The Zeiss-Planetarium in Jena, Germany.

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Zeiss Planetarium


The world’s oldest public planetarium (1926) has a state-of-the-art dome projection system, making it a heavenly setting for cosmic laser shows paying tribute to music legends such as Pink Floyd and Queen, or sending the kids deep into outer space. Show times and pricing varies by program; check the website for details.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby attractions

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Goethe himself planted the ginkgo tree in these wonderful botanic gardens, which have grown since their inception in 1794 to a collection of more than 12…

2. Stadtkirche St Michael

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3. JenTower

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Built in 1972, but deceptively modern in appearance, the 128m-tall cylindrical JenTower was intended to be a Zeiss research facility, but proved…

4. Stadtmuseum & Kunstsammlung Jena

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This handsome fachwerk townhouse at the northern end of the market square dates in part to the 13th century. It now houses the Stadtmuseum (city museum)…

5. Rathaus

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6. Universität Jena – Collegium Jenense

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Goethe is credited with recruiting Schiller to Jena University in 1789. The poet, playwright and philosopher enjoyed Jena so much that he stayed for 10…