tourist info erfurt online shop

EVE Tourist-Information in Erfurt

Stadtführung in Erfurt und Übernachtung für Erfurt. Altstadt, Petersberg, Straßenbahn, Pensionen, Hotels, Nachtwächter, Kinderführungen, Übernachtung in Erfurt (Übernachten in Hotel, Pension, Fewo). Tourist-Information. Tourismus. Ergänzt wird unser angebot durch einen Ticket-Service für bundesweite Veranstaltungen. Stadtführungen, Stadtführung, Übernachtung, Pension Altstadt, Altstadtführung

Service-Telefon: +49 (0) 361 / 380 395 - 0 Email: [email protected]

Aktion: 10% Nachlass auf Ihre Stadtführung, bei Buchung Gastronomie (Hier klicken)

Mit dem Erfurter Bierfiedler durch die historische Altstadt

SEHEN-HÖREN-RIECHEN-SCHMECKEN-FÜHLEN!Der Erfurter BierfiedlerDer ERFURTER BIERFIEDLER erweckt das alte Erfurt mit seinem Instrument zum Klingen und Singen. Ihr erfahrt launige Geschichten aus dem ...

... Weiterlesen

Erfurter Weihnachtszauber mit Glühweinumtrunk (Stadtführung mit Genuss)

Erfurt ist in der Weihnachtszeit ein Schmuckstück von festlicher Pracht. Wir nehmen Sie mit auf eine weihnachtliche Stadtführung mitsamt Glühweinumtrunk.Für Millionen von ...

Der Erfurter Brückenkrämer (mit Wegzehrung)

... beschert Euch Geschichten und NäschereienFoto: Der Erfurter Brückenkrämer ist unterwegs... In seinem Planwagen hält er köstlichen Kram für Euch bereit:Deftiges und ...

Erfurt Gutschein

Erfurt GutscheinErfurt als Geschenk - geht das? Ab sofort ja! Mit unserem Erfurt Gutschein für eine individuelle Stadtführung mit einem persönlichen Stadtführer. Der Beschenkte ...

Prickelnd und Süß - die Erfurter Genusstour

Unser Stadtführer verführt Sie zu einem Stadtrundgang köstlicher Natur: Erleben Sie Prickelndes und Süßes. Während dieser Führung bekommen Sie nicht nur einen anregenden ...

Petersberg Erfurt - Führung durch die geheimen Gänge

Der Petersberg ist eine etwa 231 Meter hoch gelegene Erhebung in der Erfurter Altstadt.Auf dem Gelände erstreckt sich die Zitadelle Petersberg. Im ...

Historische Straßenbahn Erfurt - Stadtrundfahrt

Erleben Sie eine Stadtführung mit der Straßenbahn!Sie können zwischen ganz alten und modernen Bahnen wählen, es kommt natürlich auch auf die Personenzahl ...

Segway - Touren in Erfurt

Segway in Erfurt. Segway ist das elektrisch angetriebene Einpersonenfahrzeug. Die Fähigkeit, selbständig das Gleichgewicht zu halten, ist die faszinierendste Eigenschaft des Segway und ...

Mit Nachtwächter Schwalbe unterwegs (mit Wegzehrung)

Erleben Sie Erfurt in einem anderen Licht.Mit Nachtwächter Schwalbe unterwegs (mit Wegzehrung)Ein abendlicher Rundgang mit dem NACHTWÄCHTER SCHWALBE führt durch die Altstadt, ...

Neu: Bierseminar Erfurt

Erfahren und schmecken Sie die Vielfalt unterschiedlicher Bierkreationen und Bierstile.In einem Seminar verkosten wir 6 verschiedene Bierspezialitäten und geben dabei eine Einführung ...

Erfurter Schankwirtin - Jetzt noch besser!

Mit Humor und frohem Sinn durch Erfurt mit der Schankwirtin.Erleben Sie einen genußvollen Spaziergang durch Erfurts Innenstadt, vorbei an Wirtshäusern von hohem ...

Martin Luther – Leben des Reformators, Stadtführung

Martin Luther – Streben und Wirken des Reformators in einer der blühendsten Städte des Deutschen ReichesIm Jahr 2017 feiern wir 500 Jahre ...

Henkersmahlzeit, Stadtführung und schauriges Dinner in Einem (EVE16236)

Gruseln bis zum Abwinken! Erleben Sie eine schaurig schöne Gruseltour durch Erfurt mit anschließender Henkersmahlzeit im Keller. Lassen Sie sich entführen ins sagenumwobene ...

This page is having a slideshow that uses Javascript. Your browser either doesn't support Javascript or you have it turned off. To see this page as it is meant to appear please use a Javascript enabled browser.

NEU – Statt öffentlicher Stadtführung eine private Kleingruppe

Unsere Empfehlung: Private Kleingruppe statt öffentlicher Stadtführung. Wer gern einen geführten Stadtrundgang erleben möchte, jedoch ohne zusätzliche fremde Personen, so wie es bei einer … [Weiterlesen...]

Willkommen in Erfurt!

Erfurt ist vor allem bekannt als Gartenbaustadt, durch das Wirken Martin Luthers und zahlreicher anderer Persönlichkeiten. Sie ist die Landeshauptstadt sowie die größte Stadt (ca. 200.000 Einwohner) des Freistaates Thüringen. Erfurt gilt als Ort, in der Historie und Moderne aufeinander treffen. Mit seinem drei Quadratkilometer großen mitteralterlichen Stadtkern sowie zahlreichen Fachwerkbauten ist … Weiterlesen

Erfurt kennenlernen in 1,5 Stunden…

Stadtführung Erfurt / Erfurt’s historische Altstadt

EVE Tourist-Information in Erfurt - Erfurt Tourismus

Stadtführung Erfurt Altstadt. Unsere meistgebuchte Stadtführung! Erleben Sie die historische Altstadt von Erfurt mit unseren professionellen Stadtführern. Tauchen Sie ein in die … [Weiterlesen...]

Mehr Klassiker Stadtführungen

Stadtführungen in Erfurt

Historische Kriminalfälle

Historische Kriminalfälle in Erfurt Erleben Sie mit Miss Marple die dunkle Seite unserer Stadt Erfurt. Es geht an gruselige Orte und in geheimnisvolle Gassen. Lauschen Sie den … [Weiterlesen...]

Mehr Stadtführungen in Erfurt

TOP in Erfurt übernachten!

Gästezimmer Solveig Vockerodt, günstig vor Erfurt übernachten!

Das gemütliche, familienfreundliche Nichtraucher-Doppelzimmer liegt in ländlicher ruhiger Ortslage. Es ist idealer Ausgangspunkt in den Thüringer Wald und für … [Weiterlesen...]

Kulinarisch für Gruppen

Neu: Bierbraukurs in Erfurt

Sie wollten schon immer selbst Bier brauen? dann sind Sie hier genau richtig. Eine Veranstaltung, für alle die Spaß am Genuss haben. Was ist Malz, Hopfen und Hefe? Wie kommen … [Weiterlesen...]

Mehr Kulinarisches anzeigen

Gastronomie

Pavarotti im Gildehaus *NEU*

Der zentrale Platz auf dem Fischmarkt mit seinem einmaligen Ensemble historischer Gebäude – insbesondere das Gildehaus und das Haus „Zum breiten Herd“ – laden zum Verweilen … [Weiterlesen...]

Mehr Gastronomie in Erfurt

Ferienwohnungen in Erfurt

Lina’s Pension

Die Ferienwohnung wurde im Oktober 2014 erst renoviert. Es steht ein kostenloser Parkplatz in einem abgeschlossenen Hofbereich zur Verfügung. Eine Straßenbahnhaltestelle befindet … [Weiterlesen...]

Mehr Ferienwohnungen in Erfurt

Pensionen in Erfurt

Gästehaus in der Gotthardtstraße, Altstadt

Nahe der Krämerbrücke und des Augustinerklosters liegen unsere Gästezimmer in ruhiger Lage, mitten in der historischen Altstadt. Wir sind mit den öffentlichen Verkehrsmitteln sehr … [Weiterlesen...]

Mehr Pensionen in Erfurt

Hotels in Erfurt

Hotel Weisser Schwan, Umland

Neuerbautes Hotel, familiengeführt mit individuellem Service. Komfortzimmer, ruhig am Stadtrand von Erfurt, unweit von Weimar, Restaurant mit internationalen und … [Weiterlesen...]

Best Western Hotel Excelsior, 4 ****, Altstadt

Das 4-Sterne-Hotel liegt im Stadtzentrum von Erfurt. Zur historischen Altstadt sind es nur wenige Minuten. Das Haus verfügt über 2 Konferenzräume für … [Weiterlesen...]

Mehr Hotels in Erfurt

Bei Google+ ?

EVE Tourist-Information in Erfurt Telefon: 0361 / 380 395 - 0 Telefax: 0361 / 380 395 - 11 Postanschrift: Postfach 80 02 34; 99028 … Mehr

Erfurt-Tourist-Information.de | Stadtführung Erfurt | Übernachtung Erfurt

Impressum: (c) by  EVE Tourist-Information in Erfurt Stadtführung Erfurt, Übernachtung Erfurt, Gastronomie Erfurt, Tourismus Erfurt Hotels, Pensionen, Ferienwohnungen, Zimmer, Erfurt, Tourismus

Privacy settings

Here you will find an overview of the types of cookies used on the website. You can set your consent for each category individually. Further information can be found in the privacy policy .

• Essential Cookies For the use of the website with all functions (e.g. user settings, watch lists, etc.)
• Statistics Statistics Cookies collect information anonymously. This information helps us to understand how our visitors use our website.
• Marketing In order to provide you with the best possible offer in cooperation with our partners, we use marketing tools. For example, in order to use our chatbot, you must activate this setting.
• External contents Required for viewing external media and third-party content. The provider may set cookies for its part. The respective data protection regulations of the provider apply.
• Inspiring Germany

Cities & Culture

• Nature & Outdoor Activities
• Royal Palaces & Castles
• Experience & Enjoy
• Current highlights
• Sustainable travel
• Barrier-free travel
• Easy language
• Federal states

Erfurt: where beauty meets confidence

Erfurt wows visitors with its Medieval charm and rich history combined with a lust for life and a warm welcome. Situated at the crossroads of ancient trade routes, the capital of Thuringia has always been a meeting place and home of important intellectuals and a magnet for visitors from around the world.

Erfurt was once lauded as the City of Towers in reference to the lofty spires of the city's 25 parish churches, 15 abbeys and monasteries and ten chapels that stretch their way up to the heavens. Particularly striking are St. Mary's Cathedral and the Church of St. Severus, as together these two masterful examples of German Gothic design form an architectural ensemble like no other in Europe. Nowadays, the church towers cast their shadows over the lovingly restored timbered-framed houses and beautiful Renaissance buildings of the historical city centre, where one of Germany's finest open-air theatre events, the Cathedral Steps Festival, takes place every year.

Cathedral of St. Mary

Krämerbrücke (merchants’ bridge ), petersberg citadel, monastery of st. augustine.

