Bachland Thuringia

Thuringia is Bach’s land: Many generations of the Bach family lived and worked here – and literally wrote music history. Johann Sebastian Bach spent half of his life in Thuringia; numerous historic sites are preserved and worth a visit. These impressive venues are our podiums and provide the setting for the festival's ambitious concerts.
You’re invited to discover the footsteps of the great composer in Thuringia!

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Wechmar

THE PLACE OF THE ANCESTORS

Wechmar is regarded as the birthplace of the Bach family of musicians.

Erfurt

THE »BACHE« IN ERFURT

There were already musicians by the name of Bach in Erfurt long before the birth of Johann Sebastian.

Eisenach

CHILDHOOD IN EISENACH (1685–1695)

Johann Sebastian Bach was born on 21st March 1685 in Eisenach and lived here until the age of ten.

Ohrdruf

AT HIS BROTHER'S IN OHRDRUF (1695–1700)

Johann Sebastian lost both his parents at the age of ten and was subsequently taken in by his elder brother Johann Christoph Bach in Ohrdruf.

Anstatt Innenstadt, sitzende Männerstatue

Arnstadt

START OF THE COMPOSER'S CAREER (1703–1707)

Arnstadt enjoys a special status among the Bach sites in Thuringia. There is no other place with as many original venues that tell about the lives of this family of musicians.