A short time travel to the beginnings of Apolda

Back to the year 1119, "Apollde", the original name of Apolda, is mentioned in documents for the first time. Over the centuries, the town develops into a center of crafts and trade. Apolda is the "bell city" because it can look back on a tradition of over 200 years of bell casting. The heaviest and largest free-swinging and ringing bell in the world, weighing 24 tons, originated from this tradition, among others: the St. Peter's bell ("Decke Pitter") of Cologne Cathedral. Visit the Bell City Museum Apoldas, here these stories come to life. 

From "David the Knitter" to the Apolda European Design Award

Inseparably connected with Apolda is the history of the knitting trade - Thus it was "David, the knitter man", who introduced the art of stocking knitting in Apolda in 1593. This developed into a significant knitting and hosiery industry, which dominated the town until the end of the 1980s. Today, the Apolda European Design Award and successful fashion companies such as StrickChic and Kaseee are reminders of these glorious times. 

The Automobilbau Apoldas - for classic car enthusiasts and all car lovers

From 1904 to 1928, the Apolda-based company Ruppe und Sohn (from 1912 "Apollo-Werke AG") produced automobiles of the "Piccolo" and "Apollo" brands in various designs. The popularity of these vehicles resulted, among other things, from the relatively low sales price, the good quality and the many successes in racing at that time in Germany and abroad. Out of the automotive tradition, the Oldtimer-Schlosstreffen (Oldtimer Castle Meeting) is held annually on the first weekend in June, attracting many classic car enthusiasts from all over Germany to Apolda. Some models can be admired in the classic car collection in the Klosswelt in Heichelheim. 

Enjoyment Apolda style in the Weimar region

In Apolda there are many opportunities for celebrations, and not only for the annual onion market in September. The famous hearty Apoldaer Rostbratwurst and the nationally known "Apoldaer Bier" of the 1440 founded Vereinsbrauerei contribute to this. 

Came to the dog - the cradle of the "Dobermann".

Also the worldwide known pedigree dog Dobermann, bred by Apolda citizen Karl Friedrich Louis Dobermann (1834-1894), has its cradle in the city. Today, a monument commemorates the beautiful dog breed and its origin in Apolda.