St. Augustine's Monastery, where Martin Luther spent five years of his life, the Predigerkirche church and the fortifications of Petersberg Citadel are superb examples of Medieval and modern-era architecture. But far from being just a city of sacred buildings, Erfurt is also a city of bridges, the most famous of which is the Merchants' Bridge, which has the longest row of inhabited buildings on any bridge in Europe. Buildings that are now home to art galleries, wine bars and antique dealers. And boy does Erfurt know how to party! The Middle Ages are revived every summer during the Merchants' Bridge Festival in the Old Town, a celebration involving ancient crafts, courtly love songs, jesters and a colourful array of stalls. If that's not enough for you, the superb markets held all-year round transform the Domplatz square into a feast for the senses.

Discover more

Craft beer: hop heroes everywhere, geological time travel: land of volcanoes, experience nature and national parks as completely accessible, where kneippen was invented: bad wörishofen, the latest trend: travelling out into the countryside by train., outstanding museums with the highest praise, explore the surroundings.

15 Top-Rated Attractions & Places to Visit in Erfurt

Written by Bryan Dearsley Updated Dec 27, 2023 We may earn a commission from affiliate links ( )

Erfurt, the capital of Thuringia, is an old university city with a rich history that dates back more than 1,200 years. Once the meeting place of church Synods and Imperial Diets, it was here that the Congress of Erfurt took place in 1808 when Napoleon met with the Tsar of Russia and the German Princes in an attempt to reaffirm old alliances.

As well as being an important center for agriculture and gardening, Erfurt is known as the "many-towered city" for the spires of its cathedral and numerous churches. It's also famous as the place where Martin Luther reputedly had his vision that was to spark the Reformation.

Erfurt is also a great city to explore on foot, and for a fun family thing to do, join one of the regular free walking tours of the many attractions found in the city's Old Town (Altstadt). These family-friendly adventures are hosted daily by Erfurt Tourist Information.

You can find out more about the best places to visit with our list of the top tourist attractions and things to do in Erfurt, Germany.

1. Take a Tour of Erfurt Cathedral

2. see europe's oldest synagogue and its historic treasures, 3. visit st. severus church and domplatz, 4. explore the old fish market (fischmarkt), 5. cross over (or under) the old merchants' bridge, 6. learn about erfurt's martin luther connection at the augustinian monastery, 7. shop in anger, 8. visit petersberg citadel, 9. get back to nature at erfurt zoopark, 10. the angermuseum, 11. take a stroll around egapark erfurt, 12. memorial and educational site andreasstraße, 13. take a side trip to molsdorf palace and park, 14. day trip to naumburg to see naumburg cathedral, 15. take a trip to coburg fortress, where to stay in erfurt for sightseeing, map of attractions & things to do in erfurt.

Roman Catholic Erfurt Cathedral (Erfurter Dom), also known as St. Mary's Cathedral, was founded in AD 742. It was replaced by a Romanesque basilica in 1154, and later additions included its High Gothic choir from 1370 and its three 19th-century towers.

The central tower houses the largest surviving medieval-era bell in the world, the Maria Gloriosa . Also known as the Erfurt Bell, it's famed the world over for the clarity of its tone. The cathedral's 15 tall windows in the choir are masterpieces of medieval stained glass and are unique in Germany for their size and unity of theme.

Among the cathedral's other treasures are its sumptuous Baroque high altar, the finely-carved 14th-century choir-stalls, a stucco figure of the Virgin from 1160, and the mid-13th-century tomb of Count von Gleichen and his two wives. A pleasant café is located on-site, and English language tours can be booked (a fun audioguide for kids and families is also available). For a special treat, be sure to return after nightfall when the cathedral is lit up to spectacular effect.

Address: Domstufen 1, 99084 Erfurt, Germany

Built around AD 1100, the Old Synagogue (Alte Synagoge) in Erfurt is the oldest and most famous such religious site in Europe. Today, this well preserved medieval structure houses the excellent Erfurt Treasure (Erfurter Schatz), an extremely rare hoard of coins and jewelry believed to have been hidden during the Black Death of 1349 and the subsequent persecution of the city's Jewish population.

Discovered in 1998 in the city's old Jewish district and believed to have been hidden during a massacre of the Jewish community in the 1300s, the collection includes more than 3,140 silver coins, some 700 gold pieces, and 14 ingots from the 13th and 14th centuries. Also of interest are its reproductions of the original medieval Erfurt Hebrew Manuscripts, now held in the Berlin State Library. Guided tours lasting between 60 to 90 minutes are available.

Other sites related to the city's Jewish community are the Small Synagogue , a 19th-century house of worship, which now houses displays of Jewish life in Erfurt, and the Mikveh , a 13th-century bath used for religious ceremonies, now a museum. Together these sites provide a fascinating look into Jewish culture and lives in this part of Europe during the medieval period.

Address: Waagegasse 8, 99084 Erfurt

Official site: http://juedisches-leben.erfurt.de/jl/en/

St. Severus Church, or the Severikirche, was first mentioned in 1121. Perched atop Erfurt's Domberg (Cathedral Hill), this lovely Early Gothic hall-church boasts double lateral aisles and a richly furnished interior, which includes the tomb of St. Severus from 1365 and a spectacular 15-meter-high font.

Joined to Erfurt Cathedral via a 70-step staircase, these two structures dominate the Domplatz, the historic cathedral square with its handsome old buildings. Also here is the 18th-century Grüne Apotheke (Green Pharmacy) and Zur Hohen Lilie, one of the finest Renaissance buildings in Erfurt.

Guided tours of St. Severus Church are available for a small charge, and can be combined with a tour of the neighboring cathedral.

Address: Severihof 2, 99084 Erfurt

Erfurt's Marktstrasse leads into the Fischmarkt, or Fish Market, where the city's old trade routes once intersected. Highlights of the old square are a figure of Roland from 1591, and Zum Roten Ochsen and Zum Breiten Herd, two richly decorated Renaissance buildings.

Also of note is the attractive Neo-Gothic Town Hall (Rathaus). Built in 1874, it's notable for the large murals of local legends and characters adorning its interior walls. And be sure to look out for the Church of St. Aegidius . Located at the east end of the Old Merchant Bridge (see #5 below), it offers excellent views of the old city from its tower.

Address: Fischmarkt 1, 99084 Erfurt, Germany

A short stroll to the northeast of the Fischmarkt is the city's famous Krämerbrücke, or Merchants' Bridge . First written about in 1117, this magnificent 125-meter-long medieval bridge spans the River Gera and is unique for the many old houses lining its sides. Little changed in 500 years, it's the longest such bridge in Europe.

It's a wonderful place to explore on foot - especially during the Merchants' Bridge Festival in June - and is full of quaint galleries, boutique shops, cafés, and restaurants. It's also still home to some 80 residents, who occupy the pleasant old townhomes that line the bridge.

Address: Krämerbrücke, 99084 Erfurt

Official site: www.kraemerbruecke.de/en

Augustinerstrasse is best known for its splendid 13th-century Augustinian Monastery (Augustinerkloster). Founded in 1277 and known in full as Protestant Augustinian Monastery Erfurt, it was here that the young Martin Luther became a monk in 1505. The property can be visited by guided English language tours, which include a look at Luther's tiny room, the Lutherzelle.

Other highlights include the beautiful Comthureihof from 1593 and the St. Elisabeth Chapel with its murals. There's also a fascinating exhibit called Bible Monastery Luther, which details the famous Reformer's time here.

Also of interest are the Georgenburse , the former student quarters where Luther resided as a 17-year-old in 1501. Other highlighths include the Luther Stone , a monument marking the place where the Reformer pledged to become a monk after being saved from death during a storm; and the Luther Trail , which connects Erfurt with 30 other sites across Thuringia. For a truly memorable experience, look into booking an overnight stay at the monastery.

Address: Augustinerstraße 10, 99084 Erfurt

Official site: www.augustinerkloster.de/en/

One of Erfurt's oldest streets, Anger has traditionally been the city's main shopping and trade area. Where once textiles, wool, and wheat were traded in Angerplatz , the central square where the street starts, numerous shops can now be found, from small craft and antique shops to fancy boutiques, galleries, and department stores.

Other tourist attractions include the Angermuseum , housed in the richly decorated Baroque Packhof, with displays of arts and crafts from the Middle Ages to modern times; and the Municipal Museum , housed in the richly decorated Haus Zum Stockfisch. This Late Renaissance building dates from 1607 and outlines the history of the city through informative displays and artifacts.

Anger is also where you'll find St. Bartholomew's Tower (Bartholomäusturm). This 12th-century structure is famous for its carillon of 60 bells.

Another old district of Erfurt that must be visited is Petersberg, or St. Peter's Hill. Here, you'll find St. Peter's Church (Peterskirche), a splendid Romanesque aisled basilica built on the site of an 11th-century monastery and one of the earliest buildings of the Hirsau school in Thuringia.

Also of interest is Petersberg Citadel (Zitadelle Petersberg). Considered one of Europe's largest and best-preserved Baroque fortresses, the citadel is famous for its over two kilometers of sturdy stone walls. It was built in the 17th-century, and a highlight is exploring the fort's extensive maze of underground tunnels. These are accessible as part of a two-hour guided tour of the fortress. Along the way, you'll also see evidence of a Napoleonic-era tunnel, which joined Petersberg Citadel to the smaller Cyriaksburg Citadel.

Also worth visiting is the fort's fully-restored 19th-century bakery, which also includes a café. English language tours are available and can be organized through the local tourism office.

Address: Petersberg, 99084 Erfurt

To the north of Erfurt, on the Roter Berg, is the family-friendly Erfurt Zoo. This fun attraction is home to over 1,060 animals representing some 193 or so species. The zoo is particularly well known for its rare breeds of monkeys, including black-and-white colobuses, John's langurs, Entellus langurs, and Douc langurs.

Other highlights of this 153-acre site overlooking the old city are its African elephants, lions, giraffes, and white rhinos. There's also an interesting aquarium that's worth seeing. Also notable is the fun petting zoo area for those traveling with children, as well as a playground with water activities.

Guided tours are available, and an on-site restaurant, café, and snack bar serve a variety of family-friendly meals.

Address: Am Zoopark 1 99087 Erfurt

The city's first public museum, the Angermuseum was established in 1886 in a historic building notable for housing Erfurt's old public scales. Highlights of the museum's impressive collection of artwork includes examples by such notable German artists as Friedrich Nerly the Elder, famous for his paintings and sketches of Venice.

All told, the museum now houses over 700 paintings of scenes from Italy. German Expressionists represented here include Emil Nolde, Max Pechstein, and Gerhard Marcks, along with a number of rare murals by Erich Heckel.

Also on view are fine examples of graphic art, as well as medieval religious sculptures and paintings. German crafts are represented by a number of rare glass pieces (some as old as 800 years), porcelain, and jewelry.

The Erfurt Natural History Museum (Naturkundemuseum Erfurt) is also worth a visit. It's notable for its interesting displays relating to the geology and animal population of Thuringia.

Address: Anger 18, 99084 Erfurt

Erfurt is also known for its many pleasant public parks and green spaces. One of the best is egapark Erfurt . Established in the 1960s, it's notable for its many period sculptures, and for being home to Europe's largest ornamental flowerbed.

Other attractions here include a pleasant Japanese rock and water garden, a rose garden, and a number of tropical greenhouses. If traveling as a family, be sure to take the kids to the butterfly house. Afterwards, let them blow off steam in what's billed as the state's biggest playground, which includes a petting farm.

Also of interest is Cyriaksburg Castle . Although a relatively small citadel, it's worth visiting for the German Horticultural Museum (Deutsches Gartenbaumuseum), with its interesting displays and exhibits relating to the country's strong affinity to gardening over the centuries.

