Jena, May 13, 2026. The holidays in May provide short work weeks and long weekends – the ideal time for excursions in the region. A current tip from the culture editorial team of Mitteldeutscher Rundfunk (MDR) focuses on the “City of Light” Jena for family outings, but also recommends destinations in Sachsen and Sachsen-Anhalt.
- Excursion Tip Jena (Thüringen): Family hike for „Dino-Fans“
- Excursion Tip Dresden (Sachsen): Exhibition on the myth of „Wunderwaffen“ at the Militärhistorisches Museum
- Excursion Tip Jerichow (Sachsen-Anhalt): Romanesque Day at the historical monastery
- Source & Audio Contribution: MDR Kultur
Hiking and Discovery for the Whole Family
Those wishing to spend the weekend in Thüringen should plan a trip to Jena, according to the MDR culture tip. The city offers excellent opportunities to combine extensive hikes with a child-friendly adventure. In this way, young aspiring researchers can be inspired by the tracks of dinosaurs and kept in good spirits while walking.
For supra-regional excursionists, the neighboring federal states also offer special highlights: In Dresden, a new exhibition at the Militärhistorisches Museum addresses the creation of legends surrounding so-called „Wunderwaffen“. Those more interested in historical architecture can stop along the „Straße der Romanik“. At the monastery in Jerichow, Romanesque Day is being celebrated this weekend with a diverse program.
Background: On the Trail of Dinosaurs in Jena
When dinosaurs and hiking are mentioned in Jena, this usually refers to the well-known Saurierpfad on the Jenzig. The striking 385-meter-high mountain in the east of the city is a significant paleontological site. Tracks of the so-called „hand beast“ (Chirotherium) were discovered there in the past – an ancestor of the later dinosaurs that lived during the Triassic period.
Today, a specially designed, family-friendly adventure hiking trail leads up the mountain. Along the route, not only are life-sized replicas of prehistoric lizards set up, but the animals can also be virtually projected into the real forest environment via an augmented reality app on a smartphone. The ascent is additionally rewarded with a wide panoramic view over the Saaletal. Hikers are recommended to wear sturdy footwear for the occasionally steep path.
Source:
Excursion destinations for the weekend: Tips for Dresden, Jena and Jerichow
Transparency Note: This article was created automatically, editorially reviewed, and expanded with AI support.