Park an der Ilm

Park an der Ilm in Weimar is the landscape park that Johann Wolfgang von Goethe helped design, and one of the loveliest places to experience Germany's classical age. Stretching for about 120 acres (48 ha) along the Ilm River right next to Weimar's old town, it combines sweeping meadows, old trees, bridges and monuments with Goethe's own garden house. Part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site "Classical Weimar," the park is open year-round and free, making it an easy highlight of any visit to Weimar.

Goethe's garden

In 1776, Duke Carl August gave the young Goethe a small house with a garden on the slope above the river. Two years later, the duke and his famous minister began shaping the valley into an English-style landscape park, inspired by the gardens of Wörlitz near Dessau. The Roman House, the duke's classical summer retreat, was completed in 1797, and the design was essentially finished by Carl August's death in 1828. In 1998 UNESCO listed the park as part of Classical Weimar.

Highlights

• Goethe's Garden House: A simple gabled house where Goethe lived in his early Weimar years. Audio guides are free at the ticket desk or via the Weimar+ app.
• Roman House: Carl August's neoclassical summer house across the river, with an interactive park model in the basement; admission is free.
• Shakespeare Monument: Erected in 1904, it was the first statue of the playwright on the European mainland.
• Park Cave (Parkhöhle): A network of underground tunnels from former limestone quarrying, open to visitors since 1997. The entrance is near the Liszt House.
• Hidden details: Look for the Dessau Stone, the Snake Stone and the suspension bridge across the Ilm.

Tickets and opening hours

As of October 2026, the park itself is always open and free. During the summer season (through November 1), Goethe's Garden House is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., with admission of €8 (€6 reduced); the Roman House is free, and the Park Cave costs €7. Winter hours apply from November 2, so check the Klassik Stiftung Weimar website before you go. Note that Goethe's main residence on Frauenplan closes for about three years of renovation from November 2026.

How to get there

Weimar is about 15 minutes by train from Erfurt and roughly two and a half hours from Berlin or Frankfurt, with frequent ICE and regional connections; the Deutschlandticket covers regional trains. From Weimar station, walk about 20 to 25 minutes through the old town to the park, or take a city bus. The popular Ilm Valley cycle route runs right through the park.

Is it worth visiting?

Yes, especially if you enjoy gardens, literature or quiet walks. Allow one to three hours depending on how many houses you visit. Paths are suitable for wheelchairs and strollers, and families can borrow an adventure backpack at the tourist office on the market square. Fall is especially beautiful, when the old trees change color.

Nearby

• Duchess Anna Amalia Library: Its famous Rococo hall sits at the edge of the park.
• Weimar City Palace: Reopened in October 2026 after a long restoration.
• Belvedere Palace: A Baroque summer palace with an orangery on the southern edge of town.