Jena

Jena is the second-largest city in German state of Thuringia and a major center of education and scientific research. Founded in 1558, the Friedrich Schiller University is one of many educational institutions in the city.

Located in eastern Thuringia, Jena lies in the wide valley of the Saale River, in a hilly area between the Harz Mountains, the Thuringian Highlands, and the Ore Mountains. The rocky landscape makes the municipality unsuitable for agriculture, with most flat areas in the valley developed during the 20th century. The surrounding mountains are covered with various deciduous trees and pine forests.

In the Middle Ages, Jena was known for its vineyards on the slopes. Today, the nearest commercial wine-making area is 20 km (12 miles) downstream on the Saale River.

First mentioned in 1182, Jena remained a small town until the 19th century, when industrial development began. For much of the 20th century, Jena was a global hub for the optical industry.

Since the late 19th century, optical products, precision engineering, and experimental glassware have been the main industries in Jena. Industrialization significantly changed the city's social structure, transforming it from an academic town to a working-class city. Jena expanded along the Saale Valley and its side valleys to the east and west. After the formation of the state of Thuringia in 1920, Jena became one of its three major cities, along with Weimar and Gera.

Jena's historic city center is contained within its former walls, with most areas being pedestrian-friendly. World War II bombings significantly damaged the city, leaving only a handful of historical buildings preserved, like those found on Oberlauengasse.

The modern Jena is one of the 50 fastest-growing regions in Germany, with many world-renowned research institutes and companies, low unemployment, and a young demographic. In 2008, the Stifterverband für die Deutsche Wissenschaft awarded Jena the title of "City of Science."

Jena ranks as the 5th most livable city in Germany and is the top region for dynamic development. Its economy is heavily based on high-tech infrastructure and scientific research. While the importance of software development, digital businesses, and biotechnology is growing, the precision optics industry remains a key sector. Jena also serves as a service center for residents of the region.

Jena is a hub for public and private services, especially in education, research, and business. It is home to the Supreme Court of Thuringia and the only university hospital in the state. Jena is also a regional center for infrastructure and retail, with many shopping malls.

Also, Jena is renowned in Germany for its wide variety of wild orchids, with 32 native species found within walking distance of the city. One of the best places to see them is Leutratal, south of the city, where bee orchids (Ophrys apifera) also grow. Near Hausberg, close to Siebenkorn, rare service trees (Sorbus domestica) can be found. In Paradies Park, fireflies illuminate the meadows, and local wildlife includes crows, sand lizards, and tree ants. Herons, beavers, and muskrats inhabit the Saale River, and pine martens occasionally venture into the city at night. European wildcats have been documented near Jena.

Unlike many German cities, Jena does not have a central railway station connecting all lines. The north-south connection is provided by the Saal Railway, with ICE trains running from Berlin in the north to Munich in the south, stopping once a day at Paradies station.

Local trains to Naumburg and Saalfeld stop at Zwätzen, Saalbahnhof, Paradies, and Göschwitz. The Weimar-Gera railway runs west-east, with regional express trains to Göttingen (via Erfurt and Weimar) and to Zwickau, Glauchau, Altenburg, or Greiz (via Gera), as well as local trains between Weimar, Jena, and Gera. Express trains stop at Westbahnhof near the city center and Göschwitz, while local trains stop at Neue Schenke station. Göschwitz station, connecting both lines, is about 5 km south of the city center.