Your Trip to Bach, Your Tour With Bach: Music Journey and Guided Trips and Travel By Bike and Many Bach Weeks Worldwide..

Johann Sebastian Bach sends you greetings from Leipzig. And he, up there, dressed in a Bach costume, was happy to show you the Bach sites in his hometown of Leipzig: With him, Leipzig wasn't just a cool travel destination... with him, it was part of Bach's life journey and a memory for you to cherish forever. Unfortunately, Mr. Schuchart – due to his age – is no longer doing this, and a successor has now taken over this "job"..

Our Hearty Thanks!..

We are delighted that the portal “Ferienhaus Deutschland” has found our Bach mission on the internet and is supporting it with a small contribution, which of course does not make your rental of a property any more expensive. I naturally took a look around this website before we entered into our partnership. And I was impressed by how exciting, high-quality, and enormously comprehensive the offering is ... in our case, also in terms of the Thomas Cantor from Eisenach in Thuringia. In the “Magazine”, our favorite composer is the subject of a really well-written editorial article, in which the portal naturally makes explicit reference to its great offers in Thuringia. With one click below, you can access the many locations for a vacation home holiday in Thuringia ... if you would be so kind as to come back here afterwards. The title of this article, which is well worth reading? “In the footsteps of Bach through Thuringia”. © We have obtained the copyright for the inclusion of the logo above in our image collage and for the photos accompanying this article. Thank you for that too. Now let's continue here ... to my general article about a journey, your vacation, a trip with friends, or an excursion into the life journey of the Royal Polish and Electoral Saxon Court Composer. © Vacation Home Germany..

What Now Does Travel "With" Bach Mean?..

“Traveling to Bach” is clear: These are trips, excursions, bike rides, or tours to Bach cities or Bach locations, or to musical events related to Johann Sebastian Bach, such as Bach Weeks here and Bach Weeks there..

Advertising Start. However, what does "Traveling With Bach" mean? Is it traveling together with the author and the genealogist of this website? No, not for Bach fans from Germany, Austria or Switzerland. It is an offer from Renate and Peter Bach, Jr. to visitors from the really far corners of this earth: to Bach fans from the USA, Japan or China and a few more countries. As a "Full-Service Bach Luxury Package". Especially for mini-groups like families or a tiny circle of friends. Was it possible to join such a group?..

Unfortunately no, because this exclusive offer would have then been no longer exclusive for Bach fans from all over the world. Besides, it only makes sense for those Bach enthusiasts who feel "lost" in our country or even our cultural area. Linguistically, culinary, health-related, travel-related and much more. And for those who at the same time find it super cool to spend a few days with the author of this website..

The lodgings were exclusive or original. Local guides led the way (... and not we) and a stretched limo transported you from Bach location to Bach location. Or luxury vehicles or a small exclusive coach. We wanted to use the travel costs, which were really much too high for German-speaking Bach fans, for another Bach museum one day..

If you are still very interested, then unfortunately this offer is no longer available. Thank you for your understanding regarding this exclusive, expensive opportunity. Discover “Bach Country” better and, above all, more affordably with those offers listed further down this page. Or book a vacation home or apartment. Everything in the reading below are offers from specialists, and the prices are therefore also ... reasonable..

On this page of our website, we also define “traveling with Bach” in a second way: If you decide that you want to get to know Bach much better and enjoy his music, but you don't live “locally”, that is, in Thuringia, and have a certain amount of travel time, then why not turn your trip into a holistic experience? Enjoy the journey into Bach's life on your way there and back with my entertainment. For this purpose, there is my Bach Biography for Children, which is also ideal for adults. Then, if you want to listen to Bach's life journey with lots and lots of enjoyment. Why not start your trip to Bach with Bach? You can prelisten to it here and now. Eight hours of colorful recreation, with 66 “musical breaks” that last no longer than three to four minutes each. And now... click on “ > ” below..

Just give it a listen. Of course, the offer is also available without Bach's music. In that case, it's only four hours of entertainment. Or: You might prefer a more moderate version..

The ride in this cool bus was one of the highlights of the travel package "with us Bachs". Of course, this would only happen in Weimar and only for half an hour, because this vintage vehicle wasn't comfortable enough for a longer trip. With a smile..

T-shirts, bed linen, USB sticks, baseball caps, kitchen aprons ... here are almost countless cool offers that become music gifts with the design of "Bach 4 You". Here, too, you can get there with just one click..

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Many Travel Options Follow Below the Many Bach City Videos and Bach Places Videos..

Because our first option (... above) was actually only cool for very, very, very few families and companies on this planet, you can find out more for the remaining 99.99 percent of all Bach fans and Bach lovers ... from here..

The Bach Video Library ... Read More Much Later on and Much Further Down..

If you are planning a sightseeing tour focusing on Johann Sebastian Bach, then the following offer is probably the most efficient way to decide in which order you would like to visit the composer. Or which Bach city and which Bach location is most worthwhile in terms of time and money..

Almost each of my Bach videos is only three to five minutes long, giving you the perfect overview of your possible travel destinations. There are eight locations associated with Johann Sebastian Bach that are well worth visiting, plus two additional Bach sites at the beginning and end of the video series: The first short portrait is about Wechmar, because that is where the history of the musical family began. The final Bach video is about Erfurt, because Erfurt is the Bach city where more members of this family lived than anywhere else: There are over 60 entries about this musical family in the church records..

And if you are looking forward to one or more of the events associated with the Bach Weeks, then these ultra-short videos are also the perfect way to get you in the mood. Further down ... below the videos, below the travel recommendations, and also below the many pictures ... you will find information about the Bach Weeks, which take place not only in Bach towns and Bach locations..

The Bach place of Wechmar: This is where the Bach family became the Bach family of musicians. The best way to find out what happens during the Bach Weeks in the Bachs' Ancestral Home is to visit the website of the local Bach Association. Enjoy watching the video above..

The Bach city of Eisenach: Johann Sebastian Bach was born here... but not in the Bach House. Every year, Eisenach celebrates the Thuringian Bach Weeks. But first, take a quick look at the video. Did you know that the Bache (... that's what they were called back then) from Thuringia are still the largest family of musicians on the planet today?..

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The Bach city of Ohrdruf: Bach lived here with his older brother and his eldest brother. You can find out what's happening during Bach Week in Ohrdruf on the “Thuringian Bach Weeks” website. The video above gives you a first impression of Bach's location..

The Bach city of Lüneburg: This is where Bach studied with his friend Georg Erdmann. Of course, Lüneburg also welcomes you with its Lüneburg Bach Week. Bach in Lüneburg: First, learn more about this pretty Bach city via video..

The Bach city of Arnstadt: This is where Johann Sebastian Bach was organist for the first time. In Arnstadt, too, the Bach Weeks are called “Thuringian Bach Weeks.” But such themed weeks also take place outside the “Land of the Bachs”. The Bach location videos are only about five minutes long and can be watched real quick. All of these short films are that short. Just take a look..

