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.
With the winter holidays approaching from February 16 to 22, 2026, Jena offers a variety of creative activities for families. From fairytale shadow theater at the Romantikerhaus to intergalactic art workshops at the Kunstsammlung Jena, there is plenty to explore. Programs are budget-friendly, starting at just 1 Euro for children, making it easy to experience culture and art throughout the city and surrounding region.
Thieves targeted a construction site in Jena-Süd over the weekend, stealing valuable machinery worth over 4,500 euros. The incident, discovered on Saturday morning, has left the company facing significant financial and logistical hurdles. Police are now seeking witnesses who may have noticed suspicious activity in the area between Friday night and Saturday morning.
Researchers from Friedrich Schiller University Jena have discovered that mosses play a crucial role in protecting our environment. At the Saale-Elster-Sandsteinplatte-Observatorium, a study showed that these small plants act as highly effective filters, preventing excess nitrogen from reaching the groundwater. This research provides vital new insights for sustainable forestry and ecosystem protection in Thuringia.
