Did you know there was a Thuringian Tuscany? Yup, neither did I until today — which I learned today when I was supposed to be getting to know Bad Sulza. Either way, this “Tuscan” region spreads beyond Thuringia, right into Saxony-Anhalt.
As for Bad Sulza itself, this rural town is actually 10 districts (plus two settlements), and found along the Ilm River. It’s known as both a spa and wine town, found only 15km from Naumburg and 18km from Jena.
Now that you know where you can find Bad Sulza, let’s get back to wine stuff. Seems like a perfect place to have an annual Weinfest (Wine Festival) every August, does it not? Plus there are also quite a number of walking trails along the vineyards. Simply beautiful.
Hiking along said vineyards isn’t the only activity that’ll allow you to enjoy the countryside. Ambitious types can cycle along the Ilmradweg, a 124km bike route that meanders right on through.
Enjoying the great outdoors isn’t limited to just hiking and cycling — there’s an array of activities here in Bad Sulza to keep everyone busy (and happy). It’s your choice if you want to go horseback riding, take a carriage ride, play miniature golf or tennis, go canoeing, or go fishing.
If you choose to go fishing you can get a permit over at the town’s Tourist Information Center, as well as arrange bike rentals.
History lovers aren’t left out of things to see and do either, by the way. You’ll find a memorial to 300 Soviet POWs who died here during World War II, as well as five steles detailing significant events during the Nazi years.
To go back further in history why not start at one of Bad Sulza’s old churches. I think my favorite is the Dorfkirche (Village Church) in Neustedt, but I’m sure you’ll have your own after seeing the ones in Gebstedt and Reisdorf, and the the Church of St. Vitus in Auersedt, the Church of St. Wigbert in Bergsulza, and Johannes Church in Dorfsulza.
Then again, why not learn some history over at the Saline and Local History Museum, housed in an old tavern. Hmm, history within history. Love that idea, just like I love Bad Sulza — don’t you?
