Ilmenau is located scenically in the valley of the river Ilm on the northern slopes of the delightful Thuringia Forst; the city’s name is derived from the river’s name. Although Ilmenau seems to have been in existance in the 13th century already there are very few valid traditions about that time. A trade route between Erfurt and Nuremberg that led through the area favoured the development of Ilmenau. There are authenticated documents about Ilmenau dating from the 14th century, in the year of 1341 it was talked about the „City“ of Ilmenau for the first time. Johann Wolfgang Goethe played a big part in contributing to the fame of the city, of the the region and also of the slate mining industry there at that time.
You can find the famous poem “Rambler’s Night Song”, written by master Goethe, engraved in a board wall of a still existing small wooden refuge called “Goethehäuschen”, “Goethe’s little hut”, close by the hotel.
The City of Ilmenau is characterized by its romantic town centre with shops, coffee bars and restaurants and by its historical buildings and monuments. The technical university with ist more than 8,000 students is providing a multicultural climate. The many technology enterprises in the region cooperate with the university and offer highly-qualified jobs.

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