Gera, Thuringia

View of the market square of Gera, Thuringia, Germany, with its town hall and Simson Fountain
Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Gera_Marktplatz_Pan.jpg
Author: gravitat~on


Gera is the third largest city in the state of Thuringia, Germany, behind Erfurt and Jena. It covers 152 sq km (59 sq mi) and has a population of 99,000 people (2012 estimate).

Gera is located in the valley of the river Elster. The site is believed to have been settled first by the Slavs in the 8th century. The settlement was first mentioned in AD 995.

It was in Gera that Napoleon in 1806 sent a threatening letter to the Prussian ruler, King Frederick William III. This led to the war between Prussia and France from which the Prussians suffered a crushing defeat.

Gera as seen from the tower of its town hall
Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Blick_vom_Rathausturm_%C3%BCber_Gera.jpg
Author: Schorle

How to go to Gera

The nearest major cities to Gera are Chemnitz and Leipzig. From Chemnitz, take Autobahn 4 heading west to reach Gera. From Leipzig, take Autobahn 9 south till Hermsdorf, then continue east on Autobahn 4 to reach Gera.

Places of Interest in Gera

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