All tours in Jena

Jena

The Lens of Progress: Jena's Optical Revolution

3.5 km115 min7 stops

What awaits you on this Red Thread tour

Discover how a mechanic, a mathematician, and a chemist turned a small German university town into the global epicenter of optical science. This immersive audio journey explores the 'holy trinity' of Carl Zeiss, Ernst Abbe, and Otto Schott. You will uncover not only the scientific breakthroughs that allowed humanity to see the microscopic and the cosmic, but also the radical social reforms that pioneered the 8-hour workday and transformed modern labor. It is a story of glass, genius, and human dignity.

Itinerary

1

TOUR START

Ernst-Abbe-Platz

The historical epicenter of the Carl Zeiss factory, representing the leap from a small workshop to a global industrial powerhouse.

Ernst-Abbe-Platz

Pic by Dguendel on Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 3.0)

0.31 km • 5 min
2

STOP 2

Deutsches Optisches Museum

The historical repository of Zeiss, Abbe, and Schott's scientific breakthroughs, currently undergoing a massive renovation.

Deutsches Optisches Museum

Pic by ginnyTheCat on Wikimedia Commons (CC0)

0.06 km • 1 min
3

STOP 3

Ernst-Abbe-Denkmal

A stunning architectural monument dedicated to Ernst Abbe, financed by the citizens of Jena to honor his scientific and social contributions.

Ernst-Abbe-Denkmal

Pic by Dguendel on Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 3.0)

0.12 km • 2 min
4

STOP 4

Volkshaus Jena

Financed by the Carl-Zeiss-Stiftung, this 'House of the People' embodies the social reforms introduced by Abbe, providing education and culture to workers.

Volkshaus Jena

Pic by Dguendel on Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 3.0)

0.66 km • 10 min
5

STOP 5

Schott Villa

The historic residence of Otto Schott, the glass chemist whose innovative materials completed the 'holy trinity' of Jena's optics industry.

Schott Villa

Pic by indeedous on Wikimedia Commons (Attribution)

1.77 km • 27 min
6

STOP 6

Johannisfriedhof

The historic cemetery and final resting place of Carl Zeiss and Ernst Abbe, offering a quiet space for reflection.

Johannisfriedhof

Pic by Reise Reise on Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)

0.60 km • 9 min
7

END

Zeiss-Planetarium Jena

The world's oldest continuously operating planetarium, representing the ultimate cosmic application of Jena's optical revolution.

Zeiss-Planetarium Jena

Pic by "froutes"/Michael Mertens on Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 2.0)

Where the tour takes place

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

Good to know

  • Ideal for Science enthusiasts, history buffs, architecture lovers, and anyone fascinated by the intersection of industrial innovation and social reform.
  • Best time Daytime, preferably between 10 AM and 4 PM, when the city's academic and industrial energy is most palpable and the light hits the historical facades.
  • What to bring Comfortable walking shoes and perhaps a camera to capture the striking architectural contrasts.
  • Museum closures Note that the Deutsches Optisches Museum is currently closed for renovation until 2028, but its exterior still holds great historical weight.
  • Pacing Take your time at the Johannisfriedhof cemetery; it is a quiet place meant for slow reflection.
  • Planetarium Check the Zeiss-Planetarium schedule in advance if you wish to catch a show at the end of the tour.
  • Weather Jena can be breezy; bring a light jacket even in summer months.
  • 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

Tom Bennett
Audio sample
0:000:00

Tom Bennett

  • Urbanism, Infrastructure & Innovation
  • Northern England

Architecture and urban planning professional. Explains the city's hidden systems – from mobility to water pipes – clearly and vividly.

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.

Discover more tours in Jena

Experience Jena from more surprising perspectives.

See more tours in Jena
Now only €3.99 incl. VAT