Arnstadt is a town located in the Ilm-Kreis district of Thuringia, Germany. Situated on the river Gera, it lies approximately 20 kilometres south of Erfurt, which serves as the capital of the state of Thuringia.
The town has a population of about 27,000 residents and is recognized as one of the oldest settlements in the region. It features a well-preserved historic center that includes a partially preserved town wall. Due to its position on the northern edge of the Thüringer Wald forest, Arnstadt is commonly referred to by the nickname "Das Tor zum Thüringer Wald."