The town of the Classics still bathes in the glory of the title of “European Cultural City" even today, six years after this great event. The tranquil town on the Ilm, the smallest town to date to have been awarded this title, received it for many reasons. Everything can be found here that has influenced the history of European culture and politics of the past centuries. 3,5 million tourists come to the town annually, in the Cultural City year it was 7 million, and all are captured by the very special flair of Weimar. They stroll along the tracks of great minds or simply enjoy the charm of a small town, which welcomes the visitors with cosmopolitan atmosphere and hospitality. An exemplary renovated town centre as well as modern tourism infrastructure leaves hardly a wish unanswered, so that many guests come again and again and incorporate Weimar into their travel plans every year.

The themes in Weimar are manifold: The guests can still experience much today. Cultural highlights such as the Arts Festival, which is organised around Goethe’s birthday in August, provide the town with a festival atmosphere. Dance theatre, drama, concerts and readings are a magnet for the people of Weimar just as much as the guests. The historic Onion Market on the second weekend in October is devoted to more rustic entertainment – in the year 2005 it will be for the 352^th time. More than 300 000 visitors are expected throughout the three days.