Two people are sitting in a vineyard on the banks of the Lahn River in Wetzlar, looking at the river.

Explore Wetzlar

From culture to nature: Immerse yourself in the heart of the Lahn Valley and discover the most beautiful places in Wetzlar.

Whether in the picturesque Old Town, along the banks of the River Lahn, following in Goethe’s footsteps, exploring one of the many hiking trails or discovering the fascinating Leica World – Wetzlar combines history and modernity in a truly impressive way. Discover medieval squares, elegant Baroque buildings, the more than 700-year-old stone bridge and, of course, the impressive cathedral, which was built over centuries but was never fully completed. With a brilliant idea, Oskar Barnack created the first 35 mm camera in Wetzlar, revolutionising photography. Unique in Germany is the Optics Trail, which winds its way through the city centre.

Why wander into the distance? See, happiness lies so close at hand. Learn only to seize it, happiness is always there. Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

Admire Wetzlar

The Old Town with Wetzlar Cathedral is one of the most beautiful and popular excursion destinations in the region. Wander through its winding lanes, immerse yourself in the city’s fascinating history and savour memorable moments in its many authentic cafés and restaurants. The best way to get to know Wetzlar is on a guided city tour. Especially popular are the costumed tours centred around Goethe and his summer in Wetzlar.

Two people toast each other with wine glasses on the banks of the Lahn river.

Enjoy Something Unique

Wetzlar also delights visitors with an excellent selection of riverside beer gardens along the Lahn – the perfect place for a relaxing break during your city tour. And at Leica World in Leitz-Park, located just a short distance from the Ernst Leitz Hotel, you can discover the history, masterpieces and engineering excellence of this iconic brand – with discounted admission as a hotel guest.

Cultural Inspiration for You

Goethe Memorial Sites

Lottehaus and Jerusalemhaus are two literary memorial sites in the city of Wetzlar, closely associated with Goethe. They commemorate Johann Wolfgang von Goethe’s stay in the summer of 1772 and form the real-life foundation for his world-famous epistolary novel The Sorrows of Young Werther. More information.

Imperial Chamber Court Museum

Discover why Wetzlar was home to Germany’s highest court, the Imperial Chamber Court, from 1689 to 1806 at the museum of the same name. It was here that Goethe signed the register of legal interns on 25 May 1772.

Palais Papius

The Lemmers-Danforth Collection at Palais Papius is renowned nationally and internationally as a collection of European Renaissance and Baroque domestic culture. Alongside its impressive collection of furniture and grandfather clocks, it also features pewter, glass and enamel works, as well as other carefully selected pieces.

Dunkelkaufhaus

At the Dunkelkaufhaus in Wetzlar, there is nothing to see! That’s because this unique attraction is in complete darkness. Under the motto “feel, smell, experiment, taste”, you will discover what it would be like to experience the world without sight. In addition to guided tours, wine tastings and three-course dinners can also be booked.

The Wetzlar Tourist Information Office has compiled even more sights and excursion tips. Browse here.

Activity Ideas for You

Wonderful Trails in Wetzlar

The Wetzlar Goethe Trail follows in the footsteps of its famous namesake; the Wetzlar Comfort Trail Kirschenwäldchen features seven interactive experience stations; and the Wetzlar Three Towers Trail is ideal for ambitious hikers with an interest in cultural treasures and nature.

Wetzlar Photography Trail

A highlight for photography enthusiasts! The approximately 8-kilometre Wetzlar Photography Trail connects Leitz-Park with Wetzlar’s Old Town. Start directly at the Ernst Leitz Hotel, visit Leica World and the Ernst Leitz Museum, then continue to the Old Town, where you will discover inspiring motifs to recreate with your own camera.

Green Belt Trail in the Old Town

Wetzlar’s Old Town is surrounded by numerous green spaces, including Colchester Park, Rosengärtchen, Siena Promenade and Avignon Park. They extend along the former city wall, and the approximately 2-kilometre Green Belt Trail follows this historic route.

Hausertor Tunnel

The guided tour “Underground Traces in Wetzlar” takes you beneath the city to discover the historical significance of the Hausertor Tunnel. The tour lasts approximately 1.5 hours before you see daylight again for the first time – not for the faint-hearted. Tickets for the guided tours of the Hausertor Tunnel can be booked here.

Information provided on third-party websites is without guarantee.