Ilmenau is well-suited for travelers who enjoy walking, thanks to its compact city center, which houses many shops, restaurants, and historical sites. The presence of the Technical University lends a vibrant, youthful atmosphere with numerous amenities catering to the student population. Most daily needs can be met on foot, making it easy for travelers to experience local life. However, the town’s proximity to the Thuringian Forest means that certain areas may have steep streets and varying elevations, which could require more effort for walkers.

Travelers in Ilmenau will find public transit to be generally good, with the presence of a central train station connecting to major German cities like Erfurt, Berlin, and Munich. The availability of local bus lines provides reasonable coverage within the town. While travelers can conveniently access key destinations without a car, the frequency and reach of public transport might be more limited compared to larger urban areas, making it less ideal for accessing the less urbanized surrounding regions.

Ilmenau presents a favorable environment for biking, with a number of dedicated cycle paths and regional trails available, including routes to nearby cities like Erfurt. The blend of on-road routes and forest trails caters to both casual cyclists and mountain bikers. The large student community further emphasizes biking as a viable mode of transportation. However, cyclists may face challenges due to the hilly terrain, and inner-city bike lanes could be less extensive, necessitating the use of less busy side roads.