Gera is the third largest city in the German state of Thuringia after Erfurt, the Thuringian capital. It is situated in east Thuringia on the river "White Elster" (literally the "White Magpie"), approximately 60 kilometers/37 miles to the south of the city of Leipzig and 80 kilometers/50 miles to the east of Erfurt. In the 18th century Gera became one of Germany’s wealthiest cities due to its cloth manufacturing. While staying in a Gera hotel, the gorgeous villas that still show off the wealth of this city will catch your eye. One of these villas, Villa Schulenberg, was built by Henry van der Velde.
The market place, where you will find the beautiful town hall, built in the 16th century, is Gera’s centre and is surrounded by a number of hotels. The town hall’s main entrance is characterised by its extensive decoration, which you should not miss during your stay in Gera. The town’s most notable native is painter Otto Dix. His birth house now contains an exhibition about the artist’s life and works. Another tremendous sight in Gera are the Geraer Höhler, which are cellars that were used to store beer. The amber nectar still goes with the city. A variety of hotels in Gera will offer you to taste the Köstritzer Schwarzbier (“black beer“).
There are three tram lines and 16 bus lines that connect the hotels to the sights of Gera. You may use them to go to Gera’s animal park, which is located in the district Debschwitz. If you want to have a relaxing walk during your stay, we recommend you to use the spacious footpaths in the city’s forest park.
While staying in Gera, you should visit the Baroque Orangerie with its art collection.
Most relevant employers in Gera are the SHR Waldklinikum (a clinical centre), the compressor factory Kaeser and the service centre D+S Europe.
Total population: 102,733 (December 2006)
Postal codes: 07545 - 557