the longest continuously built and inhabited bridge in Europe, the Krämerbrücke is known as Erfurt's landmark. The Victor's Residenz-Hotel Erfurt is ideally suited as a starting point for city tours in the direction of Altenburg, Gera, Gotha, Jena or Weimar.

Classical Weimar" has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1998, shaped by personalities such as Goethe, Schiller and Bach. With numerous museums and memorials, the city recalls Weimar's outstanding role as an intellectual centre in the late 18th and early 19th centuries. The Bauhaus Museum also reflects the early phase and local foundation of the most important design and art school of the 20th century. A little further east, Jena combines its storied past and charming location on the Saale River with architecturally modern elements. The next stop in an easterly direction is worthwhile in Gera. The former Prussian royal seat is charmingly nestled in a hilly landscape on the banks of the White Elster. As a central starting point for visiting Gera and a comfortable stopover, it is a good idea to stay at the Victor's Residence Hotel Gera To make a stop.

Old walls tell of knights, princesses, poets and reformers

From the Middle Ages to the end of the 19th century, nowhere in Germany were so many castles and palaces built as in Thuringia. They reveal a world full of myths, legends and history. First and foremost is Wartburg Castle, where Luther literally made history when he translated the New Testament here. For over 900 years, the Wartburg has towered over the city of Eisenach.

Near Jena is an ensemble of three castles from different eras, the Dornburg Castles, which are well worth seeing. This was once the summer residence of the Grand Dukes of Saxony-Weimar-Eisenach.

Unique primeval forests, biotopes and treasure troves of biodiversity

Thuringia has a total of eight national parks with different unspoilt landscapes and special features. Three of them alone have been designated World Heritage Sites by UNESCO. In northwest Thuringia, the Eichsfeld-Hainich-Werratal Nature Park combines very different landscapes. The Werra Valley attracts canoeing and kayaking enthusiasts and impresses with its small half-timbered towns and old castles. The primeval beech forest of the Hainich enjoys special protection as a UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site. This primeval forest once covered large parts of Central Europe. As Germany's largest contiguous deciduous forest area, it covers over 130 square kilometres, which are unique in the world and provide a habitat for rare species. With a bit of luck, visitors will also spot one of the shy, reintroduced endangered native wildcats. A wonderful impression of the vastness of the leafy forest is gained by those who take the time to walk the 540-metre-long treetop trail. The tour leads up to a vantage point 40 metres above the canopy.

As far as the feet, the canoe, the wheels and the skis bear

Thuringia offers a wide range of varied activities for all who want to be active in their free time: Hiking, cycling, canoeing. Skiing in summer? Everything is possible! There are 46 hikes alone to follow in Luther's footsteps. The Luther hikes are themed according to the stages of his life and his work. In the middle of the biosphere reserve in the heart of the Thuringian Forest you can explore some of Goethe's places of work. Even in his day, the poet appreciated the peace and seclusion of the region with its dense forests, high moors and flowering mountain meadows.

Fairytale bike tours for families make the hearts of explorers beat faster when it comes to exploring caves, climbing treetops and crossing dragon bridges. Less strenuous but just as original is the water hiking. Whether the Saale, Werra or Unstrut: holidaymakers can discover the winding river courses directly from the water. From a canoe, kayak, rowing boat or rubber dinghy, castles, palaces and monasteries float by.

Picture Credits: Florian Trykowski, Thuringia Tourism, Thomas Müller, Joachim Negwer, Gregor Lengler