Eisenach is best known as the site of Schloss Wartburg, Wartburg Foundation at the Wartburg (tel. 03691/2500; www.wartburg-eisenach.de; bus: 3, 10, or 13), reached only after a rigorous climb up a 180m (590-ft.) hill. Hitler called Wartburg Castle "the most German of German castles" and engaged in a battle with local authorities to take down its cross and replace it with a swastika. This ancient castle belonged to the landgraves of Thuringia and once hosted the medieval Minnesinger poets, immortalized by Wagner in Tannhäuser. This was also where Martin Luther hid upon his return from the Diet of Worms in 1521, so he could complete his translation of the Bible -- he is said to have "fought the Devil with ink" at Wartburg. The castle has now been turned into a regional museum. Admission to the palace, the museum, and the room within the castle where Luther lived and worked is 8€ for adults and 5€ for students and children ages 6 to 18. Admission is free for children 5 and under. It's open March to October daily 8:30am to 8pm, November to February daily 9am to 5pm. The last ticket is sold 1 hour prior to closing.

Eisenach is the birthplace of Johann Sebastian Bach (1685-1750). Bachhaus, Am Frauenplan 21 (tel. 03691/79340; www.bachhaus.de; bus: 3, 7, 11, or 13), contains many mementos of the Bach family, along with a collection of musical instruments. Admission costs 6.50€ for adults, 3.50€ for students and children 6 to 18. Children 5 and under enter free. It's open daily 10am to 6pm.

If you're a die-hard Luther fan, you can also visit the Lutherhaus, Lutherplatz 8 (tel. 03691/29830; www.lutherhaus-eisenach.de; bus: 1 or 5). Martin Luther stayed here as a schoolboy; today, it contains a series of exhibitions illustrating his life. Admission is 3.50€ for adults, 3€ for seniors, and 2€ for students and children 6 to 18. Children 5 and under enter free. It's open daily 10am to 5pm.

Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.