Following in Goethe’s tracks
Johann Wolfgang von Goethe’s travels are almost as famous as the poet himself. This is particularly true of his trip to Italy. However, he also visited many places across Germany.
Johann Wolfgang von Goethe was born in Frankfurt on Main on 28 August 1749. In his family home where he was born, he wrote some of his works that made him famous even during his lifetime. These included “Götz von Berlichingen”, the first version of “Faust” and “The Sorrows of Young Werther”. The building was destroyed in World War II, but was rebuilt true to the original in later years and is now open to visitors.
Leipzig
In 1765, Goethe started to study law in Leipzig. In addition to his studies, he collected impressions of the city that can be found in “Faust”: “My Leipzig’s dear to me! It’s a little Paris, and educates its people.” Anyone wishing to follow Goethe’s footsteps in the city in Saxony can visit his bronze statue on the Naschmarkt or the restaurant “Auerbachs Keller” that already existed in Goethe’s time and where a scene of “Faust” is set.
Wetzlar
Goethe’s law studies also took him to Wetzlar, where he took up an internship in May 1772. However, rather than focussing on this, he preferred to write. His time in Wetzlar, and falling in love with Charlotte Buff in particular, had great impact on his book “The Sorrows of Young Werther”.
Harz
Goethe’s travels also brought him to the upland region Harz. In winter 1777 he walked up to the summit of Brocken, the highest mountain in the area. This was a cumbersome endeavour at the time. These days it is much easier for hikers to follow in Goethe’s tracks: the “Goetheweg” is a well-kept path that is popular among tourists.
Weimar
In 1775, Goethe relocated to Weimar. His “garden house” where he lived in Weimar from 1776 onwards and his house, where he lived for almost 50 years from 1782, are now open to visitors. Goethe’s grave is also located in Weimar.
