Johann Wolfgang Goethe (1749-1832) was a poet, civil servant with a wide variety of duties, scientifically interested in questions of geology, botany and optics – and he was a traveller who visited many countries and made his house in Weimar a meeting place for international guests. Follow in his footsteps through Europe and learn more about the life and work of this thinker, who was inspired from many sides and continues to inspire today. The ‘European Goethe Ways’ association aims to bring Goethe’s multifaceted world of thought to life through itineraries that can be discovered by bike or on foot. Our aim is to be recognised as a new Council of Europe cultural route in 2026.

This website informs you about the existing and emerging routes dedicated to Goethe’s travels. On the map of Europe you can explore the offers in the different regions. The map also shows the community of association members from the fields of culture, education and tourism that is currently being established. Goethe was an internationally networked thinker. It is worth emulating him.