Park on the Ilm River

Park on the Ilm River

The Park on the Ilm River is located near Weimar’s old town, stretching along the Ilm River for about a kilometer, all the way to Belvedere Palace and Tiefurt Palace. Covering an area of 48 hectares, the park was built between 1778 and 1828. It is a park rich in Classical and Post-Classical, as well as Romantic style features, filled with poetic and picturesque scenes throughout, with every corner offering delightful views.

The establishment of the Park on the Ilm River is closely related to the life and work of Germany’s famous writer and poet — Goethe — in Weimar. In 1776, Duke Carl August gifted Goethe a small house with a garden, which is the now-famous Goethe’s Garden House. The initial development of the park began in 1778, starting from the rocky hillside on the western side of the park. In the following years, pathways, benches, monuments, small bridges, and other structures were added to the park. At the same time, a large number of flowers, plants, and trees were planted, adding even more color to the park.

Today, the garden house where Goethe lived from 1776 to 1782 still stands in the park, and both the house and its interiors are open to visitors. On the western bank of the Ilm River, there is a woodland cottage where Duke Carl August would rest during his walks in the park. The park’s many tree-lined paths, monuments, statues, and bridges contribute to its idyllic, pastoral scenery.

Park an der Ilm

Must-visit reason: Weimar’s most beautiful pastoral park

Continent where the attraction is located: Europe【Europe】

Country/Region where the attraction is located: Germany[Germany]

Province/State where the attraction is located: Thuringia [Thuringia]

City where the attraction is located: Weimar [Weimar]