This historic German city is known for its medieval old town, unfinished cathedral, and connection to 35mm photography. Explore Leica's headquarters and wander cobblestone streets.
Wetzlar, a city in Hesse, Germany, is known for its medieval old town and its connection to 35mm photography. You can explore the unfinished Wetzlar Cathedral, which combines Romanesque and Gothic architectural elements. The city is home to the Leica Camera headquarters and several museums that highlight its history in optics and precision engineering. Wander through narrow cobblestone streets, visit the Lottehaus museum connected to Goethe's famous novel, or relax in one of the city's green spaces.
Exploring Wetzlar's Old Town
Wetzlar's old town has narrow cobblestone streets lined with half-timbered houses from the Middle Ages. Begin at the Eisenmarkt, the central square that has been the city's focal point since the 12th century. As you walk through the winding alleys, you'll see buildings like the Zur Alten Münz, a well-preserved half-timbered structure from 1599. The house at Brodschirm 6, dating back to 1356, is the oldest half-timbered building in Wetzlar.
The Unfinished Wetzlar Cathedral
The Wetzlar Cathedral, or Dom Unserer Lieben Frau, is an example of medieval architecture. Its construction started in 1230 and continued for centuries, resulting in a combination of Romanesque, Gothic, and Baroque styles. The cathedral's most distinctive feature is its unfinished western tower, giving it an asymmetrical appearance. Inside, you'll find stained glass windows and a Baroque altar. You can climb the tower for views of the city and the Lahn Valley.
Leica and the World of Optics
Wetzlar is closely associated with Leica, the company that created the 35mm camera. You can visit the Leica World at Leitz-Park, located just outside the city center. Here, you can tour the Leica factory, explore the museum dedicated to the company's history, and try out some of their latest camera models. The Viseum Wetzlar, housed in an 18th-century townhouse in the old town, has interactive exhibits on optics and precision engineering, reflecting the city's industrial past.
Literary Connections: In Goethe's Footsteps
Johann Wolfgang von Goethe spent several months in Wetzlar in 1772, an experience that inspired his famous novel "The Sorrows of Young Werther." You can visit the Lottehaus, a museum dedicated to Charlotte Buff, the woman who inspired the character of Lotte in Goethe's novel. The museum gives insights into 18th-century life and Goethe's time in Wetzlar.
Green Spaces and Parks
Despite its compact size, Wetzlar has several green spaces. The city is surrounded by five parks that follow the path of the former town walls. In the Rosengärtchen (Rose Garden), you can relax and view colorful flower beds. It also has a small monument to Karl Kellner, the founder of Wetzlar's optics industry. For a longer walk, head to the banks of the Lahn River, where you'll find walking and cycling paths with views of the old town.
