Gera Germany - A Small Town With a Big Heart

Gera is a charming town with an intriguing past. After World War II, bombings transformed it into something entirely new, one filled with resilience and resilience. Experience one of Germany's most captivating cities, with a bustling cultural scene and captivating tales from history. Begin your tour at the town hall, with its iconic Samson fountain at its center.

The Marienkirche

The Marienkirche is the most iconic cathedral and emblematic symbol of German Protestant faith. Constructed between 1717-1720 by Saxon architect David Schatz, it replaced a 14th-century chapel. The church boasts an imposing altarpiece designed by Jacob von Ultrecht in the late 18th century. It is considered one of the world's finest examples of Gothic-Renaissance design. Gera's most beloved attraction is its Baroque orangery, built by Count Heinrich XXV of Reuss-Gera in the 1720s. Inside, there are many works of art to admire, including paintings by Otto Dix.

In Gera, there is a museum honoring the artist who was born there in 1891. Housed within an iconic listed building that once belonged to Dix's family, it offers visitors an insight into her life and work. Gera, located in East Thuringia's Hill Country along the White Elster River valley. It is the third-largest city and most east of six major cities that form the Thuringer Stadtkette, it stretches from Eisenach in the west to Leipzig in the east.

The Mohrenplatz

Gera boasts an incredible architectural heritage. Visitors to the historic center will be able to witness some of the finest examples of Grunderzeit architecture, particularly at the town hall (Rathaus). Mohrenplatz is a large square in Gera's center that houses both Otto Dix House – the birthplace of the well-known painter Otto Dix – and an impressive Late Gothic Church from the 15th century built over an older Romanesque church. Surrounding this historic area are beautiful historic houses with mansard roofs.

Another impressive building to visit is Gera's town hall, whose tower can be climbed for stunning views over the city. There's also a small exhibition about its former resident: the Turmer (or watchman). Gera's green spaces are truly spectacular, particularly the Hofwiesenpark. This 30-hectare park separating Gera's city center from Untermhaus area features lush meadows, tall shady trees and public art installations. Additionally, there are facilities like a café, mini-golf course and outdoor performance stage for added enjoyment.

The Nicolaiberg has stunning views

Gera is an idyllic city in Thuringia, filled with historic sights to discover. It makes for a great base for traveling throughout Germany due to its convenient train connections throughout the region. The Nicolaiberg is one of Gera's major attractions and provides a stunning view over the town centre. It's also an idyllic spot to sit back and people watch. Another must-visit in Gera is Mohrenplatz, an historic market square lined with fine buildings and boasting a grand Simson fountain.

Additionally, you'll find the Rathaus town hall right in the middle of the marketplace. This historic building boasts an intriguing tower and should definitely be explored. The museum at Nicolaiberg boasts one of the largest collections of Otto Dix art existing. Here, you can learn all about his life and career as an incredible painter!

The House Schulenburg

Gera boasts many stunning old buildings, but none quite compare to the House Schulenburg. A former mansion that has been lovingly restored by its current owners. Henry van der Velde designed this beautiful house as an example of Art Nouveau architecture, and its interior is equally impressive. Architecture enthusiasts should make a stop at the Schulenburg family home while in Gera. Formerly an iconic textile manufacturer, their house has now been turned into a museum.

Experience this stunning garden through a guided tour and be amazed at what it looked like before the fires! In the garden, you'll find a statue of Richard Engelmann and an array of vibrant dahlia plants. The Stadtwald Zoo, situated within the City Forest, houses 500 animals, including Barbary monkeys and Chinese leopards. Additionally, there are adventure playgrounds and a miniature railway that runs through the forest for added fun!

The Orangerie

Since 1972, the Orangerie has housed Gera Art Collection. The upper gallery showcases a grand playable organ from 1903 and its delicate pulpit and stairway have been lovingly restored in Art Nouveau style. In the market square in the centre of town, there is a Baroque fountain originally carved in 1686 that was restored after storm damage in 1932. Additionally, this square houses the municipal pharmacy, dating back to the turn of the 17th century.

Gera's natural history museum, housed in the Schreibersche Haus, a Baroque mansion built by a textile merchant in the 1680s, is another major draw. Upstairs are historic cabinets featuring specimens of plant and animal life from Gera and East Thuringia. The city zoo in City Forest is home to 500 animals, including Barbary monkeys and Chinese leopards. Young visitors can ride on the miniature railway or enjoy adventure playgrounds. The Baby Goat Bar is a beloved drinking spot with an intriguing history, after one night when a bartender made up a tale about finding a baby goat in the bar, they decided to make it happen! Nowadays, the bar offers guests a relaxing atmosphere to unwind and enjoy some craft beers.

The Beer Cellars are a highlight

One of the highlights of visiting Gera is sampling its delectable cuisine. There are over 300 breweries within reach, many family-run. Plus, Gera boasts some of the world's top beer gardens, where visitors can sip on a cold stein while taking in beautiful summer rays. For something less formal and more laid-back, why not explore the underground cellars that used to store and ferment beer before refrigeration was invented. 

These still stand today and are a must-visit for any serious beer connoisseur! There are also some modern-day versions of traditional cave-like spaces, with restaurants serving up a glass of booze and a menu to match. Whether you're desiring a light lager or an indulgent smoky hot weisswurst, these are definitely worth trying.

The Botanical Garden

Gera's Botanical Garden offers an idyllic spot to take a leisurely walk and appreciate nature. Their expansive plant world is truly unique to this location, boasting around 300 distinct species. Visitors of all ages are invited to explore the tower house built in 1864, as well as two springs located within the garden. This tranquil oasis offers a peaceful haven for everyone to relax.

For those seeking some activity while exploring Gera, there are plenty of hiking opportunities. One particularly picturesque trail leads from the marketplace up Lutherlinde and then past “Dyer tower”. This baroque building has served a variety of functions over the years, such as a military hospital, stables, gym, café and more. Today it houses the city's art collection, featuring works by artists like Tintoretto, Rembrandt, and Lucas Cranach the Elder.

Historical Facts

Gera is a small city located in East Thuringia, Germany. It was first mentioned in 995 and developed into an important trading center during the 13th century. In medieval times, the Reuss dynasty ruled Gera. In 1673, they were elevated to Imperial Counts and made Gera their royal residence. After the Saxon Fratricidal War, Gera was almost destroyed but began to recover quickly due to its textile manufacturing industry. With the Industrial Revolution sweeping through Germany in the 19th century, Gera became one of its largest towns, especially in terms of population size.

This City offers a wealth of attractions, from several retained buildings from the regal epoque to public and private buildings from Gera's economic heyday between 1870 and 1930. Additionally, there's an engaging natural history museum featuring exhibits on plant and animal species native to Gera and East Thuringia as well as historic natural history cabinets featuring rare finds from Ronneburg nearby. In addition to an impressive photo and graphic collection, there are also beautifully presented artefacts from all eras. The museum is situated within the remnants of an old hospital used by Soviet soldiers after World War Two until 1991, housed within its former Soviet military quarters.