Kölleda – Peppermint Town with a Museum Garden

Kölleda lies on the edge of the Thuringian Basin. The town has a long tradition of growing and processing herbs; because of the historic importance of growing medicinal and culinary plants, it is known far beyond the region as “Peppermint Town.” This heritage finds a tangible expression in the historic museum garden. This gives you several distinct priorities to consider when choosing where to stay: local and industrial history, the garden, the weekly market or arriving by train.

Museums Exploring Local History and Technology

The Kölleda Local History Museum is housed in the former printer’s house. It features a historic collection of stove tiles. The Radio Works Museum offers a different focus, exploring the town’s industrial and technological history.

The Radio Works Museum documents the history of VEB Funkwerk Kölleda, from its beginnings as the Neutro factory in 1945 through to its breakup. It also traces the development of computing and data processing technology, from the calculating machine to the modern computer. The exhibition also includes cameras, typewriters, telephones and radios from several decades. Alongside computing technology, it thus covers photography, office equipment and communications.

The history of broadcasting is a topic in its own right. Here, technological development ranges from crystal radio receivers to hi-fi systems. Together, the collections offer two distinct ways to explore the town: the Local History Museum combines the former printer’s house with historic stove tiles, while the Radio Works Museum presents a broad range of industrial and technological history.

Historic Museum Garden and Herb Tradition

The Local History Museum’s historic garden is laid out in the style of the period around 1800. It is home to numerous medicinal and culinary herbs, historic vegetable varieties and old roses. The planting connects the garden with Kölleda’s long tradition of growing and processing herbs. This gives the name “Peppermint Town” a connection not only to the town’s history but also to the plants on display in the garden.

An orchard meadow adjoins the garden and is used for various events. If an event is the reason for your trip, check the specific date when planning. The garden and meadow add a distinct focus to the museum’s offerings, while the exhibitions at the Local History and Radio Works museums cover historic collections and technological development.

Townscape, Weekly Market and Getting There

St. Wiperti Church, together with the market square and town hall, shapes the townscape of Kölleda. The weekly market is held regularly on Thursdays at the town hall. If you would like to include the market in your travel plans, bear this weekday in mind and check the current date, as market times may change.

Kölleda is served by the Erfurter Bahn’s RB 27, the Peppermint Railway. Check the current timetable before you travel. When looking for a hotel in Kölleda, you can plan your travel dates around whether museums, the historic garden, the weekly market or the train connection is your main priority. Compare specific offers based on your travel dates and personal requirements.

Discover more destinations: Weißensee, Kannawurf, Straußfurt, Großrudestedt, Guthmannshausen, Gebesee, Elxleben an der Gera, Bilzingsleben

For the overview of the wider area: Sömmerda.