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.
FC Carl Zeiss Jena’s rising star Maxim Hessel is attracting serious interest from top-tier clubs, including VfB Stuttgart and Dynamo Dresden. With a contract running until 2027, the 23-year-old defender’s breakthrough season in the Regionalliga Nordost has made him a prime candidate for a summer move. Coach Volkan Uluc confirms that scouts are flocking to the Ernst-Abbe-Sportfeld to watch the ‘Buffalo’ in action.
A fire at a commercial building in Jena-Zwätzen caused more than 20,000 euros in damage this Wednesday. What started in a waste container quickly spread to the building’s facade. While the fire department prevented the flames from reaching the interior, the heat left a costly mark. The Jena Criminal Police have launched an investigation into the cause of the blaze.
Traffic checks are underway in Jena’s city center today, February 12, 2026. A mobile speed camera has been spotted in the Grietgasse, where a strict 20 km/h limit is enforced. Drivers are urged to be cautious in this busy area to ensure the safety of pedestrians and cyclists. Stay informed about current traffic controls in the city.
A 28-year-old traveler lost her belongings during a short nap on the train from Leipzig to Jena. However, thanks to swift police work and modern video surveillance at Jena-Paradies, a 24-year-old suspect was quickly identified. Learn more about the investigation and how to protect yourself from crimes of opportunity during your next train journey.
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.
A dramatic kitchen fire in Jena on Monday caused over 50,000 Euros in property damage. While the residents were not home during the incident, firefighters successfully rescued a cat from the smoke-filled apartment. The unit has been declared uninhabitable.
Harald Irmscher, the ‘Sir’ of Jena football, turns 80. From legendary matches against Ajax Amsterdam to witnessing the 1974 World Cup victory over West Germany, Irmscher remains a cornerstone of FC Carl Zeiss Jena’s history. Discover the story of a man who traded jerseys with Franz Beckenbauer and still takes to the pitch today in the city he calls home.