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The Bach city of Mühlhausen: Johann Sebastian Bach only stayed in Mühlhausen for one year. Click here to go directly to the local offerings, the “Thuringian Bach Weeks.” Why not, first by video, take a trip to Mühlhausen?..

The Bach place of Dornheim: This is where Johann Sebastian Bach married his second cousin. Dornheim may be the smallest of all the “real” Bach locations, but it nevertheless celebrates the Thuringian Bach Weeks and, of course, Bach’s wedding. In fact, it wasn’t that easy to put together more than five minutes of this video..

The Bach city of Weimar: Bach initially stayed there for only six months. Later, however, he remained for nine years. Click here for the page on the topic “Bach Weeks”. Before you take a trip to the Goethe, Schiller, Liszt, and Bach city, watch my ultra-short video for more information..

The Bach city of Köthen: During his time in Mühlhausen, Bach could have gotten married in a magnificent church here. But he has not. In Köthen, the Bach Weeks are called Köthener Bachfesttage. And the link will take you there in no time. You can also quickly find out why Bach and his wife could easily imagine spending the rest of their lives in Köthen: via the first link..

The Bach city of Leipzig: Bach lived and worked in this musical metropolis for 27 years. Of course, Leipzig doesn't just celebrate Bach Weeks, it celebrates Bach festivals, Bach Days, and Bach Weeks. That goes without saying! How can you introduce such a city in five minutes? Take a quick look for yourself..

The Bach city of Erfurt: It is the “Bach city of all Bach cities,” but not an important Johann Sebastian Bach city. And of course... Erfurt also celebrates Bach Weeks. Click here to get there. Erfurt is hardly ever presented as a Bach city in biographies. We do it anyway, and in the video you will also learn about. .. Advertisement begins ... Bach researcher and Bach author Helga Brück. Advertisement ends..

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The Journey to Johann Sebastian Bach ... How to Plan Your Tour “Tactically Perfect”..

From here on, things get touristy ... in contrast to the much later chapter on Bach Weeks. Johann Sebastian Bach's homeland... how do you like it best? Bach by Bike, the theme of Bach as a study trip, or is Bach as a music trip your dream? Of course, “Bach on Bach” can help with this too. You will find websites on the topic, tips that are almost insider tips, and also a "ranking", a list of Bach cities and Bach locations, as well as my recommendation on where you can get “the most Bach for your money.” Or where you can get “the most Bach per day.” In case you only want to "invest" one day in Bach's life journey..

Group tours, city breaks focusing on Bach, a combination of Luther and Bach, biblical tours, a catalog tour... you can find out everything you need to know here. There are Bach Weeks in many Bach cities, and to round things off, there is even a Musical Leipzig in Advent and on New Year's Eve offer... but only in December. With a smile..

The Ranking of Bach's Life Journey? Eisenach Is the “Bach City of All Bach Cities”..

Johann Sebastian Bach's life journey began in Eisenach. Not in the Bach House – he was not born there – but a few meters further toward the city center. Eisenach is the Bach city of all Bach cities. In Eisenach, you will get the most for your money and your time when it comes to Johann Sebastian Bach..

First of all, you need to bear in mind that you cannot experience Eisenach and the number 2 – Leipzig – in our first ranking in a single day. Check it off your list, yes, but experience it ... definitely not. It takes an hour and 15 minutes to drive from Eisenach to Leipzig, and if you add in the time it takes to find a parking space or parking garage, you'll be on the road for around two hours between one Bach experience and the next. Not too far to enjoy both locations. But much too far..

Johann Sebastian Bach's life journey thus begins in Eisenach in Thuringia. And our joint journey to Bach also starts right there. So why is Eisenach number 1 on our list of recommended Bach locations? Well, first of all, Eisenach is home to the Bach House mentioned above, the house where Bachs lived from 1746 and which for many decades was believed to be the birthplace of Johann Sebastian Bach. This Bach House is definitely worth a visit. A few steps higher is the ultra-modern new Bach Museum with a cool range of entertainment related to the exceptional composer. (... advertisement follows now ...) There is also an exciting shop where you can find, for example, my Coloring Book About Johann Sebastian Bach, a family work by the Bachs who live today (... end of advertisement)..

To the right of the Bach House and the Bach Museum stands the Bach Monument, which – after the modern second Bach monument in Leipzig – is certainly the best known. It is actually only half of a monument arrangement, because before the Bach monument was given its current location, it stood in front of St. George's Church in the city center, where a line of text carved into the stone of the church above the entrance portal was part of the "ensemble" . So there are already three reasons why this Bach city ranks not only at the top of Bach's life journey, but also number 1 in my personal ranking. Concerts are held twice a day in the Bach House – don't miss them – and you can be impressed in the multimedia room. Two more clear reasons..

We continue towards the city center, the heart of the Bach city. There stands the Georgenkirche, which is home to another monument in honor of Johann Sebastian Bach: a sombre monument and – among us photographers – a difficult one to photograph. But before we enter this sacred place, let's take a look at the church portal. There we find A Mighty Fortress Is Our God, one of the titles of Bach's works, which once formed a matching ensemble together with the Bach monument. Finally, St. George's Church also features the baptismal font in which Johann Sebastian Bach was baptized on March 23 – according to the Julian calendar. The baptismal font was 182 years old at the time, Bach was only two days old. This gives you six highlights to explore in Eisenach related to Johann Sebastian Bach. And this is also possible for people who are not quite so fit on their feet: without much time and without much effort..

On your way from the Bach House to St. George's Church, you will pass what is believed to be Bach's birthplace. Of course, it is no longer the same house as it was back then. To get there, take Lutherstraße (... formerly Fleischgasse) and you will find the house at number 35. According to Google Maps, it is a five-minute walk if you are fit. Otherwise, it will take eight ... or ten minutes. On the market square, opposite the St. George's Church, is the city palace, where Johann Ambrosius Bach, Johann Sebastian Bach's father, played in the prince's city band. Above St. George's Church, up the Pfarr Hill, which can also be reached in a few minutes, you will find the school that was once attended not only by Johann Sebastian Bach – and certainly also by his siblings – but also by Martin Luther ... around two centuries earlier. It is the Bach attraction number 7. In the Bach city of Eisenach. Of course... there is a plaque commemorating both celebrities..

Now we come to the somewhat strange area of the ranking: the “added value factor.” Because once you're in Eisenach, the Wartburg Castle above the city and, of course, the architecturally stunning Luther House are definitely worth a visit as well. And what an offer that is: simply cool. Add to that the Fraternity Monument (... Burschenschaftsdenkmal), high above Eisenach: It is supposed to round off the "added value" here. Only Leipzig and Weimar offer more added value and therefore receive two additional points. However, we can assign another added value to the Bach city of Eisenach that Leipzig does not deserve, but Weimar does: it is its proximity to the nearest other Bach institution, That is,, its proximity to a closer Bach location or Bach city. And here, Eisenach is incredibly far ahead. Because if you enjoy power sightseeing and don't mind a little stress, Eisenach is only a 40-minute drive from Ohrdruf, the second location on Bach's life journey. Bach walked there with his older brother to live with his eldest brother when Johann Sebastian was almost ten years old and both his parents had died. There are two Bach monuments to see in Ohrdruf. One, on which Ludwig van Beethoven honors Bach with a famous quote, and one for the entire Ohrdruf line of the Bachs, including the most famous musician of the clan. Unfortunately, there is nothing more to discover there in terms of “traveling to Bach.” Wait... except... the Michaelis School, which the young musician once attended. Today it is the Gleichense Gymnasium (... Highschool), and that's right... with only one “ e ”..

