The locals

So wie sein Gin jetzt in amerikanischen Eichenfässern reift, so reifte vor einigen Jahren der Gedanke bei Matthias Wiegand, seine Arbeit als Chemiker an den Nagel zu hängen und „selbst etwas herzustellen“. Jetzt, einige Jahre später, war es für ihn die absolut richtige Entscheidung. „Auch wenn ich mich immer wieder auf Neuland wage, noch immer fast alles selbst mache - es ist absolut erfüllend“, sagt der Kopf der Wiegand Manufactur nicht ohne Stolz.

Weimar is the home of German Classicism. But it is also so much more than that. Anyone who takes a leisurely stroll through its enchanting old lanes will discover a town full of charm, with secluded spots, friendly people and lovely little shops.

In the small village of Kaatschen, one timber-framed house follows another. The Saale river flows along one side, while on the other the hills are covered in vines. The entrance to the village is a glorious sight as you cross the Saale river on a stone bridge into the district of Grossheringen. This idyllic spot is home to the Zahn winegrowing estate, and behind its wooden gates lies the restaurant with its inviting terrace. Here, vines grow above the heads of the guests to create a natural green roof.

A large mirabelle plum tree stands on the Sonnenberg up above Bad Sulza. That would be reason enough to pause for a moment, sample some of the sweet fruit that has fallen from the tree onto the ground and enjoy the view over the valley below us and of Bad Sulza, the Thuringian spa town with its salt springs. But it’s an entirely different fruit that has lured us up to the Sonnenberg! Because the shell limestone soil of the Sonnenberg, less than an hour’s drive from Weimar, provides perfect growing conditions not only for mirabelles, plums and apples but above all for lots and lots of grapes.

"Italy has grappa, Greece has ouzo, and Thuringia has korn." In keeping with this motto, visitors to Nordhausen cannot help but encounter this ancient local speciality: A grain spirit, or "korn", called Echter Nordhäuser.

Lange Bruecke in Erfurt is home to small independent shops full of charm and character – unique stores that are not part of a big chain and offer a shopping experience with a personal touch. Come and join us as we explore this delightful street and meet the friendly faces behind the shopfronts.

As you pass Rosanna Minelli’s shop on the Merchants’ Bridge, you can spot the long, green plants to which Erfurt owes it rise to prominence in the Middle Ages. Turning these plants into blue dye was hard and rather unpleasant work. The plants had to be ground, formed into balls and dried before being moistened again in the attics of the woad merchants to extract the dye. And not just with water, but with huge amounts of urine for fermentation, which made the city stink.

Admiring impressive architecture, discovering remnants of the Middle Ages, marveling at crafts on the Krämerbrücke: a stroll through Erfurt makes you hungry. ADAC travel expert Heidi has a few tips for the big and small hunger, sweet or hearty.