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Offered languages
- German
- English
Dive into the hidden history of a city that led a double life. Jena was the shining jewel of East German science, but beneath the surface lay a suffocating net of surveillance by the secret police. On this tour, you will discover how rebellious punks, brave priests, disillusioned factory workers, and brilliant students broke the stranglehold of the Stasi. From hidden youth groups to the squares where tens of thousands demanded their freedom, follow the path of the Peaceful Revolution of 1989. A story about psychological warfare, tragic victims, and the triumph of the human spirit.
- 3.4 km self-guided tour with 7 stations over 113 min.
- Ideal for history, memory, protest, and public spaces
Excitingly told in a podcast style by experts and locals
- Suitable audio content, AI guide, and navigation via the app
What's Included
Meeting and pickup
From Jena main station with local public transport towards Geschichtswerkstatt Jena e.V. From the nearest stop, it is a few minutes' walk to the Geschichtswerkstatt Jena e.V. Please check the current connection with the local transport association on the day of travel.
From Holzmarkt, walk to the nearest stop and take local public transport back to Jena Hauptbahnhof. The starting point is Holzmarkt in Jena. Please check the current connection on the day of travel.
Itinerary
-
1
The former Stasi headquarters, now an independent archive dedicated to the victims of the GDR secret police.
10 minutes • Admission ticket free -
2
A historic Gothic church that became a vital refuge for Jena's youth opposition and peace activists.
10 minutes • Admission ticket free -
3
The historical university, which served both as the center of the scientific prestige of the GDR and as a breeding ground for heavily monitored student resistance.
10 minutes • Admission ticket free -
4
A historic cemetery and the final resting place of Matthias Domaschk, whose tragic death in Stasi custody stirred up the opposition.
10 minutes • Admission ticket free -
5
The former site of the huge Carl Zeiss optics factory, where the working class finally turned against the regime.
10 minutes • Admission ticket free -
6
A huge square that became the scene of the largest mass demonstrations in Jena, where 30,000 citizens demanded democracy.
10 minutes • Admission ticket free -
7
A central marketplace that served as an important waypoint for the protest marches of 1989 and symbolizes the successful, peaceful fall of the dictatorship.
10 minutes • Admission ticket free
Additional info
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Tags
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Cancellation Policy
- For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
- If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
- Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
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