Alternatively, according to Google Maps, Wechmar can also be reached in just 34 minutes. Wechmar played no role in Bach's life, but it played an even greater role in the genealogy of the musician's family. And there is a lot to see there. First, there is St. Viti Church, after which the ancestor of the musician's family, Veit, was probably named. Far more important, however, is the Bach Ancestral Home there – but it's best to check well in advance whether it's open when you arrive. Or whether they'll even open up especially for you – and even more exciting: the Veit Bach Mill, the very Bach site where Veit Bach and his son Hans once ground their grain. And where Veit played his cittern while the mill clattered away. Incidentally, the town neighboring Wechmar is also a Bach city: Gotha, a cool location. If you're interested in Bach, Wechmar is definitely worth seeing and exploring..

So, to sum up when it comes to “Traveling to Bach”: Eisenach is as a "solidary destination" clearly the number 1. However, with the additional options, Eisenach is even more clearly the number 1 destination when it comes to “Destinations related to Johann Sebastian Bach” – in other words, on your journey and on Bach's life life journey. And Wechmar is an additional attractive suggestion. But not really a Johann Sebastian Bach location..

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The Bach Trip to Arnstadt: Bach City Number 2 for You, the Number 1 for Us and Number 5 on Bach's Life Journey..

Why is Arnstadt the number one Bach town for us and the fifth Bach location on Johann Sebastian Bach's life journey? Well, both my wife and I simply like Arnstadt very much. Especially the city center around the town hall. Even though Eisenach is just as great, attractive, and cool as Arnstadt, except for a “Muggesäggele” (... Swabian: a tiny bit, it's a teeny-tiny bit). Arnstadt is number 5 on Johann Sebastian Bach's life journey because he was born in Eisenach and then moved to Ohrdruf. After that he studied in Lüneburg and “stopped briefly in Weimar” before finally getting his first real job in Arnstadt..

Finally, there is the Castle Museum, also just a few minutes' walk away – four minutes according to Google Maps – a top Bach spot, because in addition to the fantastic doll exhibition Mon Plaisir, you will also find the Bach Exhibition there. Four Bach highlights, and now comes the decisive factor as to why Arnstadt – number 5 on Bach's life journey – comes in at number 2 in my top recommendations... and not Leipzig: Dornheim!..

Dornheim is actually located just a five-minute drive from Arnstadt. It probably only takes five minutes to walk from the outskirts of Dornheim to the outskirts of Arnstadt. Dornheim was Bach's eighth stop on his life's journey. Johann Sebastian Bach married his second cousin Maria Barbara Bach in Dornheim. The wedding took place during his time in Mühlheim, which was Bach location number 7 on Bach's life journey. This tiny gem of a wedding church in Dornheim is definitely worth a visit. Beautifully restored, cute from the outside, truly impressive on the inside. So don't miss Dornheim when planning your trip to Arnstadt, whether it's one Bach journey or one of several trips to Johann Sebastian Bach..

Ohrdruf is also close by: close by for the youngest of the Bachs from Eisenach and his older brother back then. Close by for you now, too, if you're traveling by car. The Bach highlights to see in Ohrdruf are listed in the section above, and power tourists interested in Bach's life journey can easily visit these four Bach highlights – Wechmar, Arnstadt, Dornheim, and Ohrdruf – in a single day. You can find out more about Ohrdruf below..

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Bach's Life Journey and Our Bach Trip ... Position 3 in the Ranking: Leipzig Saxony..

At number 3 (... in the ranking) accomplishes this Bach city of all Bach cities and, on Bach's life journey, the city where he stayed, composed, and played music the longest. It is Leipzig in Saxony. On his journey through time, it is location 9. Leipzig is a music metropolis. First, let's talk about the “added value”: There is so much to discover in Leipzig that you can't do without more information about this dream city. Especially if you plan to experience many exciting things beyond Bach's life journey. You can already find out a little more here..

Back to Johann Sebastian Bach in Leipzig. First, we discover the most famous Bach monument. It stands imposingly in St. Thomas Churchyard. You feel small in front of such a composer. And it is tall..

About 20 steps further stands the first of all Bach monuments: It was donated by Felix Mendelssohn Bartholdy. Walk from the imposing New Bach Monument toward the main portal of St. Thomas Church (... it is on the other side of the church tower), but do not turn right – not toward the main entrance – instead, continue straight ahead "into the green". In winter, the first monument, the Old Bach Monument, is impossible to miss. And I don't think you'll miss it in summer either: Don't stray too far from St. Thomas Church to look for it... otherwise you'll be going the wrong way. It's really just a stone's throw from the church..

The third highlight is undoubtedly Johann Sebastian Bach's grave in St. Thomas Church – we give three points for everything so far – and finally, furthest from the altar, there is another stained glass window showing Bach that is worth seeing. It is located near the organ..

Between St. Thomas Church and the Bach Archive, which we will discuss next, there is also the Thomasshop, which we highly recommend you visit: And not only because you can buy ... Advertisement, beginning ... my Bach Biography for Children and my Bach Coloring Book there. ... and already advertisement, end..

Anyone who is literally on the move when it comes to Bach and has Leipzig "on the radar” cannot – actually – ignore the Bach Archive at all. It is by far the most competent institution on the subject of Bach plus Science. Worldwide. First of all, this location is extremely easy to reach: It is located directly opposite St. Thomas Church and pretty much directly opposite this massive new Bach Monument. It is located right where the St. Thomas Churchyard connects to the neighboring park. The Bach Archive and the Bach Museum look forward to welcoming you..

The Bach Archive organizes the International Bach Competition, invites visitors to its Bach Library, hosts the Bach Festival, and offers a wealth of experiences at the Bach Museum. The Bach Archive sees itself as a Center of Musical Excellence in the Bach city, where the composer spent most of his life. The Bach Archive is also a member of the Conference of National Cultural Institutions of the Federal Republic of Germany and is one of the "most important cultural sites" in the New Federal States..

Leipzig is also home to the New Bach Society (... Neue Bachgesellschaft), but this is only of informational interest for your trip. After all, you can neither visit nor tour it. It has been a registered association since January 1900... and yes, if you want to know exactly who does what in Leipzig – the Bach Archive or the New Bach Society – you can find out on their respective websites: just in case an event is organized by one institution rather than the other. Four more exciting points: You can also become a member of this NBG, the New Bach Society. The president of the Bach Archive is Prof. Dr. Ton Koopmann, and the Bach House in Eisenach belongs to the New Bach Society. Finally, fourthly, why is it called the New Bach Society? It is the New Bach Society because there was previously the Bach Society (... but that does not make it the Old Bach Society). This first society organized Bach's work and cataloged it. It then dissolved itself ... in accordance with its statutes..

