Explore Sonneberg, Thuringia, Germany, tourism, travel guide

The weather still did not cooperate by producing sunshine when I visited Sonneberg in January 2004 again.

The first time I have been in Sonneberg was immediately after the unification. I came with Elizabeth, my wife. We were on a purchasing tour and looking for artist dolls, teddy bears and other items which we were interested to import.
During my second visit, wet snow was falling and I reduced walking to a minimum. The name "Sonneberg" contains the words "sun" and "mountain".
Sonneberg is mainly known for toys. The world famous "Deutsche Spielzeugmuseum" (Toy Museum) is located here. Because of the weather I decided very fast that this museum should be my target and I asked for directions. Please visit my web site about that interesting visit.
We also visited one of the last manufacturers of collectible teddy bears in Sonneberg and purchased some. I am happy that the company is still in German hands and still in operation. Watch the video below.

The city hall of Sonneberg - nasty weather was not good for walking around

I parked my car on a large parking lot which was assigned for visitors of the museum. It was the only car.

On my way to the German Toy Museum

I was a little bit worried whether the museum was closed. But it was not Monday and I already had learned the hard way that most attractions are closed on this day.
It was already noon and I decided to have lunch first.
I found a typical Thuringian restaurant, filled mostly with young people - all having a meal and very polite and not noisy. No music, no TV but a pretty and friendly waitress.
Strengthened by the food and a beer I followed again the signs to the museum. It was not closed and I got all the attention because many people did not want to leave their homes because of the poor weather.
But coming from overseas you are happy that there is always something to do in Thuringia.

The German Toy Museum in Sonneberg

The German Toy Museum in Sonneberg

Naturally, I am planning an other visit of Sonneberg which celebrated its 650 th anniversary in 1999.

So many things have changed in this town of 25 000 since my first visit over ten years ago.
I will spend at least a whole day to explore the town. I will not miss again to visit the "Schloßberg", the "Lutherhaus" which was never used by Martin Luther but is supposed to be a fine restaurant now, the "Cella Antiqua" - a baptismal chapel probably originated in the 9 th century and certainly downtown again.
I do not want to have stress when I travel. I would never book a trip which offers you to see all of Europe. That would be like watching all day long TV.
I prefer a combination of sightseeing, having a leisurely meals, relaxing in a spa, attending a local event and talking to the people.

Sonneberg, how I expect it to be when I come back - thanks for the picture to the town of Sonneberg