Address: Gothaer Str. 38, 99094 Erfurt

Erfurt is also where you'll find two important museums that deal with more recent history: the Nazi and Communist regimes. The first of these, the Memorial and Education Centre Andreasstraße (Gedenk- Und Bildungsstatte Andreasstrass) deals with the socialist dictatorship that occupied the region after the war and until the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989.

Housed in a former prison run by the infamous Stasi police, the museum's permanent exhibits include fascinating multi-media presentations covering matters such as revolution and imprisonment, as well as a chilling look at the nature of dictatorship. Other highlights include the chance to visit a fully restored prison wing. English language guided tours are available by arrangement.

Equally sobering is Remembrance Topf & Sons - Builders of the Auschwitz Oven (Erinnerungsort Topf & Söhne - Die Ofenbauer von Auschwitz). Housed in the former factory where the infamous ovens and related equipment used to murder millions in Auschwitz was made, this educational center and museum has, since 2011, served as a chilling reminder of the horrors of the Nazi dictatorship. This shocking story of industrial collaboration includes displays from the company's archives and artifacts from the concentration camps in which they were complicit in genocide.

Address: Andreasstraße 37a, 99084 Erfurt

Official site: https://stiftung-ettersberg.de/en/andreasstrasse/

Just 10 kilometers southwest of Erfurt, the moated Molsdorf Palace and Park (Schloss Molsdorf) is one of the finest Rococo palaces in Thuringia. Built by Count von Gotter as a summer palace between 1736 and 1745 and thoroughly restored, it's now a museum open to the public.

Highlights include a hidden spiral staircase in the Count's bedroom; sumptuous period interior décor; and numerous pieces of artwork, including statues and vases. An on-site museum offers fascinating details of the palace's construction and history, as well as the colorful life of Count von Gotter. Guided tours are available.

A café is on-site and overlooks the beautiful park, laid out in 1826 and fun to spend time exploring.

Address: Schloßplatz 6, 99094 Erfurt

Located about 100 kilometers northwest of Erfurt is the Late Romanesque and Early Gothic Cathedral of Saints Peter and Paul (Naumburger Dom St. Peter und St. Paul) in Naumburg. Widely regarded as one of Europe's finest cathedrals - it was also recognized as a UNESCO World heritage Site in 2018 - this aisled cruciform basilica with its vaulted roof, twin choirs, four towers, and Romanesque crypt, was built in 1170. It's perhaps best known for the 12 figures of the donors who funded its construction.

Set in the West Choir, these life-size masterpieces, known locally as "Stifterfiguren," were carved from limestone by an unknown local artist in 1250 and include two that have since become known as the city's most famous couple: Ekkehard and Uta.

Other interior highlights of outstanding quality in Naumburg Cathedral are the reliefs of the Passion on the west choir screen, the medieval stained glass in some of the windows, several altars and sculptures, and a number of fine monuments. On the south side of the cathedral, incorporated in the cloister, is the parish Church of St. Mary (Marienkirche).

Address: Domplatz 16, 06618 Naumburg (Saale)

Official site: www.naumburger-dom.de/en/

Located about 90 kilometers south of Erfurt, the former ducal capital of Coburg lies on the southern slopes of the Thuringian Forest on the river Itz, a tributary of the Main. Looming over the city, Coburg Fortress (Veste Coburg) is one of the largest castles in Germany, dating mainly from the 16th century and restored in the 19th and 20th centuries.

The art collections in the Luther rooms here feature impressive displays of old glass, porcelain, and decorated earthenware. Extending up the hill to the castle lies the beautiful Hofgarten (Court Garden) with many important monuments and the mausoleum of the Dukes.

Other Coburg palaces to visit include the magnificent Ehrenburg , formerly the ducal palace, Schloss Rosenau, and Callenberg Palace , a medieval castle with centuries of royal history to reveal.

In the town center, the attractive Markt is a lovely place for a stroll with its Town Hall (Rathaus) dating from 1579 and the former government offices in a richly decorated Late Renaissance building of 1599.

Address: Veste Coburg 1, 96450 Coburg

Official site: www.kunstsammlungen-coburg.de/en/home/

We recommend these conveniently located hotels in Erfurt with easy access to the Old Town:

Luxury Hotels :

• When it comes to a luxury stay in Erfurt, you won't be disappointed when you check into the elegant Dorint Hotel am Dom Erfurt . Just steps away from top tourist attractions, including Erfurt Cathedral and the Old Synagogue, this attractive modern hotel boasts large suites (some with kitchenettes), gorgeous décor, and great amenities, including a fine-dining restaurant overlooking the city.
• Other great choices for centrally located luxury accommodations include Hotel Zumnorde , a chic boutique inn with a variety of larger suites (some with balconies and kitchens); and Victor's Residenz-Hotel Erfurt , an elegant four-star affair offering spacious suites with separate living areas, two restaurants, and complimentary breakfast.

Mid-Range Hotels :

• Mercure Hotel Erfurt Altstadt is a great mid-priced choice of hotel, popular for its friendly staff; central location; and comfortable, quiet rooms.
• Other mid-range hotels to consider include the Best Western Plus Hotel Excelsior , which offers large rooms and suites with work desks and separate seating areas, and Hotel Am Kaisersaal , located close to the cathedral and offering a number of larger rooms with pullouts that are great for those traveling with kids.

Budget Hotels :

• A good option that's very affordably priced can be enjoyed at Pension Gerber . Rooms are basic but clean and comfortable, with some of the larger suites able to sleep up to four guests.
• Other good options include re4hostel , a high-rated yet no-frills hostel-style establishment, which offers a number of private accommodation options in a great central location; and B&B Hotel Erfurt , offering free breakfasts and clean, comfortable rooms.

More Related Articles on PlanetWare.com

Take the Train : Just 15 minutes east of Erfurt by rail is Weimar . Widely considered the cultural capital of Germany, it's here you'll find Goethe House, the home for 50 years of famed writer Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, as well as the Bauhaus Museum, a superb facility that commemorates Germany's most important design movement.

Just 45 minutes farther east are the attractions of Leipzig , including its historic Mädlerpassage, a superb old shopping arcade that is a delight to explore on foot. Bamberg , 45 minutes by train to the south, is another must-visit, this time for its Old Town Hall (Altes Rathaus), famous for being built in the middle of a bridge.

Magnificent Marketplaces : Germany's historic towns and cities are wonderful places to explore, especially those that have managed to preserve their old marketplaces, or Marktplatz (which is a lot of them!). Favorites include historic Hanover , whose Old Town area centers around the Marktplatz and its attractive church, Marktkirche, as well as the northern port city of Bremen , known for its Marktplatz statue of Roland, the country's best-known knight.

Another important Marktplatz can be enjoyed in Wittenberg . Famous as the birthplace of Reformer Martin Luther, the city's Marktplatz has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site for the sheer number of important historic buildings located around it.

Bavaria Bound : Bavaria is not only one of the most famous of Germany's states, it's also one of the top places to visit. Fun things to do here include exploring the Bavarian Alps, home to the spectacular Zugspitze, part of the popular Garmisch-Partenkirchen resort region , and the Berchtesgaden National Park, a popular destination for hikers from across Europe.

Bavaria is also where you'll find beautiful Lake Constance , popular for its historic old towns and villages, its lakeside hiking and biking trails, as well as for being home to the magnificent 'flower island' of Mainau.

More on Germany

12 fun things to do in Erfurt, Thuringia, Germany

Erfurt seemed to me the perfect example of a picturesque Medieval German town. It grew rich in the Middle Ages on the proceeds of Woad and stayed rich as a crossroads for trade on the old pilgrim route of the Via Regia.

There’s an easy going, small town feel here, as our guide Matthius told us “ Erfurt is not a speedy city, people walk, they talk, Erfurt is a meeting point.” We visited as part of a 4 day road trip touring the Cultural Heart of Germany and discovered many fun and fascinating things to do in Erfurt.

Erfurt is a university town set in the green heart of Germany and capital of the state of Thuringia. It was was part of former German Democratic Republic of East Germany between 1949 and 1990.

The shortage of cash during this period prevented modernisation, so Erfurt has a well preserved medieval centre. It was spared the worst of Allied bombing in WW2, and bags of culture, it is a charming place to spend a couple of days.

This article may contain affiliate links that provide commission on purchases you make at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Table of Contents

1. Walk over the Krämerbrücke or Merchants Bridge in Erfurt

One of the most popular things to see in Erfurt is the Krämerbrücke or Merchants Bridge. It is built across the River Gera, at a point where there’s a ford shallow enough to drive a herd of cattle through.

Markets were always an integral part of the public life of the town, a place for people to gather in the past. To ensure the town authorities could control and tax the commerce of the town, it was forbidden to sell goods inside private houses, so open markets were the hub for most commercial activity.

Markets were always an integral part of the public life of the town, a place for people to gather in the past. Town authorities wanted to control and tax the commerce of the town. Therefore it was forbidden to sell goods inside private houses. Open markets were the hub for most commercial activity.

You may also enjoy: A weekend in Coburg, Germany – castles and Royal connections

For luxury goods, however, it was not practical to sell in an open marketplace. The stone Krämerbrücke was built in the 14th century to replace previous wooden bridges that had burned down.

Soon houses were built on the bridge. This was where merchants for luxury products such as gold, silver, spices and fine cloth could own a house and run their business from the shop on the ground floor.

Half-timbered houses

Walking across the bridge, it appears like any other narrow street. The 32 half timbered buildings on either side contain the shops of artisans and artists, some of whom live in apartments above.

Tip: Look out for the symbols that mark each house. Before the postal service required houses to have numbers, you might be directed to the ‘House of the star’, or whatever symbol was above the door.

The bridge is now managed and maintained by a foundation. You can visit their house which was built in 1578, to see an exhibition about the bridge and look around the interior. It’s Haus Der Stiftungen (House of the Foundation), the one with the black and white timbers and glass bullseye windows.

Tip: Be sure to visit the basement built into the stone pillar of the bridge, where you can look out of the small window to see the river flowing beneath. Climb up to the wooden panelled room on the first floor where you can get some nice photos from the window.

There are many pretty shops on the bridge selling authentic local crafts. This is a good place to visit some of the shops and chat to the artists about their work, or look for hand made souvenirs to take home.

One of the shops sells pigments and has some interesting displays about the woad that was a source of rare and expensive blue dye. The woad plant is fussy about where it grows. Sunshine and abundant water from the Thuringia forest made it easy to grow in the villages around Erfurt.

Balls of dried woad leaves were brought into the town to be processed by fermenting with human urine. There was a good reason people joked that the merchants were “stinking rich”!

The blue dye was a luxury product that was exported all over Europe. It was a major source of wealth until the 17th century, when imports of cheaper indigo dye from Asia brought about its decline.

You may also enjoy: 15 fun things to do in Dresden – in just one day!

Other interesting shops that we enjoyed were the house of the puppet-maker Martin Gobsch . Gobsch creates wooden marionettes and has a puppet tableaux in his window which you can see if you put a euro or two in the slot.

We also stopped at the House of the Golden Helmet, now the Goldhelm Schokoladen where we purchased some of their artisan chocolates to bring home. They also sell ice cream at the popular shop next door which always seemed to have a long queue.

