Jena Lokal - Local News, Events & Culture
Your update on city life, tips, and upcoming events in Jena.
News from Jena’s city life. Information on urban development, the University, local business, and stories about the people shaping Jena.
Looking for unique finds and vintage treasures? This Saturday, February 14, Jena-Isserstedt hosts a major flea market at the GLOBUS SB-Warenhaus. From second-hand fashion to rare collectibles, the event offers something for everyone while promoting sustainability. Discover why these local markets are trending and get expert tips for a successful hunting trip in our latest community guide for Jena.
A joint aid shipment from the partner cities of Jena and Erlangen has successfully reached Brovary, Ukraine. Delivering essential medical equipment like rehab beds to the local central clinic, this mission highlights the strength of municipal cooperation. Supported by the GIZ, the initiative continues with more deliveries and specialized minibuses planned for March, ensuring long-term support for the city’s healthcare and mobility infrastructure.
The renowned travel and photography festival Lichtbildarena returns to Jena from November 13 to 15, 2026. Under the theme ‘Goosebump Moments,’ the Friedrich-Schiller-Universität Jena will host emotional live reportages from across the globe. Featuring new interactive formats and a historic cinema bus, the event remains a cornerstone of the city’s cultural calendar, bringing international perspectives and breathtaking visuals to the heart of Thuringia.
Need medical assistance in Jena this Friday? As regular doctor offices close for the weekend, knowing where to go is vital. From on-call practices at the Universitätsklinikum to 24-hour pharmacies in the region, we provide a comprehensive guide to medical care and specialized services available in Jena, Weimar, and Apolda today.
This Valentine’s Day, Jena’s city center parishes are moving beyond chocolates and flowers to host a queer-sensitive blessing service. Celebrating love in all its modern forms, the event at August-Bebel-Straße 17 welcomes couples, soulmates, and best friends alike. It offers an inclusive safe space for the LGBTQIA+ community to reflect on their relationships and find spiritual strength in a welcoming, non-commercial environment.
Carl Zeiss Meditec has slipped into the red, reporting a €4.9 million loss in its first fiscal quarter. As currency fluctuations and shifting procurement rules in China impact the MDAX-listed company, questions arise about the future of its headquarters in Jena. With a strategic pivot toward local production in China looming, the medical technology giant faces a challenging year of transformation.
The year 2026 has barely begun, yet Uniklinikum Jena has already celebrated a significant milestone. On January 28, little Anastasia Theresa was born, marking the 100th birth of the year at the clinic. Weighing 3,450 grams and measuring 52 centimeters, the healthy baby girl is a joyful addition to her family and a testament to the busy start of the year for local midwives.
School’s out for winter! From February 16 to 22, 2026, Jena transforms into a playground for young explorers. From magical shadow theater at the Romantikerhaus to intergalactic art workshops at the Kunstsammlung Jena, the city offers diverse and affordable programs for families. Discover how your children can combine education with entertainment this February, even if the weather stays chilly.
Despite a current budget freeze, the City of Jena and Stadtwerke Jena are pushing forward with 150 million euros in planned investments for 2026. While the municipal utility group focuses on the energy transition and housing, the city faces a paradigm shift in how it finances public services. Learn more about how Jena balances financial constraints with essential infrastructure modernization.
As schools close for the Thuringian winter holidays from February 16 to 22, 2026, Jena offers a diverse program for families. From shadow theater at the Romantikerhaus to cosmic art workshops at the Kunstsammlung Jena, the city combines education with entertainment. Discover creative highlights and regional excursions designed to keep children engaged and inspired during the break.