What to do in Jena

Activities, attractions and tours

Jen-Tower which includes tranquil scenes, landscape views and a city
Botanischer Garten showing a garden, a pond and interior views
Jena featuring heritage elements
Jena which includes a square or plaza and a statue or sculpture
Botanischer Garten featuring interior views and a garden

Places to Visit in Jena

Ready for the adventure of a lifetime? Let Expedia.co.nz help you find the most exciting and fun things to do in Jena, Thuringia while also allowing you to save a ton on travel arrangements. Regardless of whether you’re an urban explorer or an intrepid outdoor enthusiast, we can help you decide exactly what to do and see during your time in town.

Our thorough travel guides offer you an insider’s perspective on all of the best Jena attractions from NZ$11, making it easy for you to decide which places to visit and when. And by using Expedia.co.nz to set your sightseeing schedule, you can take in more of the enchanting attractions this area is famous for.

From group Jena tours and must-see landmarks to personal guides who take you off-the-beaten track, Expedia.co.nz offers you over 12 of the most popular events, activities, and attractions in this corner of the world. So whether you’re travelling alone, alongside a loved one, or with the whole family in tow, be sure to browse through our extensive travel guides prior to your plane touching down in this spectacular Jena. We even have a massive selection of flights, car hires, and accommodation for you to choose from. So what are you waiting for? Start your search today, and you’ll be having the time of your life before you know it.

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What to do in Jena

Discover the most popular places to visit in Jena

Jen-Tower which includes tranquil scenes, landscape views and a city

JenTower

Get exceptional views of Jena and the surrounding hills from the top of this distinctive socialist-era skyscraper in the heart of the city.

JenTower
Zeiss Planetarium which includes a statue or sculpture and a park

Zeiss Planetarium

Be entertained and educated by the music, light and star shows projected inside the dome of this historic and beautiful building in Jena.

Zeiss Planetarium
Botanischer Garten which includes a garden, signage and interior views

University of Jena

Explore the campus of University of Jena during your trip to Jena. While in the area, you can find time to visit its shops.

University of Jena
Botanischer Garten showing a high-rise building and a park

Botanischer Garten Jena

Appreciate the sights and smells of this extensive and well-maintained complex that served as romantic inspiration for Goethe’s influential work.

Botanischer Garten Jena

Carl Zeiss Jena

Carl Zeiss Jena is just one of the places to see in Lichtenhain, so why not enjoy the other things to explore during your travels? While in the area, you can find time to visit its spas.

Carl Zeiss Jena

Schiller's Summer House

You can spend an afternoon exploring the galleries in Schiller's Summer House during your travels in Jena-Zentrum. While in the area, you can find time to visit its shops.

Schiller's Summer House

Jena Baths and Recreation

Explore the great outdoors at Jena Baths and Recreation, a lovely green space in Jena. Amble around the area's gardens or experience its museums.

Jena Baths and Recreation

Goethe Memorial

You can spend an afternoon studying the exhibits at Goethe Memorial during your travels in Jena-Zentrum. While in the area, you can find time to visit its shops.

Goethe Memorial

Ernst-Abbe-Sportfeld

Catch an event at Ernst-Abbe-Sportfeld during your trip to Kernberge. Amble around the area's gardens or visit its spas.

Ernst-Abbe-Sportfeld

 

Looking for fun things to do nearby? Check things to do near me to find and book the best things to do, fun activities, and top attractions wherever you happen to be.

 

 

Day trip destinations from Jena

Photo "Bucha" by CTHOE (CC BY-SA) / Cropped from original
Photo by CTHOE (CC BY-SA)

Bucha

Photo "Rutha" by Ralf-Rainer Hoffmann (CC BY) / Cropped from original
Photo by Ralf-Rainer Hoffmann (CC BY)

Rutha

Photo "Leutra" by Puusterke (CC BY-SA) / Cropped from original
Photo by Puusterke (CC BY-SA)

Leutra

Photo "Ziegenhain" by Daniel Schlesinger (CC BY) / Cropped from original
Photo by Daniel Schlesinger (CC BY)

Ziegenhain

Frequently asked questions

Is Jena worth visiting?
One of the most common things to do in Jena is visit Dornburger Castle. Tick this major attraction off your list, then experience more of this area's cycling and walking trails.
How do I spend a day in Jena?
Begin your day with a visit to Dornburger Castle and JenTower. Then, tour other areas of Jena for tasty eats and some souvenir shopping.
What is the top tourist attraction in Jena?
Dornburger Castle is one of the top tourist attractions in Jena and deserves a place on every must-do list of the area.
Is three days enough to stay in Jena?
Three days in Jena is more than enough to visit the city's main highlights. Many travellers stay for two days on average. JenTower, Theaterhaus Jena and Optical Museum Jena are among the top-rated sights. Like to see more? Hang around a bit longer to visit nearby hotspots like Erfurt.
Is Jena a walkable city?
With vibrant neighbourhoods and leading attractions within walking distance of the city centre, Jena is a great destination to see on foot. Wander between JenTower and Theaterhaus Jena. Then take a stroll around Jena-Zentrum, located 0.32 kilometres from downtown, and Winzerla, which is about 5 kilometres away.
What are some activities to do in Jena with kids?
Whether you're travelling with tiny adventurers or hard-to-please teens, an itinerary filled with fun activities sets the tone for a great escape. Check out our recommendations for what to do in Jena with kids.

What to do in Jena for adults?
There are lots of things to do in Jena, with experiences for adults of all ages. Cap off your day with a visit to Goethe Memorial or Historisches Rathaus Jena.
Are there free things to do in Jena?
One of the top ways to find free things to do in Jena is to speak with a local tour guide. You'll get insider views on exciting neighbourhoods, parks and other highlights you can enjoy without taking your wallet out. Historisches Rathaus Jena is one sight that doesn't charge an admission fee.