Discover Stadtilm

Stadtilm lies in the Ilm Valley, on the eastern foothills of the Thuringian Forest. The town brings together a large market square, historic works of art and architecture, as well as trails and recreational activities. If you are looking for a hotel in Stadtilm, these different themes can help structure your travel plans: you can focus on the town and its monuments, or include nature and cycling in the Ilm Valley.

Market Square and St. Mary’s Church

Stadtilm’s Market Square covers about 10,170 m² and is considered the largest market square in Thuringia. The square is home to the Methfessel Monument, an obelisk dedicated to the composer Albert Methfessel, who was born in Stadtilm. The Eckoldt Fountain is also located there; it was reinstalled in 2008 and stands in the southern half of the square. The obelisk’s dedication and the fountain’s reinstallation offer two different ways to appreciate the square: a figure from music history and a specific date in its more recent history.

The tower vault of St. Mary’s Church contains remnants of Late Romanesque wall paintings that have been designated a monument of national importance. E-bikes can be charged at a charging station on Market Square. If you plan to use it, check locally in advance whether the station will be operational on the day of your trip.

Nature and recreational activities

The approximately 1 km-long nature trail on Buchberg passes information boards about native animal species and trees, as well as activity features. These include a climbing net, a long-jump pit, and a musical sound installation. If you are interested in native wildlife and plant life, you will find information boards along the trail; the activity features offer a different focus. Its approximate length and various stops can help you decide how to fit the trail into your day’s plans.

Stadtilm outdoor swimming pool has a snack bar, a children’s playground, and sunbathing areas. If these facilities are important to your travel plans, check the latest local information before your visit.

Cycling routes in Ilm County

In Ilm County, the Ilm Cycle Route offers opportunities to explore the Ilm Valley by bike. The Ilmtal Cycle Route is 123 km long, has been awarded four stars, and runs for 45 km through Ilm County. Its regional scale is therefore quite different from that of the approximately 1 km-long nature trail on Buchberg: the trail passes information boards and activity features, while the cycle route offers a longer distance to choose from.

Another regional route is the Ilm-Rennsteig Cycle Route. It follows a former railway line from Ilmenau to Großbreitenbach or Neustadt am Rennsteig and connects the Ilmtal Cycle Route with the Rennsteig Cycle Route. The route is almost entirely paved and signposted as a bicycle street. Its route, connections, and surface offer different points of reference from the length and stops along the Buchberg trail.

Culture in Ilm County

There are also distinct cultural attractions in Ilm County beyond the local sights. The baroque doll town “Mon plaisir” is located in the New Palace in Arnstadt. In Großbreitenbach, the Thuringian Forest Creative Museum includes the 1st German Dumpling Press Museum. These regional attractions offer a broader perspective on the area around Stadtilm, without being confused with the monuments on Market Square or the wall paintings in St. Mary’s Church.

Discover more destinations: Möhrenbach, Wolfsberg, Kirchheim, Bösleben-Wüllersleben, Großbreitenbach, Ilmtal, Wachsenburggemeinde, Geraberg.

Go to the regional travel overview: Ilm County.