Eisenach, Medieval town in Thuringia, Germany.
Eisenach is a town in Thuringia at the edge of the Thuringian Forest, where the Hörsel valley opens toward the plains of central Germany. The built-up area runs from the wooded slopes down to the flatter ground north of the old town center.
The settlement grew during the early Middle Ages at a crossing point of trade routes and received town rights in the 12th century. Its location below the castle shaped its development over the centuries, especially during the Reformation in the 16th century.
The name Eisenach likely refers to a settlement near an iron brook that once flowed through the valley. The old town around the market square shows how the place served as a stop for pilgrims and traders walking the old routes through central Germany.
The old town sits within walking distance of the main train station, and most points of interest lie close enough to explore on foot. For trips up to the fortress, buses run regularly from the town center to the trailhead on the hillside.
Early car production began here in the late 19th century, making the town an important center for German vehicle manufacturing. The factories turned out models until the 1990s that were widely known across eastern Europe.
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