If you are visiting Erfurt in June, look out for the Krämerbrückenfest . This medieval themed festival that takes place on and around the bridge with food stands and entertainment.

Read more about Historic Germany in the Spring

2. Climb the Angerkirche tower for views over Erfurt

At one end of the Krämerbrücke is another landmark of the town. The Agidienkirche or church tower, is all that remains of an earlier medieval church. It’s now a Methodist church and you can climb the tower for views over the town from 11am to 5pm.

You may also enjoy: Romantic things to do in Heidelberg Germany

It was a not too arduous climb on wooden and stone staircase with landings to pass others coming up or down. On the way you can see the bells and at the top of the square tower there’s a viewing platform. You’ll get stunning views over the red tiled rooftops, river and Merchant’s bridge.

3. Visit St Augustine’s Monastery where Luther became a monk

St Augustine’s Monastery where Martin Luther lived as a monk and studied theology from 1505 until 1511. Luther had spent the previous 4 years studying law at Erfurt University.

After a dramatic religious conversion during a thunderstorm, he joined the St Augustine’s monastery. He used it as his base for teaching and study for 6 years until he left to teach at Wittenberg University.

You may also enjoy: Schloss Friedenstein in Gotha – The Victoria and Albert connection in Thuringia, Germany

After the reformation, the church was used by a Lutheran congregation. Now it’s a Protestant conference and study centre where you can stay in simple accommodation.

Many of the buildings were destroyed during bombings in WW2. The award winning modern glass extension has been built incorporating the remains of older stonework. You can walk freely through the grounds and visit the church with a beautiful original stained glass window.

4. Celebrate 100 years of Bauhaus in Erfurt

There have been lots of celebrations and special events during 2019 to mark the 100 years of the Bauhaus art and design school. The first Bauhaus school was founded in 1919 in Weimar, around 25 km from Erfurt. It moved subsequently to Dessau and Berlin, and was influential in its interdisciplinary approach and simplified modernist architecture.

You may also enjoy: 3 fabulous day trips from Dresden for culture lovers – Saxony, Germany

In the street that borders the St Augustine’s Monastery there’s a great example of a Bauhaus building. The former AOK health insurance office and hospital at 38 Augustinestrasse is typical of Bauhaus architecture.

Its horizontal lines and regular geometric windows and was designed by architect Theo Kellner who studied with the Bauhaus. The only ornamentation of the building is the sculpture carved into the stone around the door. This, by sculptor Hans Walther, reflects the themes of the building’s use as a health centre.

Another well known artist from the Bauhaus movement who was born in Erfurt is Margaretha Reichardt. Reichardt studied at the Bauhaus in Dessau and set up a weaving workshop in the 1930s in Erfurt. Her house and workshop showing some of her handlooms can be visited by appointment or as part of a guided tour.

Bauhaus themed products

As part of the Bauhaus 100 celebrations you can find special products around Erfurt that have been created for the centenary. We saw special edition of 3 gins at the Erfurt Distillery or the special pottery in the shop window on the Krämerbrücke.

Look out for the square, triangle and circle that have become the symbols of Bauhaus design. This after the artist and teacher Kandinsky conducted experiments in the association of shape and colour.

5. Admire the old buildings around Fishmarket square

I’ve mentioned that markets were the heart of public life in the Middle Ages. Your walk around Erfurt is bound to bring you to the Fischmarkt or Fish market.

In this open square there was formerly an open air market selling salt herring and cod as well as fresh fish from the river. Fish was a staple of the working classes in the days when meat was expensive and it was difficult to keep food fresh.

You may also enjoy: Rosenau Castle in Coburg Germany: Victoria and Albert’s romantic retreat

Around this square are some beautiful historic houses although it’s not always obvious which are the oldest and which are built more recently. Take for instance the beautiful pink Merchant’s house Zum Breiten Herd (House of the wide hearth). It was built in 1584 and now houses an Italian restaurant.

If you look to its right you will spot that the decorations on the front of the less colourful Guildhall are identical. But, this was built 300 years later in the 1880s to fill a gap in the buildings.

On the other side of the square is the imposing neo-gothic town hall that was completed in 1874 but fits in well with the older merchant houses. You’ll often find street musicians playing in the square, so it’s a nice place to relax in one of the pavements cafes.

6. Visit the Old Jewish Synagogue and Mikveh baths

To discover something of the Jewish community that lived in Erfurt in the Middle Ages, we visited the Old Synagogue. It’s tucked down a small side street.

In the Middle Ages, the town was the scene of more than one tragic massacre. During the Pogrom of 1345 the Jews were made scapegoats for the Black Death sweeping Europe. The whole Erfurt community of 900 Jews was killed in the town.

You may also enjoy: A guide to Wartburg Castle and Eisenach – on the Martin Luther Trail in Germany

This medieval building dates back to the 11th century and has been identified as the old Jewish synagogue. View the Torah shrine that faces east towards Jerusalem and the cornice all around the room.

Oil lamps are placed on the cornice as the congregation read their prayers. After the Pogrom the house was put to many different uses, before being restored as a museum opening in 2009.

The Old Synagogue also houses a collection of silver coins, jewellery and fine gold and silverware. These items were buried around this time by Jews to avoid their precious goods being looted.

The Erfurt Treasure was discovered in 1998 by archaeologists, buried under a nearby cellar. It includes the famous medieval Jewish wedding ring, decorated with clasped hands, a Gothic tower and engraved with the words Mazal Tov or Good Luck. More information to visit here , the Old Synagogue is open daily except Monday.

Visiting the Mikveh

We also visited the Mikveh or Jewish ritual bath which was built in the 13th century and used for ritual purification. At that time the town as much more densely populated with buildings covering the whole bank of the river that is now green space.

The domed brick building houses the bath and was filled by groundwater or water from the river running outside. Since the river would have been at a higher level than it is today, it allowed complete immersion in the bath.

A Mikveh is only available to visit with a registered guide as we did or in one of the weekly public tours. However, you can look down into the Mikveh from a viewing window in the park above close to the Merchant’s Bridge.

7. Try the Thuringia sausage

If all this sightseeing has made you hungry, you might want to take a break for lunch and try the famous Thuringia Sausage. We ordered ours at Faust Food in the old Jewish Quarter. The Germans love their sausages and lots of towns or regions have a ‘special’ sausage. Each is distinct in the herbs and spices that are mixed with the meat and the way it is cooked.

Stay at the Hotel Am Kaisersaal in Erfurt

Search for other hotels in Erfurt

The Thuringia sausage is made of minced pork or beef. Over half of the ingredients must come from the state of Thuringia, so it’s a great way to support local producers.

There’s a specific blend of seasonings such as caraway, marjoram and garlic. The sausages must be freshly made and sold by licenced butchers on the same day they are produced.

Thuringia sausage is cooked over charcoal and served in a long white bread roll. The ends of the sausage hang out of the roll, so that you can easily take a bite.

A favourite condiment is plenty of mustard, especially the local variety of Born mustard (you can visit their shop in Erfurt). While you may squirt tomato ketchup on your sausage, you’ll mark yourself out as a ‘westerner’ rather than a local East German.

8. Visit the Erfurt Cathedral

St Mary’s cathedral is another of the major landmarks of Erfurt, sitting on the high ground overlooking the town. It’s next to the smaller but still impressive St Severus church.

The church is believed to be older than the cathedral and belonged to the order of St Augustine in the 12th century. We visited the cathedral, which was founded by St Boniface who built a church on this spot in 742 as part of his plan to establish a bishop’s seat in Erfurt.

When you observe the cathedral from the square below, it’s easy to see the smaller section based on the original church. It’s now dominated by the Gothic choir, extended out on supportive arches. Inside there’s a large medieval mural of St Christopher, patron saint of travellers, which was the first thing that pilgrims would see on entering the cathedral.

A highlight was the bronze Wolfram candelabra that looks incredibly modern even though it dates to 1150. Also view the wooden choir stalls with intricate wooden carvings of Adam and Eve intertwined with the natural world.

While we were there in August, the Cathedral Steps festival was taking place. The steps leading up to the cathedral were transformed into the stage set for an operatic production.

Each year a different a different open air production is performed here. In 2019 it was The Name of the Rose , while 2020 will see Verdi’s Nabucco performed. More information about the Cathedral Steps Festival .

9. Explore the tunnels under the Petersberg Citadel in Erfurt

The enormous star shaped Petersberg Citadel was built in 17th century on the edge of the walled town of Erfurt, although there had been a fortification on this piece of high ground for many centuries before.

This design of fortress was difficult to penetrate with artillery. One of the ways that it could be overcome was for enemies to tunnel under the walls and place explosives to blow it up from below.

To counteract this, a network of “listening tunnels” were built which you can visit in a guided tour. Here the soldiers would have to sit on duty for hours, to listen out for any signs of tunnels being dug to undermine them.

It was quite spooky and dark to walk through the tunnels, gradually rising up hill until we emerged in the fortress museum. It’s free to walk around the grounds of the citadel. At the time of our visit there was lots of work going on to prepare for the Buga garden festival that will be taking place in 2021.

10. Spirit tasting at the Erfurt Distillery

It’s worth combining your visit to the Petersberg Citadel with a tasting at the Destille Erfurt distillery. The distilery is open on Friday, Saturday and Sunday or by appointment for groups. This gold medal winning distillery produces all kinds of spirits such as gin, whisky, brandy and rum as well as the more traditional fruit flavoured spirits.

The brick domed bar of the distillery is the former ammunition store and laboratory of the Petersberg Citadel. It was built in the 1830s just outside the fortress walls in case the gunpowder experiments went wrong and it all blew up.

There’s a copper kettle where the macerated ingredients are distilled before being matured in oak barrels for up to 20 years. If you’d like a tasting experience they also offer platters of cheese and charcuterie with bread on Fridays and Saturdays to accompany the spirits of your choice.

I hadn’t quite realised but almost any flavour can be macerated and distilled into a spirit. Among the more unusual flavoured spirits made here are those flavoured with coffee, chocolate, pine cones and even mustard! As I mentioned before, this is where we saw the special edition trio of gins that were created for the Bauhaus 100 celebrations.

11. Sit on a mushroom seat in Erfurt and watch the world go by

There are a couple more fun things that I enjoyed during our visit to Erfurt, which you might easily miss unless you have them pointed out to you. One is the stone “mushroom” seats that you often see on either side of the doorways of older houses. Once you know what they are for, you’ll start to notice them everywhere.

These seats are where the owner or servants of the house might sit and watch the world go by, catching up on the local gossip. Perhaps the would invite friends to sit on the other seat and sip a cup of coffee while they shared their news.

12. Watch the puppet show in a shop window

We also enjoyed the puppet windows by the puppet maker Martin Gobsch who I already mentioned has a shop on the Krämerbrücke. There’s another shop that you’ll find as you walk along the road that leads from the bridge to the cathedral. Putting a Euro in the slot we enjoyed the puppet show of Odysseus tied to the mast as his boat rows past the sirens and other scenes from his story in Homer’s Iliad.

Where to eat in Erfurt

Ice cream and chocolate at goldhelm.

I mentioned that Goldhelm Schokoladen have a shop on the Krämerbrücke. But it’s worth knowing that they have three premises in Erfurt where you can try their delicious ice cream, chocolate and cakes.

On the bridge there’s the original chocolate shop in the house of the Golden Helmet (Goldhelm). Next door is their ice cream shop where there always seemed to be a long queue.

