Ilmenau was first mentioned in 1273 and became a town in 1341. Mining for silver and copper was the main industry in these early days. Today Ilmenau has a population of approximately 30 000.
During my first visit I was not in the mood walking around and to do some sightseeing. If you experience poor weather conditions visit the "Amtshaus" which is located in the old city hall (Alte Rathaus) and learn about Goethe, the famous German writer which stayed here when he visited Ilmenau. He was not only a writer he also cleaned up a financial mess. I thought "Germany needs a new Goethe" - now.

During my second visit I had more luck with the weather. Downtown was bustling and walking was a pleasure, especially in the pedestrian areas.
Bakeries, little coffee shops, butchers offering fresh prepared sandwiches are pleased to give you a taste of good Thuringian food.
Try a real pretzel! They are crunchy outside and soft inside. That is the way how they should be. Not soft and soaked in grease.

Thuringia is still well known for its glass industry. We sold beautiful Christmas ornaments for a couple of years. On the meantime some companies went out of business, because they could not compete any longer against the imports from far East and because of poor management.
Glass and porcelain industry started also early in Ilmenau. Many of these companies are still in business.