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Jena

Shadows and Light: The Peaceful Revolution of Jena

3.4 km113 min7 stops

What awaits you on this Red Thread tour

Step into the hidden history of a city that lived a double life. Jena was the glittering jewel of East German science, a hub of optical engineering and intellectual prestige. But beneath the surface of this 'scientific city' lay a suffocating web of secret police surveillance. On this immersive walking tour, you will discover how an unlikely alliance of rebellious punks, courageous priests, disillusioned factory workers, and brilliant students managed to break the grip of the Stasi. From hidden youth parishes to the vast squares where tens of thousands finally demanded their freedom, you will walk the exact path of the 1989 Peaceful Revolution. This is a story of psychological warfare, tragic sacrifice, and the ultimate triumph of the human spirit.

Itinerary

1

TOUR START

Geschichtswerkstatt Jena e.V.

The former Stasi headquarters, now a grassroots archive dedicated to the victims of the GDR's secret police.

1.39 km • 21 min
2

STOP 2

Stadtkirche St. Michael

A historic Gothic church that became the vital sanctuary for Jena's youth opposition and peace activists.

0.20 km • 3 min
3

STOP 3

Friedrich-Schiller-Universität (UHG)

The historic university that served as both a center of GDR scientific prestige and a hotbed of heavily surveilled student resistance.

0.68 km • 10 min
4

STOP 4

Johannisfriedhof

A historic cemetery and the resting place of Matthias Domaschk, whose tragic death in Stasi custody galvanized the opposition.

0.43 km • 7 min
5

STOP 5

Ernst-Abbe-Platz (Former Carl Zeiss Plant)

The former site of the massive Carl Zeiss optical plant, where the working class ultimately turned against the regime.

0.31 km • 5 min
6

STOP 6

Eichplatz

A vast plaza that became the site of Jena's largest mass demonstrations, where 30,000 citizens demanded democracy.

0.35 km • 5 min
7

END

Holzmarkt

A central market square that served as a key waypoint for the 1989 protest marches, symbolizing the successful, peaceful overthrow of the dictatorship.

Where the tour takes place

Starting point and rough tour area – the exact route unfolds in the app.

Good to know

  • Ideal for History buffs, urban explorers, fans of Cold War espionage, and anyone inspired by stories of civil resistance and social justice.
  • Best time Late afternoon, as the fading light adds atmosphere to the historic alleyways and the city squares begin to quiet down.
  • What to bring Comfortable walking shoes are essential for navigating the cobblestone streets of the old town.
  • Pacing yourself Take your time at the cemetery stop; it is a place for quiet reflection.
  • Look closely Keep an eye out for small memorial plaques on the buildings, they often tell hidden stories.
  • Weather prep Bring a light jacket, as the wind can sweep sharply across the large open squares.
  • Your voucher You can redeem your voucher for two years from purchase. Once redeemed, you have 14 days of access and can enjoy the tour as often as you like during that time.

Your guide

Ian MacLeod
Audio sample
0:000:00

Ian MacLeod

  • Power, Protest & Civic Spaces
  • Scotland

Connoisseur of political movements. Traces the routes of protests and explains the power of public spaces.

Frequently asked questions

How do I get to the tour after buying?

You see your voucher code right after payment – and you also receive it at the email address you entered at checkout. Redeem that code in the Red Thread app; that's where the tour starts.

When does my access start?

Only when you redeem the code in the app, not at purchase. From redemption you have 14 days of access to the tour.

Do I need the Red Thread app?

Yes. The free Red Thread app turns your tour into a vivid experience: with audio, a map, and thoughtful prompts, it guides you from place to place in an engaging and entertaining way. It's available free for iOS and Android.

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