Discover Ohrdruf

Ohrdruf brings together Bach’s early years with traces of craftsmanship, church music and nature experiences. The permanent exhibition at Museum Schloss Ehrenstein is devoted to Johann Sebastian Bach’s childhood and youth in Ohrdruf from 1695 to 1700. Bach spent five formative years here with his older brother, Johann Christoph Bach. Both the Ohrdrufer Bachtage and the Bach-Rad-Erlebnisroute build on this connection—cultural history and active exploration are therefore part of a shared travel experience here.

Bach, churches and remarkable stories

The Ohrdrufer Bachtage have been held every two years since their first edition in June 2010. The programme includes concerts, talks and music projects. If you would like to plan a trip around a particular edition, check its dates in advance. St. Trinitatiskirche also tells a story of musical history: the organ built there by Georg Franz Ratzmann in 1814 is still in place and continues to be played today.

A striking feature of Ohrdruf’s visitor attractions is the tower of St. Michaeliskirche. It was rebuilt in 1998/99 and is now considered a highlight of what Ohrdruf has to offer. The tower houses a small chapel and an exhibition about its history. Another story lies behind the Kewpies: they were originally made in Ohrdruf and set out from here on their international success as good-luck charms.

Just outside Ohrdruf lies Siechhofskirche. The altarpiece from the former palace chapel at Schloss Ehrenstein is still housed there. Tobiashammer adds a chapter of industrial history: it was built around 1480 as an iron, wire and sickle hammer mill. Around Ohrdruf, you will encounter a range of different facets—from music and religious history to craftsmanship and industrial production.

Explore on foot and by bike

For a longer hike, the 12-kilometre Naturpark-Weg Walter Schütz starts at the Naturpark-Tor Ohrdruf. The route includes around 284 metres of elevation gain. Naturpark-Tor is a designated starting point for tours in the Thuringian Forest Nature Park. Check the conditions for your chosen route before setting out so your plans suit your hiking day.

Cycling routes also offer a different perspective on the region. The Drei-Städte-Tour passes through Ohrdruf and uses cycle paths on some sections; one part follows the Bach-Rad-Erlebnisroute. This lets you discover the connection to Bach through its cultural links as well as on a cycling tour. Check the latest route conditions before setting off.

Plan your journey and accommodation in Ohrdruf

Ohrdruf can be reached by bus route 860, via the Suhler Straße or Tobiashammer stops. In Gotha, you can connect to the railway. If you plan to travel by public transport, check the latest timetable before departure.

This lets you tailor your search to your travel interests. Ohrdruf brings these themes together in one destination; you can decide which places and activities to prioritise according to your own travel plans.

Discover more destinations: Neudietendorf, Gotha, Tonna, Emsetal, Emleben, Tabarz, Mühlberg, Friedrichswerth

Back to the higher-level travel overview: Gotha.