Lichtbildarena Jena — The Travel Show Forum

Mitteldeutschland's Largest Travel Show

Lichtbildarena is Jena's very own festival: a weekend full of travel multi-visions, photo shows, and stories from around the world. For over two decades, the festival has invited photographers, filmmakers, adventurers, and globetrotters to the campus of Friedrich Schiller University Jena. The venue is Rosa-Luxemburg-Straße 19, in the heart of the city on the Saale river.

What is a Multi-Vision?

A multi-vision is a stage-ready travelogue, presented live by the narrator, featuring photos and films — comparable to an audiovisual reading on a big screen with surround sound. In the hall, images, maps, and music are interwoven, complemented by personal anecdotes. The format is unparalleled for anyone who loves to travel: no commercial breaks, with Q&A sessions afterward.

Four Program Strands

• Main Program — evening photo shows by professionals: multi-visions about Iceland, Cuba, Madagascar, Iraq, Australia, and other travel classics
• Explorers' Series — daytime events for newcomers and special topics
• Foyer Program — exhibitions, music, encounters; historic cinema bus in front of the hall for open-air screenings
• From Children for Children — program strand for young travel fans

One Woman, One Festival

Behind Lichtbildarena is Barbara Vetter, who has organized and curated the festival since its inception. The calm, personal atmosphere — unlike mass events — is part of the program: after the presentations, time is deliberately left for conversation, listening, exchanging, and asking questions. Over the years, the festival has gained a loyal following of travelers and audience members who travel from all over Germany every November.