You can experience “more Bach” in Leipzig: Just a few minutes' walk away is the Nikolai Church, which is well worth seeing and is also closely associated with Bach's work. It takes another ten to twelve minutes on foot to reach the Grassi Museum, which is not of primary importance to us as Bach fans. However, this was once the site of St. Johnnis Church, which has not existed since shortly after the Second World War. The remains of Johann Sebastian Bach were buried there at the cemetery wall. Later, Bach – together with the remains of his second wife, Anna Magdalena – was moved to a crypt under the church. The so-called Bach-Gellert Crypt housed the remains of both of them in a stone sarcophagus. Eventually, half of the content was transferred to St. Thomas Church, separating Bach from his wife once again and burying what remained of her “somehow and somewhere else.” Today, at the site where the Bach-Gellert Crypt once was, there is at least a memorial plaque commemorating both of them..

And the Fourth Place Goes to ... Köthen and Weimar and Mühlhausen..

In Köthen, the castle where Bach once played music with the prince's excellent band invites visitors to come and explore. The Bach memorial inside is, of course, well worth a visit. Not far away is the baroque quarter in Köthen's city center with the Bachplatz (... Bach Square). Of course, the historic Bach monument in white marble stands there. You get an idea of how Bach lived in Köthen. Today, there is a trilogy of Bach sites: on the Bach Square, behind the Bach monument, is the second Bach residence, where the composer's family lived at the time. Of course, it was not the house that stands there today, but its "predecessor". Unfortunately, the first Bach house no longer exists. And no one knows for sure where it once stood. It could have been a civil servant's house in what is now Schlossstraße or Stiftstraße. That is what people assume..

For those who find this interesting: There is also a public memorial to Maria Barbara Bach in Köthen. This tribute in Köthen can be found in the Friedenspark (... Peace Park): It is the Maria Barbara Bach Memorial Stone. Another memorial to Bach's first wife can be found in the Bach place of Gehren. There, a monument honors her and her father on Bach street..

Köthen also offers considerable "added value" because Leipzig is only about 50 minutes away. And precisely because there isn't that much to explore in Köthen in terms of Bach, combining the two might be a really good idea. After all, Köthen also has several churches worth seeing, the Hahnemann House, and the German Language Experience Center..

Also in 4th Place "Lands" Weimar..

Although it causes us “extreme stomach pains”, my wife and I would like to recommend Weimar to you. Bach is clearly underrepresented in Weimar, and you even have to search for his monument. It feels as if it is “hidden” away. Diagonally opposite is a parking lot surrounded by a wall. And on this wall hangs a sign indicating that Wilhelm Friedrich Bach and Carl Philipp Emanuel Bach were born in this house, which no longer exists and to which the wall belonged. The Bachs lived there for around nine years of their lives. That's about it as far as Bach in Weimar is concerned. The only added value is that Weimar, of course, offers culture in abundance and that from Weimar you can reach Eisenach in 50 minutes, Wechmar in 36 minutes, and Arnstadt in 33 minutes... these are the most exciting highlights. Unfortunately, Weimar still lacks the new Bach House in exactly the place where it belongs. With a museum, a festival program, or a memorial to the greatest musician on earth. When will that change? Hopefully soon?!..

Mühlhausen, Also in 4th Place..

Mühlhausen is relatively far away from our intended starting point for this trip, Eisenach. But Mühlhausen is less far away than Köthen or Leipzig from the epicenter of the Bache family, Erfurt..

When it comes to Bach, Mühlhausen offers first and foremost the cool and well-designed Bach monument, one of the very young and youthful ones in honor of the composer. It is located directly in front of the Divi Blasii Church. Then there is a historical plaque to the right of the door ... and that's about it in terms of the composer from Thuringia. But wait: There is another Bach monument. It is made of wood and stands in the Bach Garden, west of the historic old town. A small added value comes from the moderate distance to Eisenach and the fact that the two cathedrals in Mühlhausen are, of course, infinitely worth seeing. Furthermore, Thomas Münzer is an exciting additional topic that makes a visit there worthwhile..

Ohrdruf, Place 5..

Ohrdruf has a little trouble attracting visitors to its beautiful town with Bach alone. It's true, there are two Bach monuments to discover. But that's a little "meager", of course, if you're specifically interested in Bach. Especially since both monuments are sort of different. One is located directly at the foot of the tower of the former St. Michael's Church. There is no sign here to help visitors find the Bach monument. The nave of the church has not existed since the war. The Bach monument is located at the rear of the tower, feeling “completely hidden.” The second monument is a stele that "reserves" a quarter of the area, namely one of the four sides, for Johann Sebastian Bach. The other Bachs, namely the Ohrdrufer Bachs, share the remaining three sides. In Ohrdruf itself, you can stroll around a bit and discover the Lyzeum, the Latin School. It was the predecessor of today's Gleichense Gymnasium. That's right, Gleichense with one " e ". There, Bach finally got good grades. Ehrenstein Castle is worth exploring. There is an additional bonus point due to the proximity of the other Bach locations, foremost among them Arnstadt with the Bach village of Dornheim on its doorstep..

Lüneburg in 6th Place..

Unfortunately, there is absolutely nothing to explore in Lüneburg when it comes to Johann Sebastian Bach. Only a loveless historical plaque on St. Michael's Church tells of Bach's two years in the city during his youth. Two years is twice as long as Bach spent in Mühlhausen. And 700 times longer than he stayed in Dornheim. It is also four times as long as his first stay in Weimar..

The Place of Honor Goes to... Wechmar..

For day trippers and travelers in the subject of Bach who are interested not only in Bach's life journey, but also in the history of the entire musical dynasty, the greatest family of musicians of all time and on earth, Wechmar near Gotha is simply a must. It was in Wechmar that the Bache (... yes, Bache with an " e ") became these special Bachs. “Before Wechmar”, the Baches were “just any family”, like any other. Well... one whose name was Bach. But it was in Wechmar that Veit Bach played his cittern to the beat of the mill. And he was the first documented musical Bach in the family..

There are five locations alone that you can visit and experience that are connected to the family of musicians. First, of course, there is the Bach Ancestral Home (Bach-Stammhaus): an exciting place to explore. Then, a three-minute walk away, there is the Veit Bach Mill: almost demolished, just barely saved, and definitely worth seeing today. Next is St. Veit Church, which probably served as inspiration for Veit to be named after it. And finally, there is the historical school building right next to the church where a Bach once taught music. Last but not least is the “Golden Lion”, where Bachs formerly resided..