But you may not realise that just a short distance from the bridge they have a cafe (Kreuzgasse 5), with lots more space where you can buy the same selection of ice creams. Although I didn’t sit down there the cakes looked very tempting and there’s lots of seating and grass by the water to eat your ice cream.

Eat in Erfurt

We tried this unassuming little cafe called Eat Erfurt in a side street (Pilse 7) for lunch. The selection is quite small and the decor is trendy rather than traditional, the food was excellent too. I tried a vegetarian taco (more of a wrap than a Mexican style taco) with a serving of sweet potato fries. It was all very tasty and well priced.

Restaurants in Erfurt – Faust Food

If you want to get stuck in to burgers and all things meaty or perhaps try the Thuringia Sausage, head for Faust Food (Waagergasse 1). Here they have a charcoal stove to grill your chosen meat, burgers or steaks.

It’s a relaxed and informal experience in an old medieval barn with brick walls and huge timber beams. You order at the counter and sit at solid wooden tables. I tried the cheeseburger while Guy had a Thuringia Sausage with potato salad and green salad leaves with a sour cream dressing.

Restaurants in Erfurt – Zum Goldenen Schwan

Staying with the Thuringia specialties, beer lovers will thrive at Zum Goldenen Schwan . This traditional gasthouse serves pub style local food with a beer garden courtyard at the back where we sat out.

I was very happy with my choice of tasty pork medallions Schupfnudelpfanne (small potato dumplings), chanterelles and green beans in a creamy sauce. Guy looked on enviously having chosen the “Housewife style” pickled herring with potato salad, gherkins and sour cream which he found just a bit too much of the pickled flavours.

I was intrigued by the trio of beer desert, with beer ice cream, dark beer syrup and a beer flavour chocolate truffle. Nice try although I found the bitter beer flavours quite overpowering. If you are a lover of dark beer this will be for you.

The Golden Swan also brews its own beer and I ordered the Weizenbier (Wheat beer) which is fruity and golden and my favourite when I’m in Germany. Guy went for the Schwarzbier (Black beer ) with malty, dark roasted flavours. Are you a light or dark beer drinker?

Stay at Hotel Am Kaisersaal in Erfurt

We really enjoyed our one night stay at Hotel Am Kaisersaal . This excellent modern hotel gives little away from its unassuming entrance on the street.

It’s one of a small group of Bachmann Hotels, and in addition to the 85 bedrooms they offer 2 bedroom apartments for a minimum 2 night stay. This would be ideal if you want a little longer to explore the area.

Behind the traditional looking front building, the Hotel Am Kaisersaal has further modern accommodation wings. It’s built around a pleasant grassy courtyard, with a convenient underground car park.

The atmosphere was calm and friendly, with the usual excellent breakfast spread you find in Germany. Our bedroom was contemporary and well designed with a pleasant outlook over the courtyard. The hotel was very well located just a few minutes walk from the Krämerbrücke.

You may also enjoy Tips for seeing the Oberammergau Passion Play for 2022 Where and what to eat in Munich – all the delicious food in Munich 15 of the best day trips from Munich by train

Plan your trip to Erfurt in Thuringia, Germany

The closest airport to Erfurt with a wide range of international flights is Frankfurt. There are smaller airports at Erfurt, Leipzig and Dresden.

We flew into Frankfurt then took the train to nearby Eisenach, where we picked up a hire car from Europcar close to the station. There is a train station a Erfurt and the German rail network is very efficient. This would be a good way to reach Erfurt from other airports or regions of Germany, as an alternative to a hire car, which we used.

Once you arrive in Erfurt, you can easily see all the main places on foot although there’s also a good public transport network of trams.

Visitor Information for your trip to Erfurt in Thuringia, Germany

If you are looking for a guidebook for your visit to Thuringia and Germany, we recommend the DK Eyewitness Travel Guide to Germany .

Guided Tours: If you need a guide for your visit, there are many excellent registered guides and these can be arranged in advance of your visit through Erfurt Tourism. Take a look at the options available on the Erfurt Tourism website .

There are also options for self guided tours or public tours to join. An iGuide is available to rent from the Tourism Office (Address: Benediktplatz 1). You can enquire at the Tourism office about other public tours taking place during your visit.

Need a guide book for Germany? We recommend the DK Eyewitness Germany Travel Guide

Erfurt Card: If you are visiting Erfurt for a few days it’s worth looking at the Erfurt Card . This gives free use of public transport, entry to museums and discounts on many tours and attractions. This can be purchased at the Tourism Office on arrival.

Where is Thuringia?

Erfurt is the regional capital of the German state of Thuringia, which is in the centre of the country and was formerly part of the East German GDR. Thuringia is bounded by the better known Bavaria to the south and Saxony to the east. The rolling rural countryside, green belt of Thuringia forest and pretty medieval towns, castles and palaces make this an ideal road trip destination.

You can see all the places we visited on the map below .

Read about Schloss Friedenstein in Gotha – the Victoria and Albert connection in Thuringia, Germany

This article was sponsored* by The Cultural Heart of Germany, Thuringia Tourism and Visit Saxony who provided the 4 day trip and experiences mentioned.

* More info on my policies page

This article is originally published at Heatheronhertravels.com

Click to subscribe to our monthly newsletter, news and reader offers

• Travel guides
• Luxury Hotels
• Munich guides

The 10 best things to do in Erfurt, Germany

A list of the top tourist attractions and places to visit in erfurt, the capital of thuringia.

Erfurt is a young and vibrant city with a visible history of more than 1,000 years. With a population of barely 200,000 people, it might not be the biggest capital of a German state, but it’s certainly one of the most charming. The old town with its many half-timbered houses is nothing short of stunning and there are actually quite a lot of things to do in Erfurt.

I recently revisited the capital of Thuringia and thought I’d share my impressions with you. What I particularly liked about Erfurt was the fact it was not as crowded as Berlin or Munich , where it often feels like you are one small fish in an ocean full of tourist groups.

You should also be aware that beautiful Weimar, a double UNESCO World Heritage site, is only 20 minutes away . It’s even more spectacular than Erfurt. You can read my Weimar guide here . So, you might even want to stay a night!

Either way, here is my list of the top things to do in Erfurt.

1. Krämerbrücke & old town

The Krämerbrücke (roughly translates chandler’s bridge) is the most iconic landmark in Erfurt . It’s both the oldest secular building in town and the longest inhabited bridge in Europe (yes, even older than the Ponte Vecchio in Florence). Half-timbered houses flank a beautiful cobblestone street.

Left and right you’ll find shops where you can buy an authentic souvenir or two. It’s just such a lovely place. The bridge was constructed in 1325 , though most of the houses “only” date to the 15th century or later. If you happen to be in Erfurt on the third weekend in June, you’ll be able to partake in the annual Krämerbrücken festival.

Note: Don’t miss the St. Aägiden’s tower at the far end of the bridge. Climb it for a beautiful view of the old town!

2. Erfurt Cathedral

The Erfurter Dom is both the oldest and the most important church in Erfurt . Legend has t it was founded in the 8th-century but it was continuously expanded and remodeled so what you see today is mostly gothic additions built between the late 13th-century until the mid-15th-century.

Erfurt Cathedral is home to the largest free-swinging medieval bell in the world (the so-called Gloriosa) and inside you’ll find one of the largest collections of late-gothic stained-glass windows as well. The impressive windows were created between 1370 and 1420. Since no bomb hit the cathedral during WW II, 895 of the 1100 single window panes are still originals from the medieval ages. The choir stalls are from that period as well!

You’ll find the Erfurt Cathedral on the so-called Cathedral Hill ( Domberg ) right in the heart of the city.

3. St. Severi

There’s another church abutting the mighty cathedral hill: St. Severi. Saint Severus of Ravenna was a bishop of Ravenna between 342 and 346 AD and the remains came to Erfurt in the 9th-century when the foundations for the first church were probably laid . This church was later razed by King Heinrich IV.

What you see today dates mostly to the 13th century . The iconic towers were only added around 1500 after another fire ravaged the church. Interesting fact: After Napoleon conquered Thuringia, the church was for sale. But because no buyer was interested, the church survived.

Personally I just love the mighty organ of the catholic church. The outstanding baroque housing was added in 1714 by Johann Friedrich Wender and is just beyond divine!

4. Petersberg Citadel

The Erfurt Citadel can trace its root back to the 5th millennium BC . The Celts, and later the Germans made use of the prominent hill. Starting from around the 9th century, it was turned into a monastery. The age of monastic use ended with the thirty years war when Erfurt was claimed by the prince-elector of Main and the Petersberg was turned into a mighty fortress.

The citadel was continuously expanded between 1665 and 1831. There are plans to turn some of it into a museum and install a multi-media show. Definitely make sure to sip a coffee at the Glashaus restaurant. It’s the best viewpoint in the city if you ask me and it’s the perfect place to stop for a moment after exploring the old town.

Note: The Petersberg Citadel is currently undergoing extensive renovation works which will last until 2021 when the famous Bundesgartenschau (biennial federal horticulture show) will take place in Erfurt.

5. Protestant Augustinian Monastery

Martin Luther forever changed Christianity when he translated the bible into German, proclaimed his ninety-five theses, and thus induced the Reformation that would lead to a dramatic schism in the Roman Catholic Church. But did you know that Luther started his journey in Erfurt ?

He started his training as a novice in the Augustinian Monastery in Erfurt and later started teaching at the Auditorium Coelicum. Today, you can still visit the very same monastery and even go on a tour to explore the inner cloister twice a day.

6. Old Synagogue

Probably the most fascinating place to visit in Erfurt is the Old Synagogue. It was turned into a museum in 2009 and documents almost a thousand years of Jewish presence in Thuringia. The oldest part of the buildings dates back to the 11th century which makes it the oldest synagogue in Middle Europe.

The Erfurt Synagogue was repurposed as a warehouse after the terrible pogrom in 1349, which is the reason why the foundations and walls remained.

In 1998, archeologists found the famous Erfurt treasure hoard. Before the pogrom, a wealthy merchant buried his silver under a wall near the Synagogue and quite through a miracle it was never discovered. What makes the silver treasure so special is the fact that it dates back to the end of the 13 century .

It is a unique example of renaissance art. There is even an outstanding Jewish wedding ring from that time. You have to know that renaissance jewelry is beyond rare , as most of it was repurposed throughout the ages. To find a whole set of it, was quite unprecedented. (taking pictures of the treasure is not allowed)

7. Angermuseum

The Angermuseum is the largest and most prominent museum in Erfurt. You’ll find it in an imposing baroque city palais not far from the main square. It’s quite the lovely arts & design museum with a strong focus on artworks from Thuringia. It’s not particularly large, so you’ll probably just need an hour to visit it.

Personally speaking, I find smaller museums so much more charming as you really got the time to appreciate every exhibit. There are not only paintings, but also furniture, porcelain, and even contemporary jewelry. I particularly loved the renaissance apartment on the second floor .

8. Walking tour through the old town (door porn galore)

Don’t forget to reserve some time to explore the rest of Erfurt’s old town. There are some stunning places where it feels like walking through a fairy tale! The Kirchgasse is one of these places you absolutely have to see , but there are many more.

What I personally loved the most were the many beautiful old doors . Most of them have a little sign above the lintel which indicates the name of the place. You’ll see suns, fish and a panoply of other animals! Quite fascinating.

