The Narrow House in Eisenach The most narrow house in Germany is located on the Johannisplatz in Eisenach. It is 2,05 meters wide and stands on only 20 m² of land. Nevertheless, it is 8,5 meters high and has three floors. It is not known when it was built originally but is assumed to be over 250 years old. Clear mention of the house begins at the end of the 19 th century. The following is an excerpt for the local newspaper, EISENACHER TAGESPOST, dated December 14, 1900. "One of Eisenach's landmarks is practically ignored by the throngs of tourists who visit. Most are satisfied visit the Wartburg. Eisenach, however, has one of the most narrow houses, if not the most narrow, in the civilized world. ...Tall, stately houses will soon box it in. This will make the difference in size much more pronounced and it will surely be noticed more." Edition Nr. 60 of the same newspaper, dated March 12, 1903 contains the following note, "The Köhler House on the Johannisplatz, pictured in many magazines in Germany because of is narrow dimension, will receive a new facade. Work on the project began today." The home owner, though, fought a long court battle preceding the renovations, which added the Wilhelminian style facade with Art Nouveau elements, to save the house. The builder and the city council would have preferred the ugly small house disappear at the same time that the two old houses adjoining each side were torn down to make way for tall, stately houses. The owner, a hotel concierge, Wilhelm Köhler, exchanged many letters with the appropriate authorities. "I will never allow my house to be torn down! " He demanded the completely unrealistic sum of ten thousand Goldmark to deter an eventual sale. Neighbours and officials pressed for demolition based on constant additional deficiencies found. In the long period of correspondence he clearly stated that the deficiencies could be noted for a house and then needed to be remedied but they were not a reason for demolition. He writes that the house is over hundred fifty years old and that would be like to keep it for his sister and himself. The Council of the City of Eisenach refused his petitions and did not allow the renovation of the façade. Thereupon, Wilhelm Köhler turned to the higher levels of authority in the state located in Weimar. In his letters he emphasised that he was not a man that enjoyed arguments but he would like to have justice. In the end he won. The house was saved and the changes to the facade he had suggested - and as they remain today - were accomplished. This also included improvements to "light, air, and sanitation conditions" ordered by the City Council. The master carpenter, Gustav Voigt, was of invaluable assistance to Wilhelm Köhler. All renovations were completed and accepted by the city inspector    in April 1903. For many years following 1902/1903    no more entries are recorded in the city building    records. The entrance area, through, was a fresh    fruits and vegetable shop for many years. 1937 Luise Fritsch, the owner at the time, requested a flag four    meters tall and one meter wide with the word:    "Fruits, Vegetables, Southern Fruits". The building    council did not allow this "because the flag would    negatively impact the general scene of the area". Correspondence with the building council in 1941 concerns the    narrow house needing a new coat of paint for    the façade. The current owner, Klaus Trippstein,    purchased the building in 1974 in deplorable    condition. The energetic help of friends and relatives    saved the house once again from demolition Visitors    to Eisenach constantly admire the timbered facade    that was lovingly restored in 1983. Professional    restoration was completed in 2000. Since 1991, a small exhibition of pictures, small sculptures,    ceramics and historical furnishings is located    in the house.