Wechmar offers an additional exciting attraction: today, it is only about a five-minute drive from the Bach city of Gotha. Gotha is also associated with the Bach family of musicians, but also with J.S. Bach's life journey. Although Gotha does not officially commemorate the Bach family of musicians, it is undoubtedly a Bach city. It is even a Johann Sebastian Bach city, as he celebrated at least one concert in this dream location. And dream location is the keyword here: Gotha is particularly worth seeing. Take a look at the video and simply make a detour. Feel free to stray from the usual Johann Sebastian Bach route. Veit Bach's son, "Hans the Minstrel", played regularly in Gotha..

In addition, Wechmar also lies very close to Ohrdruf, Arnstadt, and thus also to Dornheim. All this makes Wechmar a super destination when it comes to Bach. So divide your time between five Bach cities and Bach places, or four, or just three. Depending on how much energy you have, how early you want to get up, and how quickly you want to rush through the Bach destinations..

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Culture Trips, Music Trips, "Bach By Bike"..

First of all, I would like to introduce you once again to Mr. Schuchart. You don't know Mr. Schuchart yet? Maybe you do. You may have seen him for a minute at the top of this page. He was Johann Sebastian Bach and he gave the welcome speech on this page. For me. Right in front of St. Thomas Church, to the side behind the imposing Bach monument in the St. Thomas Churchyard. Mr. Schuchart offered a Bach tour on his own website... dressed in Bach's robes, of course. You could book him under city tours and sightseeing tours. It was definitely an experience. In any case, I am enthusiastic about Mr. Schuchart. Unfortunately, he is now retired. And here you can go directly to Johann Sebastian Bach, the successor to Franz Schuchart..

Bach by Bike: This is truly something special and is also very much in keeping with today's style of sustainable travel. In nature. At a leisurely pace. With lots of exciting information and far away from the hustle and bustle that often characterizes popular city breaks. Two young musicians developed this unique tour for culture and nature lovers. The website alone is worth a visit. The groups are small, and you can expect exclusive concerts, great guided tours, and music at the many original locations. This is the best way to imagine Bach, even though it has been around 300 years since the musician lived and worked at the destinations of this guided tour. Luggage service, packed lunches, all-round support, bike-friendly hotels... oh, actually, this was just meant to be a little appetizer: Why not visit the Bach by Bike website via the link at the beginning of this text? The tour takes place in May, and if that's not the case, you can find out on the website..

Augustus Tours offers a music tour. The travel company is based in Dresden and specializes in more than just Johann Sebastian Bach. But that's part of it too. The website is beautifully designed and makes you want to find out more. With a maximum of ten participants, you are guaranteed a truly personalized experience. You can tailor the start of your trip to suit your preferences. This means you are free to choose when your Bach adventure will begin. And – it's not easy for me to type this – if you enjoy the trip to the places where Johann Sebastian Bach worked, they also specialize in Wagner and Richard Strauss. However, these three themes are by no means the only ones on offer. Why not take a quick look at the website?..

Biblical Journeys is what I promised you as well: Here they are, and the trip is entitled With J.S. Bach Through the Holy Week. That's why it takes place before Easter. It starts in Erfurt – the epicenter of the Bach family of musicians – and during the Easter season, this trip promises to be particularly fitting for Johann Sebastian. Exciting, exciting: You will stay overnight in the Augustinian Monastery and have the opportunity to attend various church services during the trip. This and the rest of the program sound really exciting, and you should definitely check it out. That is, if you are planning your trip, or trips, plural, to Bach Country. Or is that too cheeky... and I should have called it “The Land of the Bache” instead?..:

We – my wife and I - can't decide which of the above offers is better for you. And, of course, it should be mentioned that there are other offers: music tours and tours related to Johann Sebastian Bach –both online and in real life – so here are two more websites where you can search for the best impression yourself:.

Compact Tours offers five days in the Land of Bachs at an incredible price. The tour is entitled “Journey in the Footsteps of Johann Sebastian Bach.” The Travel Mission Ecumenical and Worldwide also makes a suggestion, and with that we will conclude our recommendations..

Take a look at all the options while you're comfortably at home. Then decide how you want to explore the Bach cities and Bach places. That is: explore on your own, on a guided bike tour, in a group over several days, or ... whatever you like. And we wish you lots of fun..

Bach Weeks and More Bach Weeks: Did You Know Such a Thing?..

Here you see Bach represenatativ for all Bach Weeks offers. That is why we don't reveal, where this Bach monument is loactaed. Do you know it?..

Die Thüringer Bachwochen ... The Thuringia Bach Weeks..

I hope all other organizers of Bach Weeks will forgive me: On a website dedicated to Johann Sebastian Bach and created by an author named Bach, the Bach cities and Bach locations simply have to play a dominant role. That is why they are listed first on this page and here. In contrast to the travel offers to the Bach cities and Bach places above, the following order is not a ranking. Bach can be experienced in several locations and cities between the North Sea and the Alps. Here you can find the Thuringian Bach Weeks..

Köthener Bachfesttage ... The Köthen Bach Festival Days ... Köthen, Saxony-Anhalt..

The Festival in Köthen. What makes it special is that this Bach Festival does not take place every year, but only every two years in September. This is important to know if you are traveling to Germany from far away. Worth mentioning is the celebration of the master's birthday with a birthday concert, and in October there is a Bach competition. Click here to visit the website..

The Bachfest Leipzig ... Leipzig, Saxony..

Of course, only renowned artists perform in Leipzig, in this music metropolis. And there is a whole spectrum of events "all about Bach" on offer in this Bach city of all Bach cities. Everything takes place in June, and without checking the website for detailed information, you are sure to miss one or another Bach highlight. Click here to visit the Bach Festival's website directly. Then scroll down, because on the first page you will find many more offers than on the “ Bachfest v ” page..

Bachwoche Ansbach ... The Bach Week Ansbach, Bavaria..

Then there is the Bach Week in Ansbach. Ansbach is located between Heilbronn and Nuremberg. By the way, Ansbach is one of the few locations in Germany that has a noteworthy Bach monument without being one of the Bach cities. Johann Sebastian Bach had nothing to do with Ansbach during his lifetime... so to speak. It's a pity, really. Click here for Bach Week Ansbach..

Würzburg Bachtage ... Würzburg Bach Days ... Würzburg, Northern Bavaria..

The next city with a long tradition of Bach Days is Würzburg. And rightly so, we are not proceeding alphabetically here, but simply “following our noses.” Why not start by visiting the website of the Würzburg Bach Days, and you will surely soon be hungry for more..

The International Bachfest Stuttgart ... Stuttgart, Baden-Württemberg..

A Bach Week was celebrated in Stuttgart until 2024. Not Bach Weeks in the plural, but one week dedicated to the Thuringian composer. The International Bach Academy in Stuttgart organized this Bach Week, with workshops, master classes, and support for young musicians on the program. Today, it has merged with the International Bach Fest Stuttgart. You can find it online here..

Bach-Days in the Luther Church Konstanz ... Konstanz, Baden-Württemberg..

The southernmost Bach Days in Germany take place at Lake Constance. Constance is the event location. To this year's program ... Click here to proceed..

Heidelberg Bach Week ... Heidelberg, Baden-Württtemberg..

