Thuringia  is often called the green heart of Germany. With a natural area of ​​16,171 km² and a population of 2.29 million, it is a medium-sized state of Germany. Located in the center of Germany, this state has successfully transformed itself since reunification, becoming one of the most dynamically developing states in the East. So, apart from the above characteristics, what does the German state of Thuringia have that makes it considered a magical land in Germany?

I. A few words about Thuringia

Thuringia is the 6th smallest state in terms of area among the 16 states of Germany. Most of its territory lies in the Saale region, a tributary on the left bank of the Elbe. Covered by the vast Thuringian forest, the Harz plateau, the Kyffhäuser hills, the Saale valley and the Rhön mountains, Thuringia is often referred to as the “green heart of Germany”.

II. What makes Thuringia considered the magical land of Germany?

Almost every region in Germany has its own unique magic. But coming to Thuringia, we can be captivated by its strange, sparkling charm. This is a land that stores important historical values ​​of Germany.

1. Thuringia and its medieval castles 

The state of Thuringia owns one of the 10 most beautiful castles in Germany, Wartburg, a prominent work of the feudal period of Central Europe, recognized by UNESCO as a World Cultural Heritage in 1999.

This is a massive structure built in 1067 by Count Ludwig der Springer on a 410m high cliff in the town of Eisenach. German religious reformer Martin Luther (1483 – 1546) lived and translated the New Testament into German at this castle.

Also the seat of the Thuringian lords, the castle served as the center of aristocratic culture. To this day, the castle still retains its splendor with medieval motifs and architecture. Wartburg Castle is one of the most beloved buildings in Germany.

2. The green heart of Germany Thuringia, the land of forests

With an area of ​​over 16 thousand km², Thuringia has forests spread everywhere. In the summer, this state is like a cool green sheet and becomes pure white in the winter. From the snow-covered forests overlooking the town of Ilmenau along the Ilm river valley, it becomes the most charming place in the town of Ilm-Kreis.

3. Thuringia – The Land of Wonders

In Eastern Germany, the state of Thuringia is famous for its strange charm.

I have to keep talking about medieval villages because of the impression they leave on the nostalgic land, a bit quiet and bringing a wonderful sense of peace.

In spring and summer, Thuringia wears the cool blue color of vast grass and trees, and is most beautiful in winter, when white snow covers everything, trees stretch out on the snowflakes that have not yet melted, a scene that is rarely compared anywhere else.

4. Birthplace of great people

Weimer, the city of great men. This place holds an important part in German and world history.

The old houses and Bauhaus-style architecture nestled in the alleys are proud historical stories. This is the birthplace of outstanding people.

The great composer Johann Bach (1685 – 1750) and the great poet Friedrich Schiller (1759 – 1805), who devoted their lives to German art, also lived here.

5. Land of traditional cuisine

As the cradle of art and culture, Thuringia is also famous for its local flavors. The state of Thuringia is also famous in the German culinary world for its traditional Bratwurst. Bratwurst is a famous sausage, loved all over the world.

6. Picturesque towns in the state of Thuringia

Coming to Thuringia, you will be amazed by the beauty of a land that still bears the mark of the Middle Ages, with typical names such as Eisenach, Gotha, Schmalkalden and Arnstadt.

III. Erfurt city, capital of Thuringia and some characteristics of Vietnamese culture

Erfurt is the capital of the state of Thuringia in Germany, with about 2,000 Vietnamese people currently living and working in the city. Compared to other areas, the number of Vietnamese people here is not significant, but they are gradually creating their own mark with a strong national identity in this foreign land.

1. Vietnamese Market in Erfurt, Thuringia State

After Dong Xuan Market in Berlin, the Asian Trade Center in Erfurt is probably the second Vietnamese market in Germany. 90% of the stalls are owned by Vietnamese people. The goods are mostly fashion items (pants, shirts, shoes, sandals, bags, hats) and food. Some items are imported from Vietnam such as: vermicelli, rice noodles, pho, herbs, MSG, and some consumer goods are imported from other countries.

2. Celebrate Western New Year like Vietnamese New Year

In the city of Erfurt, although it is according to the New Year’s calendar, there are green sticky rice cakes, jellied meat, pickled onions and a big rooster to offer to ancestors on New Year’s Day. After raising a glass to celebrate the New Year’s Eve, people still keep the custom of wishing a happy new year and receiving lucky money. These small things bring great comfort to those far from home.

3. Dong Tam Palace

Dong Tam Palace was presented with a decision recognizing the Buddhist Cultural Association in Erfurt by Most Venerable Thich Thien Nhon, Permanent Vice President and General Secretary of the Central Executive Council of the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha. Dong Tam Palace is a base of the Vietnamese Buddhist Sangha Abroad in the city of Erfurt. Along with the Vietnamese Buddhist Cultural Association in Frankfurt, this is the second base of the Vietnamese Buddhist Sangha in Germany.

And now, on the first days of the new year, on important holidays, Dong Tam Phu has become a place to return to not only for overseas Vietnamese in Germany but also for overseas Vietnamese in the Czech Republic and Poland?