The House zum Sonneborn is also a tourist favorite. In fact, it’s a very popular wedding venue among locals and the door is beyond amazing.

If I was serious about Instagram, then definitely consider exploring the many medieval doors of Erfurt.

9. Stadtmuseum Erfurt

One of the lesser-known sites in Erfurt is the fabulous city museum . You’ll find it in the Haus zum Stockfisch which is a tourist attraction in and by itself. The ground floor of the museums is dedicated to the ancient history of the city, while you will find an exhibition of the more recent past on the second floor.

I want to be honest with you, though. It is not a world-class museum with a collection that will take your breath away. If you are short on time, you can skip it and will probably not regret it. But at the same time, the small museum does give you quite a vivid impression of Erfurt’s past . At the very least, you should at least walk past, as the facade is just so beautiful.

10. City Hall & Fish Market

Last, but certainly not least, I would like to mention the beautiful Erfurt town hall. Don’t hesitate to go inside. It’s still a functioning town hall. There’s a big festival hall inside and the historic staircase is quite lovely as well! But don’t miss the other buildings around the Fischmarkt (“fish market” either.

If you like contemporary art, the Kunsthall Erfurt (“art hall Erfurt”) might be a place you want to stop as well. It’s certainly not the Guggenheim Museum but I found it to be quite charming.

You will want to take a picture of the guildhall as well. Now, there’s an Italian restaurant inside. The food is only okayish, so I’d have lunch somewhere else. But the building is certainly beautiful!

Other things to do in Erfurt

I want to be quite honest with you: There are not a lot of other places to visit in Erfurt. While the city does have quite an illustrious history it only became the capital of Thuringia in 1991. Nearby Weimar placed a far more important role throughout most of the state’s history. As such, the city is lovely but lacks the important highlights other state capitals ( like Munich ) have to offer.

There is, however, a small natural history museum and you’ll find a tiny technical museum in the old mill.

That being said, the city is beautiful and very clean. The people are friendly and the food is excellent. It is a very good alternative for longer Germany itineraries and as I said, you can combine it with a visit to Weimar and then move on to Dresden or Berlin.

How to get to Erfurt

Getting to Erfurt really couldn’t be easier. There’s a high-speed train connection between Munich and Berlin, and Erfurt is one of the few stops on the way. It takes 2 hours 30 minutes to get there from Bavaria’s capital and only 90 minutes from Berlin. You can check the schedule on the official website of the German Railway .

The connection is so good, that you can actually visit on a day trip from Munich (that’s what I usually do).

Where to stay in Erfurt

Note: I earn a small commission for purchases made through links in this article.

I usually stay in Weimar because the hotels there are much better. It only takes 30 minutes to Erfurt from there. As the city is much richer, I feel that this is where you should stay ( I loved the Hotel Elephant ). But there is no denying that sleeping in the capital has it’s advantages as well, especially if you want to enjoy some nightlife (Weimar is virtually empty at night).

Luxury hotels

• Dorint Hotel am Dom Erfurt (the only 5 -star hotel in town)

Mid-price hotels

• Hotel Krämerbrücke Erfurt (beautiful location)
• Mercure Hotel Erfurt

Budget hotels

• Opera hostel

Best time to visit Erfurt

Erfurt is worth a visit all year round. It’s never really crowded and the old-town can be beautiful no matter the season . I’ve been there in winter and summer and was never disappointed. So, plan your Germany or Europe itinerary first, and Erfurt will fit in anyways.

There is just one thing you should know: Winter is really quite, so some tourist attractions are not open on weekdays (like the tower of the Aäigiden church, etc).

This is it. I hope I was able to show you the best things to do in Erfurt, Germany. Feel free to ask your questions in the comments below!

RELATED ARTICLES MORE FROM AUTHOR

The 15 best things to do in Stuttgart, Germany

The 15 best things to do in Weimar, Germany

Fürstenfeld Abbey – a beautiful half-day trip from Munich

Leave a reply cancel reply.

That's okay for me

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

The latest post on my travel blog

The best things to do in Madeira, Portugal

• Terms & Conditions
• Site notice
• Data Privacy Statement

Home » Destinations » Europe » Germany » 15 Fantastic Things to Do in Erfurt, Germany (+ Our Tips)

15 Fantastic Things to Do in Erfurt, Germany (+ Our Tips)

Links in this article may earn us a little money if you book/ order stuff. More here .

Here Are Some Great Things To Do In Erfurt, Germany!

Looking to add more beautiful places in Germany to your list? Then you should definitely check out Erfurt, Germany!

From beautiful attractions like the Erfurt Cathedral and the Krämerbrücke to exploring Egapark, there is plenty to do, see, and eat!

We were lucky enough to discover Erfurt recently on the way to the south of Germany. We spent a night in the medieval city – and we are SO glad we did.

Because it’s loaded with history, it’s now become one of Eric’s favourite German cities – seriously.

That said, we wanted to check out the things to do as well as things to eat. So, this post is loaded with attractions as well as great Erfurt cafes and Erfurt restaurants to try when you go! Just grab this post and an Erfurt city map – let’s get exploring!

Table of Contents

Top Things To Do In Erfurt

Now that we have covered the basics about Erfurt, here’s a list of things that you can do.

Keep in mind, this list includes most of the major attractions with the exception of the Zoo because we don’t usually promote them.

That said, if you’re travelling with kids, the Thuringian Zoo Park is highly rated and located quite north of the city centre.

Walk the Krämerbrücke

You will not visit Erfurt and miss the Krämerbrücke. You simply cannot!

Also known as the “Merchant’s Bridge”, the Krämerbrücke is a gorgeous medieval-era stone arch bridge that was originally built back in 1325.

In fact, the stone bridge walkway was built first – the wood timber houses were done in the 1480s!

Fun Fact: The bridge is one of the very few remaining medieval bridges with dwellings on it that still stands to this day!

If you walk beside the bridge, you can actually go under it to reach the exterior sides – and you’ll be able to snap some great photos of the side of the bridge next to the river.

If you walk over the bridge which spans the “Breitstrom” (a part of the Gera River), you’ll be greeted by numerous shops, galleries, or cafes that inhabit the colourful houses today.

It’s also a good way to get between the public squares at each end – each with their own cafes, restaurants, and shops, too.

Walking the bridge is like being transported in time – honestly. While we were exploring, we actually popped into a small cafe called Mundlandung.

We had coffees and a cake which were great.

Eric got a sandwich which was okay, but better stick to sweets because Lisa’s cake was absolutely delicious.

The best part was the window view from our table – people seemed a little jealous we were perched up in the bridge!

Another place you can check out on the bridge is the Haus der Stiftungen. This was a small museum (in all German) that is dedicated to telling the story of the bridge.

It’s neat to see but don’t spend all day there – there’s more waiting for you!

If you approach the bridge from Fischmarkt, you’ll find lots of great things at the other end of the bridge.

Namely – you’ll see a church tower which you can climb (mentioned further down) and you’ll also see ice cream!

Yes, if you’re an ice cream fan you must try some at Goldhelm Eiskrämer . They are located at Krämerbrücke 15, 99084 Erfurt but you’ll likely see a line up if the weather is nice out!

Address of the Bridge: Krämerbrücke, 99084 Erfurt

Wander Fischmarkt

One of the places that you absolutely have to check out – and likely will by accident anyway – is Fischmarkt. This central square is known to be the main square in all of Erfurt.

Always a central meeting place with the town hall right there, the square today is a hustle and bustle of activity – yet still really lovely to hang out in.

The buildings surrounding the square are gorgeous and built in a Renaissance-style.

The town hall (Rathaus) was built in the 1880s in Neo-Gothic, but the original town hall was said to have stood in the location around 1275!

Aside from a transport hub for the trams, you’ll also find “Der Römer” standing in the middle of the square.

A symbol of independence in the city of Erfurt, this statue – similar to Bremen’s Roland – was put up by the town people in 1591.

These days, there are loads of cafes and restaurants around the edges of the square so you can sit and have a nice coffee, snack, or full meal.

We really liked the square because it never got too busy so you got to enjoy a historic centre without loads and loads of people around.

Just watch where you are standing when you snap those pretty photos because the tram will come through!

Address: Fischmarktplatz, Erfurt

Visit The Erfurt Dom (Cathedral)

Standing high above the city from the top of Domberg Hill you’ll find one of the top sights in Erfurt: the Erfurt Cathedral.

Also known as the St. Mary’s Cathedral, this unique cathedral is the oldest and largest church in all of Erfurt.

The current building has roots dating from the 12th century but the site has held religious buildings since before 742!

You can find the cathedral right beside St. Severus’ Church (mentioned right below) and there are usually a grand set of steps to walk up between them as you explore the area.

When we visited Erfurt, there was a performance happening so the stage and seating blocked the stairs but it was still great to see.

We walked from the side of the square (also called Domplatz) and entered the cathedral. Admission is free – and the inside is quite grand.

The cathedral has both Romanesque and Gothic elements which make it beautiful.

Fun Fact: The Cathedral is home to “Gloriosa” – the largest medieval bell in the world! You can actually book a guided tour up the central tower to see the bell.

You can learn more about visiting the Cathedral here .

Besides the cathedral, Domplatz is a very large square where you can get a good view of the citadel (mentioned below).

There are also lots of restaurants or cafes lining the square so you can also relax here in the shadow of the grand cathedral!

Address: Domstufen 1, 99084 Erfurt, Germany

Check Out The Churches

If you didn’t already know, Erfurt is home to A LOT of churches, monasteries, places of worship, etc. In fact, the city centre alone has over 20 churches!

These churches dot the skyline with their towers and make for great photos from the high vantage points.

We were lucky enough to check out a handful of the churches for the architecture. There are mostly in Gothic style but you’ll also find Romanesque and more!

You might pass the ruins of the Barfüßerkirche – we did and it was fascinating to see! Below are a few we explored deeper:

Severikirche

Known as St. Severus’ Church in English, the Severikirche stands right beside the Erfurt Cathedral atop Domberg Hill.

Its three spires are gorgeous – and the second-largest church in Erfurt also makes a statement having been built around 1300.

Address: Severihof 2, 99084 Erfurt, Germany

Predigerkirche

Constructed back in the 13th century, the Predigerkirche is a stone Gothic monastery church.

Located in the city centre, we walked by accidentally and actually stopped to check out its interior. Turns out it’s the main Protestant church of Erfurt!

We wandered inside and honestly it was pretty impressive considering it’s one of the “regular” churches in the city.

The interior was quiet and very simple compared to other wildly-decorated church interiors we had recently seen!

Address: Predigerstraße 4, 99084 Erfurt, Germany

Protestant Augustinian Monastery Erfurt

Dating back to 1277, St. Augustine’s Monastery is full of significant history. Martin Luther actually lived there from 1505 to 1511 when he was studying to be a monk.

These days, the large complex is still an active church as well as a conference centre and a lovely hotel you can stay at .

We walked by and stayed very, very close to it at our accommodation just north of the heart of the city centre.

Address: Augustinerstraße 10, 99084 Erfurt, Germany

Climb the Ägidienkirche Tower

One of the best things to do in Erfurt – and one of our personal favourites – was to climb the Ägidienkirche Tower and enjoy the amazing views!

The tower itself is easy to find – just head for the end of the Krämerbrücke and you’ll see it towering up.