Very close to the author of this website – that is, in Heidelberg – there are also festivities related to Bach: the Heidelberg Bach Week is celebrated there..

Greifswald Bach Week ... Greifswald, Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania..

And what do the local cultural institution, the district, and the Vorpommern Region organize together? It is the Greifswald Bach Week, which honors the composer from Thuringia and delights Bach enthusiasts..

The Hamburg Bach Weeks ... Hamburg..

Hamburg is not “just” a Johann Sebastian Bach city in category C, but above all a Carl Philipp Emanuel Bach city in premium class A+. The “Bach Weeks at St. Michaelis” take place there every year. They will certainly be delighted to welcome you, first on their website, and then of course at the Bach Weeks themselves..

Nowhere in the World Are There More Cool Plus Conservative Bach Calendars ... ..

... if you add all the brochure calendars, there will soon be almost 50 Bach calendars. Click here to get to the shop in ( ! ) the Publishing House "Bach 4 You"..

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The Bach Weeks Dill ... Dillenburg, Rheinland-Pfalz..

Did you know that there is something called "Bachwochen Dill e.V."? It's in Dillenburg. Why not take a look at their website first? And then later on, go and see one of the choir's concerts "live". The address is Bachwochen.org, which is easy to remember. Why not take a look at the website now?..

Are There More Bach Weeks in Germany Missing Here?..

There is still plenty of space for all institutions, cities, and municipalities that already organize Bach Weeks. And also for those who want to organize Bach Weeks regularly in the coming years. The following ... however, is a requirement: They do not have to be called Bach Weeks. But they must deal with Bach and the event must take place again and again every year. And who else is welcome? Of course, all such or similar events that I have not found. Or those that have been newly established since this website and this page have been created..

More Bach Weeks All Over the Planet..

It took a long, long time (... many years) before I was able to continue presenting such offers around the world. It took exactly twelve years before I was able to list all Bach Weeks around the world here: That's right, work ruins all your leisure time. Because there are over 350 German pages and over 350 English pages on the two websites Bach über Bach and Bach on Bach, everything takes "time". And it only "works" one thing at a time. "Construction site by construction site"..

The Tilford Bach Festival in England..

The Tilford Bach Festival in England is one of the oldest Bach festivals in Great Britain. It takes place every June in the picturesque All Saints Church in Tilford (... Surrey). Renowned musicians present works by Johann Sebastian Bach and his contemporaries in historically informed performances. Click here to visit the website..

The Bach Choir Festival London..

The Bach Choir Festival London is a permanent fixture in British musical life and celebrates the works of Johann Sebastian Bach in impressive concerts. The traditional Bach Choir, founded in the 19th century, presents a wide-ranging programme of cantatas, passions and oratorios every year in renowned London venues such as the Royal Festival Hall. The festival brings together professional musicians and passionate amateurs who together bring to life the timeless beauty and spiritual depth of Bach's music. In addition to the performances, there are educational projects and introductions for a wide audience. Click here to visit the website..

The Surrey Bach Festival in England..

Every summer, the Surrey Bach Festival in Stoke d'Abernon brings together choirs, orchestras, and soloists to celebrate the music of Johann Sebastian Bach in the historic St. Mary's Church. It is a young, vibrant festival with regional charm. Visit the website now?..

The Netherlands Bach Festivals..

The Netherlands Bach Festivals offer a comprehensive and diverse program of Johann Sebastian Bach's music in the Netherlands. Organized by the renowned Nederlandse Bachvereniging, the concerts take place in cities such as Amsterdam, Utrecht, and Naarden and include cantatas, passions, and oratorios. Historically informed performance practice meets first-class soloists, choirs, and orchestras. In addition to classical concert series, there are special educational programs, workshops, and digital offerings that bring Bach's work to a wide audience. The festivals attract both international music lovers and regional visitors, combining tradition with innovation. Want to go there now?..

The Bach Festival Dordrecht in the Netherlands..

The Bach Festival Dordrecht in the Netherlands is an annual highlight for lovers of Baroque music. In the historic city of Dordrecht, choirs, orchestras, and soloists present works by Johann Sebastian Bach and his contemporaries. The festival combines classical concerts with open rehearsals, workshops, and educational opportunities for young and old, bringing Bach's music to life. Special emphasis is placed on historically informed performance practice, which conveys the original sound of the Baroque era. The intimate atmosphere in historic church venues creates a special closeness between artists and audience, making the festival an unforgettable experience. Click here to visit the website..

The Festival Bach de Lausanne, Switzerland..

Every year, the Festival Bach de Lausanne in Switzerland presents high-quality performances of Bach's works and Baroque music. International soloists and ensembles perform in historic halls, combining tradition with lively interpretation. The website?..

The Bach Project in St. Gallen, Switzerland..

The Bach Project St. Gallen in Switzerland is dedicated to performing Bach's complete cantatas and oratorios. International soloists, choirs, and ensembles regularly present the works in historic church venues, accompanied by introductions and educational programs that bring the music and its context to life. Want to explore more now?..

The Festival Bach en Combrailles in Puy-de-Dôme in the Auvergne, France..

The Festival Bach en Combrailles in Puy-de-Dôme, Auvergne, celebrates the music of Johann Sebastian Bach every year in a picturesque rural setting. Historic churches and small concert halls provide the perfect setting for choral, orchestral, and chamber music performances. International and regional artists present Bach's works in historically informed practice. Workshops, lectures, and encounters with the musicians make the festival particularly lively and approachable. So, off to France?..

„Bach 'd'abord!“ in Toulouse, France..

The Festival "Bach d'abord!" in Toulouse presents works by Johann Sebastian Bach every year, featuring internationally renowned artists and historical performance practices in the city's elegant concert halls. Want to visit there now?..

The Oregon Bach Festival in the USA..

The Oregon Bach Festival in Eugene, USA, is one of the most important Bach festivals in North America. Since 1970, it has been thrilling audiences with top-class concerts, master classes, and international artists. In addition to Bach's works, performed in a conservative style, the program also includes modern interpretations and world premieres. It is a unique combination of education, music, and encounters... Would you like to learn more about this festival?..

The Bach Bethlehem Festival in Pennsylvania, USA..

The Bach Bethlehem Festival in Pennsylvania, USA, is one of the oldest Bach festivals in the world. The renowned Bach Choir of Bethlehem presents Bach's works in concerts, with choirs, and as orchestral performances. Educational programs, workshops, and special events complement the experience for music lovers and families. Visit their website..

The Carmel Bach Festival in California..

The Carmel Bach Festival in California delights audiences every year with concerts, choral and orchestral performances, and chamber music. International artists present Bach's works in historically informed practice, complemented by lectures and educational programs for visitors of all ages. To the website..

The Bach Festival of Philadelphia in the USA..

The Bach Festival of Philadelphia in the USA is a renowned event dedicated entirely to the music of Johann Sebastian Bach. Every spring, the festival presents a varied program of cantatas, passions, and oratorios performed by professional choirs, orchestras, and soloists. Historically informed performance practice meets modern interpretations, allowing classical works to be experienced in a new way. In addition to concerts, the festival offers educational programs, workshops, and participatory projects for children, young people, and adults. This allows audiences and musicians to intensively experience the depth and beauty of Bach's music. Open-air events and collaborations with local cultural institutions are a special highlight. Want to learn more now?..

