Weimar – living classicism
Mayors reveal their insider tips in the deutschland.de series “My city”. Part 16: Mayor Stefan Wolf from Weimar.
Mr Wolf, what is special about your city?
Weimar has a great classical heritage. Goethe's influence was not limited to his literary oeuvre; he also contributed to Weimar's urban development as a privy councillor. Buildings from this and following periods have left an indelible mark on Weimar. It's no coincidence that many buildings now make up the town's UNESCO World Heritage Site. However, Weimar also stands for some of the darkest hours of our history, as represented by the Buchenwald concentration camp.
What do you see when you look out of your office window?
I have a view of Herderplatz – and that is a constant source of joy. The square is the historical centre of Weimar, and only in 2013 we had the entire ensemble renovated. The result is wonderful, and the citizens of Weimar enjoy spending time on the square just as much as those who come to visit our city.
Where in your city do you most like to spend your time?
My favourite place is a little outside of the city, on top of Ettersberg hill. I've discovered a spot there where I can look over the whole of Weimar.
Which of your city’s personalities do you value most?
Of course I have to mention Schiller and many other great minds. But there are also other people who have done great things and are not so much in the spotlight. Fritz Otto, for example, a Weimar dentist who helped his Jewish fellow citizens. As the dentist for Buchenwald prisoners he did much more for them than what was actually allowed. He also later hid a friend's wife and saved her from deportation.
What would you like to show tourists?
The path connecting the Eckermann House and the modern university library.
Where can visitors best get to know the people in your city?
Of course, the Onion Market, Thuringia's largest public festival, immediately comes to mind, but also the many cultural events, large and small, that make up the Weimar Summer. Then there are the many quiet corners of our city where you meet people who love the tranquillity but also like to chat.
And where do you most like to spend your vacations?
I have to travel quite a lot in my job – to our partner cities in five countries or to national or international conferences. Privately, however, I love the peace and quiet of our Thuringian Forest, as well as encounters in countries that are not fully developed for tourism.
361st Onion Market in Weimar from 10 to 12 October 2014
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