The tricky part for us was the opening times. You enter below through the large wooden door which is in the covered part of the bridge (and under the actual Ägidienkirche – a functional church in the building above the road).

When we arrived for opening at 11:00 am, the door was closed. We waited for over 30 minutes before finally giving up and agreeing to come back later.

This is a shame because we even saw a tour group basically change their plans in real-time because it wasn’t open (when it clearly said it would be – Lisa is German so we didn’t misread).

Luckily, we came back in the afternoon and the door was open. We were asked to give a small donation to enter, and up we went climbing the old wooden stairs.

It’s pretty steep so if you have mobility issues it might not be for you.

That said, views around the whole tower of the city below are incredible. The photos we got speak for themselves – and it really gives you a unique perspective of the city.

The best part was that there was only one small group up there – then we had the whole lookout for ourselves!

So, we’d say definitely do it – but watch out because it might not be open when it says it should be.

We aren’t sure if this is a staffing issue – we’d read other Google reviews that said (another time) the opening time wasn’t observed – so plan ahead if you can.

Address: Wenigemarkt 4, 99084 Erfurt, Germany (at the end of the Krämerbrücke)

Explore the Petersberg Citadel

If you haven’t had enough of the great views all over Erfurt, then head to the top of Petersberg Hill for another! At the top, you’ll be greeted by an imposing fortress – Petersberg Citadel!

Built starting around 1665 and for the next few decades, this Baroque fortress is actually one of the best-preserved town fortresses in all of Europe!

These days, you can wander the grounds (more than 85 acres) that are surrounded by thick stone walls running for over two kilometres.

There are guided tours of the confusing lower passageways through the system of tunnels.

When we visited, it was under extensive renovation for the Flower Show in 2021 so there was not that much to see. That said, we could still wander about, check out a few places, and get great views of the city below.

There’s also an elevated glass cafe – Glashütte Petersberg – where you can grab a drink or bite to eat overlooking the city!

If you want to visit the Citadel, learn more, and/or book a tour, you can check out this website . (Public tours are only in German – English would have to be booked in advance!)

Address: Petersberg 3, 99084 Erfurt, Germany

Check Out The Alte Synagoge

Known as the “Old Synagogue”, this is quite the historic site in Erfurt. In fact, as one of the few remaining medieval synagogues in Europe, it’s a pretty significant place to check out!

Having been originally built in the Middle Ages (as old as the 11th century) in the heart of Erfurt’s old town, much of it was later built around the end of the 1200s.

The Synagogue today includes many of the original features like the thick outer walls and the Gothic Rose window.

You can pop inside for a fee to explore the extensive museum exhibit highlighting elements of the synagogue’s past as well as local Jewish history.

You’ll also find the Erfurt Treasure – a hidden stash of coins and other items found in 1998!

We didn’t end up going inside because we ran out of time but we will be returning and will visit next time! If you plan on visiting the Old Synagogue in Erfurt, you can learn more here .

Address: Waagegasse 8, 99084 Erfurt, Germany

Walk Through Egapark

If you want to take a moment to relax while in Erfurt, you should definitely head to Egapark. This massive park – covering almost 90 acres – is one of the largest parks in Germany.

It also remains one of the few remaining gardens set up during the time of East German rule.

The site is of historical significance because an old fortress – Cyriaksburg Castle – rested atop the hill. The park itself was originally opened in 1961 for the First International Horticultural Exhibition (in Soviet Countries) but has since grown and changed over the years.

One feature that remains unchanged is the 6,000 square metre flower bed that centres the park and draws visitors each year.

The grounds are beautiful and have many old buildings like pavilions, glasshouses (for cacti and butterflies) as well as curated rose and Japanese gardens.

As if that wasn’t enough, there are activities for kids and you’ll also find the German Horticultural Museum, which highlights the complex and interesting history of the park!

If you plan to visit Egapark, you can check out the official website here (in German) for fees and opening hours.

Address: Gothaer Str. 38, 99094 Erfurt, Germany

Eat A Thuringia Bratwurst

If you want to sink your teeth into some local cuisine, then you have to try out the Thuringia Bratwurst.

There are many bratwursts (sausages) connected to different cities or parts of Germany – and Erfurt is no different.

The Thuringia Bratwurst is quite long, grilled, and generally eaten in a small roll with mustard.

It’s basically the traditional German equivalent of “fast food” – like how you’d grab a burger or burrito on the go in North America.

We grabbed ours from a small stand near the river where the shopping area in the newer town meets the Old Town. That said, you can find it sold around the city in small stalls or in restaurants.

Note: Lisa thinks the restaurant version is weird because it’s supposed to be a “street food”! In any case, it was really, really good!

Take Photos Of The KiKa  TV Characters

If you are wandering around Erfurt, you might notice a few “statues” that seem a little odd. If you’re a visitor from elsewhere, you’ll be confused and amused – but if you’re German, there’s a good chance you’ll recognize a bunch of them!

Erfurt is home to KiKa – a public television channel for kids. So, it’s only fitting that scattered around the city are recognizable characters from various kid’s shows!

In total, there are 7 characters around the city from Die Maus und Der Elefant to the hilarious looking “Bernd das Brot” (literally, Bernard the Bread).

You can find them scattered around the city – usually in public squares or open spaces so see if you can find all of them!

Explore The Naturkundemuseum

Called the “Natural History Museum of Erfurt”, this museum about the natural world packs a punch! Located down a small street very close to Domplatz, you might miss it if you aren’t looking for it!

Inside, there are exhibits about the natural history of the local area – looking at the history of plant life and geology of the region.

They also hold special exhibits – and have other permanent ones that showcase paleontology, mineralogy, and more!

When we visited, there was a MASSIVE group of what looked like school kids having their lunch in the courtyard. We think they were having a good time visiting the museum!

If you want to check it out, you can learn more about the Museum here .

Address: Große Arche 14, 99084 Erfurt, Germany

Visit The Kunsthalle Erfurt

The “Art Gallery of Erfurt” is located right on the edge of Fischmarktplatz facing the Rathaus. This gorgeous Renaissance building called “Haus zum Roten Ochsen” or “House of the Red Ox” is the entrance to the gallery.

Inside, you’ll find permanent and rotating exhibits surrounding the topic of modern and contemporary visual art. For example, they have a recurring exhibit in black and white photos from 1945-2000 in West Germany!

If you want to plan a visit, you can find more information about the Erfurt Kunsthalle here .

Address: Fischmarkt 7, 99084 Erfurt, Germany

Visit the Andreasstraße Memorial and Educational Site

Should you be venturing to Germany (and Erfurt) to learn about the past, this museum is a good place to do that.

The “Stasi Museum” as it’s called, is housed in a former prison used to hold political prisoners in East Germany.

Today, the site is both a memorial and museum with the purpose of educating about and acknowledging the oppressive atrocities that occurred there.

You’ll find exhibits on the lived experiences of prisoners, what the Stasi was really up to, the Peaceful Revolution, and more.

Basically, if you want to learn about “The Stasi” – or the secret police in East Germany during the Cold War period – this is a great place to check out.

It’s located very close to Domplatz so you can take Tram 3, 4, or 6 to get close enough to walk. You can learn more about the museum here .

Address: Andreasstraße 37a, 99084 Erfurt, Germany

Check Out The Angermuseum

As you pass through the Old Town, you’ll notice a beautiful building at a street corner. Officially opened in 1886, this is the Angermuseum – a place that documents Erfurt’s past! The building faces Anger Square – hence the name.

The building once held the public weighing scales but has since been converted into a museum showcasing shields, medieval paintings, and special exhibits from time to time.

Some people think it’s worth visiting while others see it as a little bit underwhelming.

In any case, the Baroque building is lovely to photograph – and you MIGHT find a KiKa character nearby! You can learn more about the Angermuseum here .

Address: Anger 18, 99084 Erfurt, Germany

Check Out The Museum für Thüringer Volkskunde

Called the “Museum of Thuringian Folklore” in English, this small museum is dedicated to preserving and retelling various parts of Thuringia history told through objects.

As one of the largest Folklore Museums in the country, inside you’ll find costumes, dolls, furniture, and a glimpse of what life was like in Thuringia over the past 200 years!

If this kind of thing sparks your interest, you can learn more about visiting here .

Address: Juri-Gagarin-Ring 140A, 99084 Erfurt, Germany

Where To Eat In Erfurt: Our Tips

While we were in Erfurt, there were a few places that we went for coffee breaks, breakfast, and scouted out for a hearty German meal.

Having covered ice cream, a café and Thuringia sausage above already, you’ll find a list of other great cafes and food spots below.

Café Füchsen

We went to Café Füchsen for breakfast our only morning and it met and exceeded expectations.

The place is this small, cozy spot beside a green park just north of the Krämerbrücke (and it was SO close to our accommodation).

We actually sat outside under a large covered area. Even with the rain, it was a lovely morning. We got coffees and then Lisa had the cheese plate breakfast while Eric had the eggs with prosciutto.

Everything comes with German bread rolls. Let’s just say we were absolutely stuffed before we headed out to explore.

We’d highly recommend – but make a reservation if it’s the weekend or you’re more than two people because we got lucky to find a spot! You can check out their Facebook Page here .

Address Café Füchsen: Hütergasse 13, 99084 Erfurt, Germany

Kurhaus Simone

One of the last stops before we got on the train was to find a coffee or iced coffee (it was very hot that day). Luckily, at the far end of the Krämerbrücke on Wenigemarkt (an open square) we found Kurhaus Simone .

Sitting outside at a little table for two, we had the BEST spot to people watch and take in the city views of the tower.

Lisa had this weird cold drink called Caffè Warschau with espresso and lemon bitters (she loved it) while Eric had a tall iced coffee. Both were just perfect. The place is very stylish, too!

Address Kurhaus Simone: Wenigemarkt 21, 99084 Erfurt, Germany

Wirtshaus Christoffel and Gasthaus Feuerkugel

If you are looking for a hearty German dinner (serving a variety of foods from different regions), there are two classic “Wirtshaus” to check out in Erfurt: Wirtshaus Christoffel and Gasthaus Feuerkugel . These places are very popular – but for good reason.

They both offer outdoor seating but also have loads of room inside. Having done the research (and even checking out the menus), we didn’t end up going to either one because we wanted to save one of our big German meals for when we were in Bayreuth (located in Bavaria close to where Lisa grew up!).

Both of these places are located in the old town on the same street, so have a look at both and let us know how it is!

The address for Gasthaus Feuerkugel: Michaelisstraße 3-4, 99084 Erfurt, Germany and the address for Wirtshaus Christoffel: Michaelisstraße 41, 99084 Erfurt, Germany .

Augustiner an der Krämerbrücke Erfurt

Finally, if you are looking to have a beer at a quintessential German beer market, check out Augustiner an der Krämerbrücke Erfurt . We walked by a number of times just north of the Krämerbrücke.

There is a large outdoor patio area for enjoying beverages – but the old wood timbered house has these gorgeous balcony tables that overlook the river.

It looked like they had to be reserved so we didn’t go – but we will next time!

Address Augustiner Erfurt: Horngasse 3/4, 99084 Erfurt, Germany

Things To Know When Visiting Erfurt, Germany

Before you head off to check out Erfurt, there are a few things that you might want to consider. While the city is visitor-friendly and easy to get around, planning ahead is never a bad idea!

From how to get to Erfurt to how to get around and where to stay in Erfurt, here are some important topics for you to keep in mind as you plan your trip!

