Kölleda: Peppermint Tradition and the History of Technology

On the edge of the Thuringian Basin lies Kölleda, known as the “Peppermint City.” The cultivation of medicinal and culinary herbs has a long tradition here, as does herb processing. You can explore this heritage in the historic museum garden, which gives the town its own distinctive character. There are also two different ways to discover its history: the local history museum in the former book printer’s house and the radio technology museum, with its focus on the history of technology. When planning your trip, you can choose Kölleda as your base and focus on these museums, the garden, and the townscape.

Museum Garden and Local History

Kölleda Local History Museum is located in the former book printer’s house. Among other things, you can see a historic collection of stove tiles. The historic museum garden is also part of the local history museum: It was laid out in the style of the period around 1800 and brings together numerous medicinal and culinary herbs, historic vegetable varieties, and old roses. The plants are not presented in isolation; instead, they grow in a garden whose design is inspired by an earlier era.

An orchard meadow adjoins the museum garden and is used for various events. In addition to the collections and plants, events are another aspect of the site. The garden and museum offer different ways to explore Kölleda: the town’s herbal and gardening traditions on the one hand, and its local history and collection items on the other.

From the Neutro Works to Radio Technology

The Kölleda Radio Technology Museum documents the history of VEB Funkwerk Kölleda, from its beginnings as the Neutro Works in 1945 to its breakup. A separate historical thread traces developments from the calculating machine to the modern computer, showing the history of computing and data-processing technology. The museum thus brings together early and modern stages in the development of computers.

Other exhibits spanning several decades include cameras, typewriters, telephones, and radio receivers. The history of broadcasting is also a theme: technological development ranges from crystal radio receivers to hi-fi systems. Audible details include interval signals from various radio stations. The collection therefore spans everyday devices as well as technology that helps make the evolution of broadcasting and data processing easier to understand.

Market, Townscape, and Getting There

St. Wiperti’s Church, together with the market square and town hall, shapes the townscape. The weekly market is held regularly on Thursdays at the town hall. If you’d like to include it in your plans, check the date before your visit, as market times may change.

Kölleda is served by Erfurter Bahn’s RB 27, the Peppermint Railway. Check the timetable before setting out. Search specifically for accommodation in Kölleda if you want these attractions to be the focus of your stay.

More to Explore in the Broader Sömmerda Destination

In the broader Sömmerda destination, the Historical and Technical Museum in Sömmerda offers a distinct focus. It presents the city’s 200-year industrial development, from the founding of the Dreysesche Gewehrfabrik (Dreyse Rifle Factory), through Rheinmetall’s production sites, to the office machine factory in the former GDR. By comparison, the Radio Technology Museum in Kölleda focuses on the history of VEB Funkwerk and on computing, data processing, and broadcasting technology.

Sömmerda also offers a distinct perspective through its architectural history. According to chronicle accounts, the Erfurter Gate was built in 1395 as an entrance to the town, as part of the existing fortifications. It was one of the first of five town gates in the town wall, which was expanded from 1589 onward. Thanks to ongoing restoration and renovation, the historic town wall is well preserved.

If you’re also considering a longer hiking option, the broader Sömmerda destination includes the 91.7-kilometre Finne Hiking Trail, a long-distance trail in Central Germany. A section can also be walked as a circular trail in the Rastenberg area. This offers a choice of different focuses: Kölleda’s museums and herbal history, as well as cultural and hiking experiences elsewhere in the Sömmerda destination.

Discover More Destinations

Discover more destinations: Kannawurf, Straußfurt, Sömmerda, Elxleben an der Gera, Bilzingsleben, Kindelbrück, Rastenberg, Markvippach.

Go to the overview of the broader destination: Sömmerda.