When Johann Sebastian Bach was born on March 21 1685, everyone expected him to be musical like the rest of the family. His father gave him a solid musical education and then sent him to St George's Latin School, where Martin Luther had attended as a boy. Visitors to the Bach museum are treated to impromptu concerts with authentic instruments.

Towering above Eisenach is the imposing Wartburg Castle, a magnificent medieval fortress, where Luther took refuge in 1521-2. As well as the "Luther cell" where he did his translation work, you'll have opportunity to learn about St Elizabeth.

Wartburg Castle. (a UNESCO World Heritage site). This imposing medieval fortress, built by Count Ludwig 1 in 1067, stands atop a mountain on the outskirts of Eisenach and is best known as the place where Martin Luther sought refuge following his excommunication in 1521. It serves as one of Germany's most prolific national symbols. Martin Luther, who was excommunicated by the pope and outlawed by the emperor, sought refuge in the bailiff's lodge at the Wartburg. During the months of his protective custody, under the guise of Junker Jörg, he lived and worked in a sparsely furnished room, today known as the Luther Room and translated the New Testament from the original Greek texts into German.
A tour of the castle includes the Knight's Hall, the Chapel, the Hall of Songs (which inspired Wagner), the Landgrave's hall and the Festival Hall. In the Festival Hall is a mural depicting the triumph of Christianity over paganism. The Luther room (Lutherstiege) is well worth a visit. You'll be able to see period furnishings and an original copy of the Luther's translation of the Bible. The Wartburg is open daily 9 - 5 from Nov. - Mar. and 8.30 -6 from Apr. - Oct. back to top.

St George's (Georgenkirche) is a medieval church connected with both Martin Luther and Johann Sebastian Bach. Martin Luther was a choir boy here and then preached in 1521 on his journey to and from the imperial parliament in Worms. On the north wall is a large painting commissioned to commemorate the century of the Reformation, depicting Luther and Huss as well as the Augsburg Confession.This is the place where Bach was baptized on 23 March 1685. Several members of the Bach family were organist at this church. At the entrance hall, there is a Bach statue, not unlike the big statue next to the Bach house. back to top.

The Bach house, (Bachhaus) was purchased by the New Bach Society in 1906, Although he probably never lived here, the house is a superb example of a home in the early 1700s. Furnished with original furnishings from the area, it provides an outstanding example of the middle-class lifestyle in the time of J.S. Bach. Also includes a display of historic instruments from 17th and 18th centuries, exhibits and extensive collection of documents and memorabilia relating to J.S. Bach. Throughout the day, musicians entertain visitors with music played on these ancient instruments. Click here to go the Bachhaus web site - full of fascinating information. Open Apr. - Sept., Mon. noon - 6.45, Tues. - Sun. 9 - 6.45; Oct. - Mar., Mon. 1-4.45, Tues. - Sun. 9-4.45. back to top.

Luther’s house,(Lutherhaus) is one of the oldest half-timbered houses in Eisenach. This is where young student Luther lived from 1498 - 1501 with the Cotta family. It's now a museum about the life and times of Luther. Open daily 9-5. Click here to go to their website (only in German). back to top.