The Winter Park Festival in Florida..

The Winter Park Bach Festival in Florida is one of the oldest Bach festivals in the USA. Every year, cantatas, oratorios, and chamber music are presented by international soloists and ensembles, complemented by educational programs and workshops for music lovers of all ages. To the website..

The Festival Bach in Montréal in Canada..

Every year in Montréal, the Festival Bach transforms the city into a center of Baroque music. Historic and modern concert halls offer a diverse program featuring orchestras, choirs, and soloists. In addition, workshops, lectures, and encounters with artists invite visitors to experience Bach's music up close. To the website..

The Toronto Bach Festival in Kanada..

The Toronto Bach Festival brings Bach's music to the heart of Canada's vibrant metropolis. International soloists and ensembles perform cantatas, passions, and oratorios using historically informed practice, while workshops, lectures, and interactive events make the festival a lively experience for young and old alike. Visitors enjoy the combination of baroque splendor and urban flair in elegant concert halls. A must for lovers of classical music. To the exciting website..

The Bach Collegium Weeks in Tokyo/Kobe/Osaka in Japan..

The Bach Collegium Weeks in Tokyo, Kobe, and Osaka offer an extraordinary musical experience in Japan. Under the direction of Masaaki Suzuki, the internationally acclaimed Bach Collegium Japan performs Bach's cantatas, passions, and oratorios with impressive precision and musical depth. The festivals combine traditional performance practice with modern concert dramaturgy, complemented by introductions and master classes. Both locals and international visitors can experience Bach's music at the highest level in atmospheric concert halls and churches. A cultural highlight for all fans of Baroque music. Ready to head to Japan?..

Das Seoul Bach Festival in South Korea..

Experience the Seoul Bach Festival in South Korea ... a unique musical event that celebrates the timeless beauty of Bach's masterpieces. World-class musicians present unforgettable concerts in impressive concert halls. Immerse yourself in the soundscapes of Baroque masterpieces..

The Bach Days Vienna Wien in Austria..

The Bach Days Vienna transport you to a world of harmony and beauty. Bach's masterpieces are performed by outstanding musicians in atmospheric concerts. Let yourself be enchanted by the magic of music and enjoy unforgettable moments in Vienna. To one of the websites..

Bachs Lebensreise: Jetzt gibt's die versprochenen Bilder zu Ihrem Trip zu Bach..

Once again, things work a little differently here than at the top of this page. Because here, there is actually another ranking. For the images. Alternatively. For you, and because everything is a little different on this website. Because on this website – in my project Bach über Bach – comparisons are actually allowed to be a little "lame". And that's why the following order does not refer to whether you are traveling from the north or south or even from the west. Instead, priority is given to the place in the "Land of the Bache" where you get – once again – "the most Bach for your money" and "the most Bach for your time"..

Of course, my recommendation is subjective. It is my recommendation and my opinion. The starting point for this ranking is – for us and for now – Wechmar. On the map, Wechmar is located right next to Gotha. And from Wechmar, you could experience most of the Bach locations in just one day. That is why it is not only the benchmark for our – insignificant – rating, but also a sensible approach..

How does the upcoming ranking work? Let's say you're an enthusiastic Bach fan. And you want to follow in Bach's footsteps. That means retracing Bach's life journey. Then, of course, you won't be following your destinations based on Bach's journey through his life. Because then you would have to visit Lüneburg as your third location. And Lüneburg gets not a single Bach point from me – bottom line. In this ranking, destinations outside the Bach hemisphere that you can "pick up on the way" also play no role at all..

Bach's life journey: Eisenach is definitely the clear number one recommendation..

What is significant in the Bach city of Eisenach,, is that you not only get many Bach points in the ranking, but that the highlights can also be experienced in an exciting way. What does that mean? How much time do you spend in front of a monument? Five minutes, ten minutes? 20? And how long do you spend in the Bach House? And then in the Bach Museum? In other words, the museum beats the monument. Here is a list of the Bach locations for which there are “Bach points”: Of course, there is one Bach point each for the Bach House, the Bach Museum, and the Bach Monument, making three in total. Then there is also the St. George Church in Eisenach. The baptismal font in which Bach was baptized. The inscription above the church entrance, which was once part of the Bach monument, and a second Bach monument inside. These are another three Bach points, making a total of six. Finally, there is the elementary school that Bach once attended. That would be the seventh Bach point. The proximity to other Bach locations with relatively short travel times adds another Bach point. That makes a total of eight “Bach points”..

Bach's life journey: More pictures of Eisenach can be found here..

Bach's life journey: Arnstadt together with Dornheim is our recommendation number 2..

We generously combine Arnstadt and Dornheim into one Bach highlight. This is because you can walk from the outskirts of Arnstadt to the outskirts of Dornheim in half an hour. Or drive from one Bach location to another in five minutes by car. In Arnstadt, there is first the Bach Church, which is the first Bach point. One of the more recent Bach monuments is located on the market square, and not far from it is the Bach House. That makes three Bach points so far. Finally, there is a Bach exhibition in the castle museum. That makes four Bach points. You can experience this Bach town not far from other Bach locations ex Dornheim: That makes five. More pictures of Arnstadt can be found here. However, together with the wedding church in nearby Dornheim, that makes six Bach points..

Bach's life journey: More pictures of Dornheim can be found here..

Bach's life journey: Wechmar is number 3..

Wechmar is the cradle of the Bach family of musicians. But you are interested in much more than "just" Bach's music. First of all, Wechmar is home to the Bach Stem House. Then, just a few minutes' walk away, you will find the Veit Bach Mill. Again, just two minutes away, you can discover St. Veit Church and the schoolhouse where a Bach once taught. Bache also used to live in the guesthouse and former inn “Zum Löwen”. We summarize all the attractions, which adds up to exactly four Bach points. Wechmar is located in the epicenter of “Bach Country.” That makes five points. And finally, Wechmar is really that important: I'll give it another point for that. That makes a total of five "Bach points". And that's why Wechmar is the third most rewarding Bach destination. If you leave Leipzig out of the equation because it's so far away..

Bach's life journey ... Wechmar: More pictures are here..

Bach's life journey: Leipzig is destination number 4..

Leipzig is so significant in terms of Bach and has so many highlights to offer that the distance to the “Land of the Bache” leads to a devaluation ... nevertheless, there is still a tremendous amount of "Bach for your time and money". In Leipzig, of course, St. Thomas Church comes first. And also St. Nikolai Church, which is just as strongly associated with Bach. That's two Bach points. In St. Nicholas Church stands a third Bach monument in Leipzig. In addition to the Old Bach Monument and the New Bach Monument, that makes another three Bach points. That makes five. Then there is the Bach Archive in Leipzig, and Bach's grave in St. Thomas Church. That's already seven points. Near the organ, J.S. Bach is depicted on one of the colorful stained glass windows. That's Bach point number 8. For hardcore Bach fans, the memory of Bach's resting place in the Bach-Gellert crypt (... for many decades) is also exciting. And so is the Thomasshop. That's two more points. Now there's one point deduction because of the great distance from the center of the “Land of the Bachs” in Thuringia. And one point added because of the overall significance. So that makes? Right, exactly ten “Bach points.”..

