Eisenach - Wartburg Castle 
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Legend and history
One of the most historically interesting castles in Germany crowns the Wartberg above Eisenach. According to the legend, the Wartburg was founded by Ludwig the Jumper in 1067. With the growing strength and importance of the Landgraves the military stronghold soon became also a center of government and culture. This was the scene of the famous Sängerkrieg ("Singers' War"), a contest between the minnesingers of the High Middle Ages, including Wolfram von Eschenbach, Heinrich von Ofterdingen, Heinrich von Veldecke and Walther von der Vogelweide, which provided the theme of Wagner's "Tannhäuser".
In 1235 the Landgravine Elizabeth, a Hungarian princess who cared for the sick and the poor in the Wartburg, was canonized as St Elizabeth (St Erzsébet) of Hungary. Martin Luther, under the name of "Junker Jörg", lived in the Wartburg in 1521-22 under the protection of the Elector.
One of the most historically interesting castles in Germany crowns the Wartberg above Eisenach. According to the legend, the Wartburg was founded by Ludwig the Jumper in 1067. With the growing strength and importance of the Landgraves the military stronghold soon became also a center of government and culture. This was the scene of the famous Sängerkrieg ("Singers' War"), a contest between the minnesingers of the High Middle Ages, including Wolfram von Eschenbach, Heinrich von Ofterdingen, Heinrich von Veldecke and Walther von der Vogelweide, which provided the theme of Wagner's "Tannhäuser".
In 1235 the Landgravine Elizabeth, a Hungarian princess who cared for the sick and the poor in the Wartburg, was canonized as St Elizabeth (St Erzsébet) of Hungary. Martin Luther, under the name of "Junker Jörg", lived in the Wartburg in 1521-22 under the protection of the Elector.
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Must-see attractions nearby:
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Address:
Wartburg, Auf der Wartburg, D-99817 Eisenach, Germany
Hours:
March 1 to October 31: 8:30am-5pm
November 1 to March 31: 9am-3:30pm
Tips: Admission includes guided tour of the castle and exhibition.
Disability Access: Full facilities for persons with disabilities.
Guides: Guided tour included with admission.
Facilities: On-site accomodations, Restaurant or food service
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Cannon at Wartburg.
