Auerstedt: Museums, Battle History and Cycling Routes

Auerstedt brings together memories of the 1806 battle, an unusual museum world, a structure made of willow rods and several cycling routes. Those who enjoy discovering cultural history in its original setting and spending time outdoors will find various ways to shape their stay: from a museum visit by prior arrangement to historic memorial sites and cycling tours.

Museums between village life and a carriage collection

Auerstedt’s museums offer a glimpse into the village’s history. The local history museum in the palace covers the 1806 twin battles of Jena and Auerstedt, village life and Thuringian customs. Opposite is the Carriage Museum, with 17 historic carriages from the collection of the Klassik Stiftung Weimar. These include the wedding carriage of Grand Duchess Maria Pavlovna. The two museums have different focuses: local history and customs on one side, historic vehicles—including a special carriage—on the other. The museums are currently open to visitors by prior arrangement only, so please arrange your visit in advance.

Memorial sites commemorating the 1806 battle

The history is also tangible in the village itself. A sandstone plaque on the estate building commemorates the Battle of Auerstedt on 14 October 1806. Three linden trees stand on a hill; there used to be four. During the battle, the estate building served as the Prussian headquarters. The plaque, trees and building each tell a different part of the same story. This offers a different experience from a museum visit: rather than exhibits, you encounter memorials at the places with which historical accounts associate them.

A round structure made of willow rods and the Maloca

The Auerworldpalast has stood in Auerstedt since 1998: a sturdy, circular structure made from local willow rods, measuring 25 metres in diameter. It serves as a nature-oriented, multifunctional venue for events and communication. Full moon festivals are held there during the summer months. The Maloca offers a different architectural accent: this modern wooden building is designed in a South American style. Both places broaden the architectural picture beyond historic buildings, while retaining their distinct character.

Festivals with fixed dates throughout the year

Annual festivals and traditions in Auerstedt include the Bakehouse Festival on the first Saturday in January, the raising of the maypole on 30 April and the village fair on the weekend after 14 June. Later in the summer comes the Auerworld Festival on the last weekend in July; in autumn, Oktoberfest takes place on the first weekend in October and Halloween is celebrated on 30 October. These dates span winter to autumn and offer different possible reasons to plan a trip. Check the dates with the organisers before planning your trip around them.

Cycling routes and trails in the wider region

Auerstedt lies directly on the Saale-Unstrut-Elster Cycling Loop and is directly connected to both the Saale Cycle Route and the Ilmtal Cycle Route. The routes offer cycling tours through picturesque countryside. Several named cycling routes are therefore available; check current route conditions before setting off. A separate destination in the wider region, the Napoleon Hiking Trail connects the sites and battlefields of the twin battles of Jena and Auerstedt. It uses tourist walking trails, cycling paths and a route for motorists.

Bad Sulza: a distinct profile within the wider travel destination

Bad Sulza is also part of the wider travel destination and has its own cultural and landscape attractions. Goethe Garden House 2 there is an exact copy of Goethe’s garden house in Weimar; St. Mauritius Church originated as an 11th-century chapel dedicated to Saint Mauritius. Bad Sulza lies in the Ilm Valley, with gentle hills rising along its sides, some planted with vines. The Ilmtal Cycle Route runs through Bad Sulza’s spa park and past the Tourist Information Office. The signposted network of hiking trails has two starting points: at the Tourist Information Office and at the Thuringian Wine Gate.

Your choice of destination can therefore depend on the experiences you would like to discover during your stay.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Apolda, Schwerstedt, Bad Sulza, Hohenfelden, Niederzimmern, Niedergrunstedt, Kleinobringen, Ettersburg.

Back to the overview of the wider travel destination: Weimarer Land.