Life in Ilmenau

At first, Ilmenau does not look like a city of endless possibilities. Cultural life here is limited, and the nightlife is modest. Then again, what else can you expect from a town of just under 30,000 inhabitants? Nevertheless, there are a few things to do in "Ilm-Town," as people like to call it. There's a cinema, a music cafe and even an ice rink. Also, once a year, a jazz festival takes place here, called the Ilmenauer Jazztagen.

What's more, everything in Ilmenau seems to bear the name of Johann Wolfgang von Goethe. The poet and scholar had a special sentiment for this town, and in return Ilmenau gives him its undivided respect to this day. Where did he eat? Who did he meet? Where did he sleep? The answers to all these questions can be found at the Goethe Museum in the marketplace, which is also the start of a hiking trail named after the poet. It leads for some 20 kilometers over hill and dale - the area surrounding the city that Goethe liked to explore. After six to eight hours of hiking, you know pretty much everything about the poet and his inspirations.

Four clubs, one cafe

Apart from big personalities and little bars, Ilmenau's cultural experience also includes the university campus. This is where life continues after the lectures. In addition to campus parties, a lot of beer drinking and chatting takes place here in one of the four clubs located in the basements of the student dormitories. To differentiate them from one another, they have been named after their respective apartment blocks: BC, BD, BH and BI, with the "B" standing for "Block". All four have already existed for several decades. But their party potential has not diminished in any way. Concerts, wine evenings and national theme evenings also take place here.

Students often spend afternoons at a cafe, followed by a visit to the university cinema for some inspiration. But the campus also offers a variety of activities you can get involved in, from the folklore society to the soccer club. However, this is still a place that provides fewer distractions than many others, which can be an advantage as far as studying is concerned.

In the summer, the Ehrenberg mountain is a popular spot for heading outside. There are also ponds right next to the campus for waterside relaxation or studying, though swimming in them is not permitted. If you're looking for more to do, though, the good news is that the student semester ticket for public transport can get you all the way to the next major city, Erfurt.

Author: Sven Naebrich
Editor: Greg Wiser