Bach's life journey: More pictures of Leipzig can be found here..

Bach's life journey: Köthen is number 5..

The Bach city of Köthen, where Bach felt most at home and where he would have liked to have spent his entire life, is – measured from the center of Bach Country in Thuringia – “far off the beaten track.” But Köthen compensates for this with six “Bach points”: First, there is the palace, Bach’s place of work with Prince Leopold. Today, it is a Bach memorial. A plaque outside the castle commemorates Bach's work. Inside the castle, a bust awaits his fans. In the baroque quarter of the town is the Bachplatz, which deserves a “Bach point” as an ensemble. One of the historic Bach monuments stands on this square. On the other side of the street, you can imagine the second Bach house, where the Bach family lived. Where the first is believed to have stood, there is no house today. Because of its relative closeness to Leipzig, Köthen does not receive any penalty points in our little competition, even though it is a long drive from the "Land of the Bachs" to Köthen..

Bach's life journey: More pictures of Köthen can be found here..

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Bach's life journey: Mühlhausen is number 6..

Mühlhausen has to be happy with three Bach points. This is because there is almost nothing to see there except the modern, new, and small but pretty Bach monument. And we will award at least one point to the impressive St. Blasii Church as a place where Bach worked. In addition, there is a commemorative plaque next to the portal dedicated to Bach, who was the organist at the time. A little younger is a sculpture made of wood, a truly unusual material for a Bach monument. You can find it in the Bach Park. We do not consider the long distance to the center of Bach country in Thuringia to be a negative factor, because Mühlhausen also boasts the best-preserved medieval city fortifications in Germany, in addition to its Bach theme. In addition, there is the Thomas Müntzer theme and a Peasants' War museum. So it remains at three "Bach points". © Renate Bach..

Bach's life journey: More pictures of Mühlhausen can be found here..

Bach's life journey: Ohrdruf is number 7..

Ohrdruf is simply one of them! And if you visit Ohrdruf “for the sake of completeness”, you will be rewarded with a total of three Bach points. First, there is one of the older Bach monuments, hidden away behind ( ! ) the tower of St. Michael's Church. Its nave no longer exists. A second monument in a park in the center of city commemorates the Bachs of Ohrdruf (... three quarters) and Johann Sebastian Bach (... one quarter). Finally, on the way to the Ohra River, you can discover the school that JSB attended during his time in Ohrdruf. Ohrdruf gets more Bach points than number 6 (... Mühlhausen), but is less exciting as an overall experience (... that is, including other topics). That is why Ohrdruf is ranked 7th. After all, it has three "Bach points"..

Bach's life journey: More pictures of Ohrdruf can be found here..

Bach's life journey: Erfurt is number 9.

Erfurt actually only features one Bach highlight. Apart from a painted family tree of the Bach family in one of the impressive churches: It is the Bach House, or rather the two Bach Houses, where several members of the Bach family lived before Johann Sebastian's time. Among them was Johann Sebastian's father, Ambrosius. All right, so there are one and a half "Bach points".

Bach's life journey: More pictures of Erfurt can be found here..

Bach's life journey. Gräfenroda is number 10..

Gräfenroda is really only for the "die-hards" among all Bach fans and travelers interested in the Bach family. There is (... still) no Bach monument, no Bach House, and in fact ... not a single mention of the family of musicians anywhere. Only Spitta, the second real Bach biographer, mentions the place by name. Little Gräfenroda. Gräfenroda is the municipality that actually became a "Bach place only recently, in 2015. I discovered, or rather rediscovered, this during my research into the Bach genealogy of my wife and myself. Unfortunately, there is still no reference to the Bachs there. So there is no "Bach point" either. Only its location relatively in the middle of Bach Country makes Gräfenroda more exciting than Lüneburg, which also does not have a single Bach point..

Bach's life journey: More pictures of Gräfenroda can be found here..

Bach's life journey: Lüneburg is number 11 and indeed a Bach city. Not only did Johann Sebastian Bach live here for two years, he also performed music here with his voice..

So Lüneburg is truly a Bach city. What is there to discover about Bach? Actually... nothing. Nothing, really. There is St. Michael's Church, next to which the Lyceum where Bach studied once stood. A loveless commemorative plaque hangs there. Should there be a Bach point for that? Then let's give it one. But Lüneburg definitely deserves a minus point. From Wechmar, the hub of "our competition", it takes a whole four hours to get there by car. If Leipzig got a minus point further up for the distance between the center of Thuringia and the music metropolis on the Pleiße, then it would be even fair for Lüneburg to get a second negative Bach point for being twice as far away. So the conclusion is: When it comes to Bach, it is absolutely not worth traveling to Lüneburg. Of course, if you live in Flensburg, then it's a completely different story. With a smile. Zero "Bach points"..

Bach's life journey: More pictures of Lüneburg can be found here..

And ... can you see the Bach monument? It's to the right of the carriage. Between tree 1 and tree 2. In the grass. More high-resolution photos of this Bach city? More high-resolution photos of this Bach city?..

The Bach monument in Weimar. It is so tiny and cute that you can easily remove the cobwebs from the composer before taking a photo. Would we do that? Yes, we would do almost anything for a good photo. Bach's life journey: More pictures of Weimar can again be found here..

Bach's life journey: Weimar is number 12. Weimar receives a very serious three minus points from us in our recommendation list. This puts it in last place in the ranking. Because all those responsible – those who are truly responsible and culturally accountable – really don't care that a cultural asset of immeasurable value has been left to decay. We are talking about the Bach House, which was demolished shortly before the fall of the Berlin Wall and is now left to the mercy of further catastrophic developments concerning Bach. The monument to Johann Sebastian Bach stands in an inconspicuous, almost hidden place. I have only “impressively photographed” it. Otherwise, there is nothing to discover in Weimar when it comes to Bach. Well, perhaps the memorial plaque on the wall that was once the lower part of the Bach House. But there is no Bach point for that. Because it is a shame to degrade a place that can be associated with three famous musicians. And one of these three masters was not only the most famous composer of all time, but also composed many of his now world-famous musical works there over a period of nine long years. With one Bach point and three minus points, Weimar ranks in last place. When it comes to Bach, the author strongly advises against a visit. At least this way, there will be no incredible disappointment for all those who admire Johann Sebastian Bach..

Of course, it should be noted that Weimar also boasts an incredible wealth of cultural treasures. In general, Weimar is, of course, culturally sensational. Perhaps that is also the reason why a Bach House there is considered "like adding bacon to the sausage". Then another important point: I did not have my disappointing conversation with the current mayor..

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