Best Things to do in Jena | Must-see attractions 2025

Optical Museum Jena

Tu-Fr 10:00-16:30; Sa 11:00-16:30

Museum

12 Carl-Zeiß-Platz

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Optical Museum Jena showcases the history of optics, featuring over 100 years of innovation in lens crafting, from microscopes to telescopes.

Duration: 2 hours.

Free. Special exhibitions may require an admission fee.

Museumswerkstatt Stadtmuseum

Tu-Su 10:00-17:00

Museum

Markt 7

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Museumswerkstatt Stadtmuseum in Jena, Germany, showcases the city's history and art, featuring exhibitions on philosophy, science, and a 20th-century art collection.

Duration: Approximately 2 hours.

Free. Some special exhibitions and events may require a paid ticket.

Phyletic Museum

Tu-Fr 09:00-13:00,14:00-17:00; Sa,Su 10:00-16:00

Museum

Vor dem Neutor 1

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The Phyletic Museum in Jena, Germany, showcases the evolution of life through art and nature, founded by Ernst Haeckel, focusing on phylogeny and ontogeny.

Duration: 1.5 to 2 hours.

Free. Donations appreciated for special events or exhibitions.

Stadtkirche St Michael

10:00 AM–5:00 PM

Museum

Kirchplatz 1

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Stadtkirche St Michael in Jena, Germany, is a significant late-Gothic Protestant church, noteworthy for its bronze gravestone of Martin Luther.

Duration: Approximately 1 hour.

Free entry. Special events may require tickets.

Johannisfriedhof und Friedenskirche

9:00 AM–5:00 PM

Church

Am Johannisfriedhof

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Johannisfriedhof und Friedenskirche in Jena, Germany, features historic architecture and a serene graveyard, offering insight into local history and culture.

Duration: 1-2 hours.

Free. Donations are appreciated for maintenance.

Ernst-Abbe-Sportfeld

Open during match days

Stadium

Oberaue 3

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Ernst-Abbe-Sportfeld is a multi-sport stadium in Jena, Germany, primarily used for football matches, featuring modern facilities and a rich local history.

Duration: 2-3 hours, depending on the event.

Tickets range from €10 for adults to €5 for children, with discounts for students and seniors.

University of Jena

9:00 AM–5:00 PM

University

Ernst-Abbe-Platz 8

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University of Jena in Thuringia, Germany, is a historic institution offering a rich blend of education and research since 1558.

Duration: Approximately 2 hours.

Free access to university grounds. Special events may have ticket requirements.

GalaxSea

10:00 AM–11:00 PM

Amusement Park

Rudolstädter Str. 37

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GalaxSea in Jena, Germany, is a vibrant water park featuring slides, wave pools, and a unique tropical environment, perfect for family fun and relaxation.

Duration: 4-5 hours.

Adult: €20, Child: €15. Discounts available for groups and off-peak times.

Lobdeburg

Open all day

Ruin

Germany

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Lobdeburg is a historic castle ruin in Jena, Germany, offering insights into medieval architecture and scenic views of the surrounding region.

Duration: 1-2 hours.

Free.

Theatre Jena

10:00 AM–6:00 PM

Theater

Jena

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Theatre Jena, located in Jena, Germany, offers a rich cultural experience with diverse performances and historical significance. A landmark for art lovers in the region.

Duration: 2 to 3 hours, depending on the performance.

Prices vary by performance. Standard tickets for adults range from €15 to €35.

Volksbad Jena

Varies by event

Event hall

Knebelstrasse 10

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Volksbad Jena, a historic public pool since the early 20th century, now hosts diverse cultural events including theatre and recitals in Jena, Germany.

Duration: 2 to 3 hours depending on events.

Mostly free for events. Some special performances may require a paid ticket.

Goethe Galerie

Mo-Sa 10:00-20:00

Mall

Goethestr. 3b

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Goethe Galerie in Jena offers diverse shops, eateries, and cultural events, making it a vibrant hub for locals and visitors alike.

Duration: 2–3 hours.

Free entry. Special events may require a ticket.

Volkshaus Jena

9:00 AM–5:00 PM

Theater

Carl-Zeiss-Platz 15

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Volkshaus Jena, a multi-purpose event venue, was among Germany's first free educational institutions, inspired by a North American model.

Duration: 1-2 hours.

Free. Some events may require a ticket.

University of Applied Sciences Jena

8:00 AM–5:00 PM

University

Carl-Zeiss-Promenade 2

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The University of Applied Sciences Jena, established in 1991, offers a practical approach to higher education with various Bachelor and Master programs in Germany.

Duration: 1-2 hours.

Free. Educational events may have special fees.

Romantikerhaus

Tu-Su 10:00-17:00

Museum

Unterm Markt 12a

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Romantikerhaus in Jena, Germany, is a historic building showcasing romantic-era culture, housing exhibitions and a museum dedicated to literary greats.

Duration: About 2 hours.

Free. Some special exhibitions and events may require a paid ticket.

Freie evangelische Gemeinde Jena

10:00 AM–3:00 PM

Church

Am Saaleufer 1a

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Freie evangelische Gemeinde Jena is a notable religious building in Jena, Germany, emphasizing community and faith through various services and activities.

Duration: 1–2 hours.

Free for entry. Some workshops and events may have associated fees.

City Museum + Art Collection Jena

10:00 AM–5:00 PM

Museum

7 Markt

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The City Museum + Art Collection Jena features local art, historical exhibits, and artifacts dating back to the 19th century, showcasing Jena's cultural heritage.

Duration: Approximately 2 hours.

Free. Some special exhibitions may require a paid ticket.

Jena Botanical Garden

10:00 AM–5:00 PM

Park

Fuerstengraben 26

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Jena Botanical Garden, founded in 1794, hosts over 12,000 plant species, including historical trees and five greenhouses, contributing to global biodiversity.

Duration: Approximately 2 hours.

Free. Some special exhibitions may require a paid ticket.

Optisches Museum

10:00 AM–5:00 PM

Museum

Carl-Zeiss Str. 12

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Optisches Museum in Jena, Germany, focuses on the history of optical technology, featuring interactive exhibits, 3D holograms, and the workshops of pioneers like Carl Zeiss.

Duration: Approximately 2 hours.

Free. Some special exhibitions and tours may have a ticket fee.

Burgruine Wintberg

Always open

Castle

Germany

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Burgruine Wintberg is a medieval castle ruin in Jena, Germany, offering scenic views and historical insights about its 13th-century origins.

Duration: 1-2 hours.

Free. Some special events may require a paid ticket.

Peterskirche Altlobeda

10:00 AM–5:00 PM

Church

Germany

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Peterskirche Altlobeda, a historic Protestant church in Jena, Germany, features Gothic architecture and significant local heritage dating back to the 13th century.

Duration: Approximately 1 hour.

Free. Special events may have ticket fees.

Pennickental

Open all day

Garden

Jena

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Pennickental in Jena, Germany, is a scenic valley renowned for its rich biodiversity and natural beauty, making it a prime spot for outdoor activities and nature observation.

Duration: 2-3 hours to enjoy hiking and observing nature.

Free. Access to hiking trails and nature observation areas is complimentary.