Jena Lokal - Local News, Events & Culture
Your update on city life, tips, and upcoming events in Jena.
The Jena sports community is rallying behind one of its own. A donation account has been established for former coach Weber to provide financial support during a challenging personal period.
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.
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.
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.
To mark European 112 Day, the City of Jena and its regional control center celebrated five years of successful cooperation while looking ahead to the future. With the launch of the “PiLOT.112” project, the region is modernizing its emergency response through digital innovation. Discover how improved networking and faster dispatching will enhance public safety in Jena and the surrounding Thüringen districts.
The ADAC rescue helicopter ‘Christoph 70’ saw a significant increase in activity in 2025. Stationed at Jena-Schöngleina, the crew completed 1,089 missions—a 12 percent rise from the previous year. Primarily responding to traffic accidents and cardiovascular emergencies within a 70-kilometer radius, the yellow helicopter remains an indispensable lifesaver for the city and its surrounding regions.
Jena became the epicenter of Thüringen’s labor action as public sector workers gathered for a massive warning strike. Demanding a 7% pay rise to combat inflation, employees from administrations, Kitas, and transit sent a clear message. With central services across the city impacted, the rally marks a significant escalation in the ongoing collective bargaining round.
The Friedrich-Schiller-Universität Jena is entering the final phase of its bid for the prestigious ‘University of Excellence’ title. With over €80 million in construction projects and strong support from the State of Thüringen, the university is preparing for an international expert visit this summer. The final decision in October 2026 could cement Jena’s position in the global research ‘Champions League’.
Explore Jena’s vibrant cultural scene this February! From the fascinating world of biominerals at the Friedrich-Schiller-Universität to inclusive art at the Ernst-Abbe-Bücherei, there is plenty to discover before the winter holidays begin. Our guide covers everything from local museum highlights to exciting day trips across Thüringen, ensuring you make the most of the season despite the gray weather.
Jena’s reputation as a city of music shines once again. At this year’s regional “Jugend musiziert” competition, students from the Musik- und Kunstschule Jena (MKS) achieved record-breaking results. With 61 first prizes and 32 qualifications for the state competition, these young talents demonstrated exceptional skill across various categories. Learn how Jena’s budding artists are preparing for the next stage of Germany’s most prestigious youth music contest.