Eisenach (50km northwest) — one of Thuringia's most rewarding towns. The Wartburg Castle looming above it is where Martin Luther translated the New Testament into German while in hiding; it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most significant buildings in German history. The town itself is pleasant and Bach was born here.
Erfurt (60km north) — Thuringia's state capital and a beautifully preserved medieval city. The cathedral square, the Krämerbrücke (a bridge lined entirely with inhabited medieval buildings), and the old town make it one of the most satisfying cities in central Germany for a day out.
Ilmenau (20km east) — a small university town that served as Goethe's base for his many walks through the Thuringian Forest. The Goethe hiking trail connects Ilmenau with the wider ridge network. A good starting point for forest walks if you want a change of base.
Suhl (20km southwest) — the regional centre for southern Thuringia. The Weapons Museum (Waffenmuseum) charts the town's centuries-long tradition as an arms-manufacturing centre. It is also the practical transport hub for buses and trains connecting the area to the wider German network.