Oh, and if you want to see what Erfurt looks like – you can check out our Erfurt YouTube video to have a look!

General Information About Erfurt

Erfurt is a beautiful city physically located in the centre of Germany. It’s also the capital of the German state of Thuringia.

Erfurt has a long history – and its central location in Europe has made it important for centuries.

The city was situated on the Via Regia – which was a medieval trade route/network across much of modern Europe. It has the Gera River running through it.

The rich medieval and religious history shows in what is considered one of the best medieval centres in Germany. The preservation of the “Altstadt” – or Old Town – is like a time machine when you walk around.

Erfurt is also known for famous Germans like Martin Luther – who studied at the University of Erfurt in 1501 before joining the Augustine Monastery (noted below) in 1505.

Today, the population of Erfurt is over 200,000 – making it a smaller city but a city nonetheless!

How To Get To Erfurt

Erfurt is located in basically the middle of the country so there are a bunch of ways you can get there. Since Germany has great train travel, you can reach Erfurt easily from Leipzig, Frankfurt, or even Munich.

If you are driving and/or have a rental car, you can also get to Erfurt this way. There are plenty of downtown parking lots for easy storage and access to your car.

Getting Around In Erfurt

Once you are in Erfurt, the city centre is pretty flat so it’s easy to get around on foot. The train station is at the south end of the city centre so it is a quick 10/15 minute walk to the heart of the old town.

One of the only areas that is hilly is near the Citadel where you’ll climb a small hill and some steps to get up there.

As you walk around the city centre, you’ll notice lots of sets of tram tracks. The trams whiz through many parts of the city creating a network for you to get around if you so choose. There are also buses available to take.

Trams leave right from a platform beside Erfurt Train Station so you can arrive by train and connect to transit if you like. You can find the Erfurt Transit website here (in German).

You might also look into the Altstadt tour – a tram car-shaped vehicle that drives in the road – kind of like a caterpillar – and makes stops at the top attractions with a guide.

You can find information on this tour here . There is also a city tour where you ride the tracks on an actual “tram tour”. You can learn more about this here .

*These tours are regularly available in German but English seems possible if you book in advance/for a group. Might want to send a quick email to check if you’re visiting!

Read More: Don’t Forget Your Handy German Phrases

Where To Stay In Erfurt

If you end up staying overnight, Erfurt is a great city to sleep in. We ended up staying at Gästehaus in der Gotthardtstraße and honestly loved it.

The place is a very simple guesthouse style accommodation in a quiet neighbourhood just a short walk from the best attractions.

The place was easy to find, safe, cozy, and the host was lovely. We also liked having a free bottle of mineral water waiting in the room. There are a few parking spaces available should you need it – and breakfast locations are very close by!

>> Check here for Gästehaus in der Gotthardtstraße

If you’re looking for a hotel in Erfurt, you might check out Hotel Krämerbrücke Erfurt (located RIGHT beside the Krämerbrücke) or the Protestant Augustinian Monastery – which is actually a “place to visit” listed down below. Turns out, you can stay in this historic building, too!

If you want to stay in a place that is physically in the photo above, you might want to check out Mr. and Mrs. President , a highly-rated apartment in Erfurt located right overlooking Domplatz.

**Friendly Disclosure: We paid for our stay ourselves and were not told to include the accommodation in this article.

And there you have it – some of the best things to do in Erfurt, Germany! We had a great time exploring this colourful, historic city.

We’d honestly recommend a stop if you are travelling through the middle of Germany. Let us know if you end up there and how you like it!

As always, Happy Erfurt Waddlin’, -L&E

Related Articles

We write a lot about Germany – including detailed itineraries around Germany – so check out these other helpful Germany posts!

• Must-Knows for Travelling to Germany (For the First Time)
• Erfurt is Close to Beautiful Bamberg and Coburg
• Discover Great Attractions in Berlin
• Compare flights on Skyscanner
• Check for Hotel Deals or Book A Hostel
• Get A Rental Car (depending on the destination)
• Research plug types and possibly get a travel adapter
• Go over our packing list

Pin it for later!

As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.

Destinations

Privacy policy

Disclaimer & Affiliate Disclosure

Terms of use

© 2024 Creativlier Media Inc.

Must-see attractions in Erfurt

Zitadelle Petersberg

Situated on the Petersberg hill northwest of Domplatz, this 36-hectare citadel ranks among Europe’s largest and best-preserved baroque fortresses. While…

Erfurter Dom

Erfurt's cathedral, where Martin Luther was ordained a priest, grew over the centuries from a simple 8th-century chapel into the stately Gothic pile of…

Augustinerkloster

It’s Luther lore galore at the monastery where the reformer lived from 1505 to 1511, where he was ordained as a monk and where he read his first Mass. You…

Krämerbrücke

Flanked by photogenic half-timbered houses on both sides, this charming 1325 stone bridge is the only one north of the Alps that's still inhabited. To…

Alte Synagoge

This is one of Europe's oldest Jewish houses of worship, dating in part to the 11th century. Following the 'Black Death' pogrom of 1349 it was used as an…

Severikirche

The late-13th-century Severikirche – which together with the adjacent cathedral forms Efrurt's iconic architectural ensemble on Domberg (Cathedral Hill) –…

Egapark Erfurt

It’s easy to spend hours amid the riotous flower beds, Japanese rock garden, Schmetterlinghaus (butterfly house) and greenhouses of the rambling GDR-era…

Angermuseum

Housed inside a fully restored baroque building completed in 1712, the Angermuseum has a strong collection of medieval art, paintings ranging from the…

Stadtmuseum

Behind the magnificent chequerboard facade of the late-Renaissance Haus am Stockfisch ('House of Stockfish', or dried cod) lies a fascinating exploration…

Museum für Thüringer Volkskunde

This folklore museum is one of the largest of its kind in Germany, with an interesting collection focused on the applied arts, with household objects,…

Michaeliskirche

Dating to the late 12th century, the old university church boasts a magnificent organ (1652), made by local master Ludwig Compenius, and was a key…

Kunsthalle Erfurt

Erfurt's most experimental art space offers a rigorously curated program of exhibitions, incorporating graphic art, audiovisual art and installations.

More destinations you need to see

How to Spend 24 Hours in Erfurt, Germany

There is so much to see in Erfurt that travelers are often confused about what to see and what to skip. The struggle is even more real for history and architecture enthusiasts, as every nook of this 1,270-year-old city has a story to tell. We have chalked out an itinerary for you that will take you to the highlights of the city in one day. Most of your time will be spent exploring amazing historic architecture; you will also learn about Thuringian history and the plight of the Jews, see priceless art treasures, and catch a panoramic bird’s-eye view of the city. Let’s go.

The unrivaled best place to start your day in Erfurt is at the historic Fischmarkt (fish market). It is the beating heart of the city, it has plenty of gastronomic options, and you can see many of the highlights of the city right around this square. Pick a café and order a filling breakfast in preparation for a busy day ahead.

By this time, you will have noticed the gorgeous neo-gothic Rathaus . Its ornate interior truly befits its beautiful facade. Sign up for a guided tour to see the intricate murals depicting historic events in its halls. It opens at 8 a.m. on weekdays and at 10 a.m. on weekends.

Fischmarkt 1, 99084 Erfurt, +49 361 6551145

Afterwards, take a short stroll to the Evangelisches Augustinerkloster (Augustinian Monastery). The Great Reformer Martin Luther was ordained as monk in this 13th-century monastery. On a tour, you can trace his steps, see the room where he spent several years, and visit a charming chapel.

Augustinerstraße 10, Erfurt, Germany , +49 0361 576600

Though Erfurt boasts many wonderful museums, you probably have time to visit just one. We recommend the Angermuseum , about half a mile (one kilometer) away from the Evangelisches Augustinerkloster . The stunning architecture of the museum houses a range of historic arts and crafts that will help you understand the historical, economic, and cultural development of Erfurt over the last few hundred years.

Anger 18, Erfurt, Germany , +49 0361 6551640

A short walk from Angermuseum is the famous medieval limestone and sandstone bridge, Krämerbrücke (Merchant’s Bridge). Its uniqueness lies in the fact that it is one of the very few inhabited bridges in the world. Houses, shops, boutiques, restaurants, ice-cream parlors , and cafés line the bridge on both sides, with a walkway running through the middle. The Church of St. Aegidius marks the eastern end of the bridge. If you wish to catch a bird’s-eye view of the city, climb to the tower of the church. The bridge is also a great and unique place to stop for lunch. If you are looking for more options for lunch, walk across the bridge from east to west and turn left to reach the Fischmarkt once more. Krämerbrücke, 99084 Erfurt

Now that you’re rested and full, continue your exploration of the multi-layered ancient city of Erfurt . A two-minute walk from the bridge will bring you to The Old Synagogue . Its facade might not overwhelm you, but it is worth visiting for the treasures preserved behind its medieval walls. Other than Jewish manuscripts and lessons on the history of medieval Jews, the synagogue preserves the priceless Erfurt Treasure, which consists of a few thousand silver coins and 6,000 goldsmithery items from the 13th and 14th centuries. You can also see a 13th-century mikveh (a Jewish ritual bath) and ancient Jewish gravestones at this museum. Prepare to spend at least an hour here. Waagegasse 8, Erfurt, Germany , +49 0361 6551608

Take another short walk and you will find yourself gazing up at the magnificent ensemble of St. Mary’s Cathedral and St. Severus Church. Erfurt Cathedral is worth a visit for its stunning stained-glass windows and the world’s largest free-swinging bell, called Maria Gloriosa. Don’t miss the magnificent five-aisled hall church of St. Severus Church, either. Dompl. 28, 99084 Erfurt, +49 361 6550

Located a little way from the cathedral, the 17th-century massive baroque fortress Zitadelle Petersburg welcomes you to explore its defence barracks and stone walls and learn about its history. You can also check out the monastery church of St. Peter’s in the same compound. The Zitadelle is open till 6 p.m.

Petersberg 3, Erfurt, Germany , +49 0361 66400 If you are making good time, and especially if it’s summer, we highly recommend Egapark (about a mile and a half or 2.5 kilometers from the Zitadelle ). Egapark is among the biggest leisure parks in the country and you can see Europe’s largest ornamental flowerbed here. The view from the observation deck at the park is really spectacular, too.

Gothaer Str. 38, Erfurt, Germany , +49 0361 5643737

It’s time to head back to the Fischmarkt (around two miles or three kilometers) for dinner, though of course you will find several options on the way as well. As you indulge in a delicious meal, congratulate yourself on a day well spent.

KEEN TO EXPLORE THE WORLD?

Connect with like-minded people on our premium trips curated by local insiders and with care for the world

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.

Guides & Tips

Top tips for travelling in germany.

See & Do

A voyage through germany: the lowdown on river cruising.

Craft and Culture in the Lesser-Known Gems of Eastern Germany

Places to Stay

The best hotels to book in thuringia, germany.

The Best Spa Hotels in Baden-Baden

The Best Hotels in Germany for Every Traveller

The Best Hotels to Book in Garmisch for Every Traveller

Stay Curious: Experience Germany From Your Living Room

10 Reasons Why You Should Visit Bavaria

The Story Behind Germany's Neuschwanstein Castle

Architecture

Breathtakingly beautiful buildings in germany.

Places in Germany for History Lovers

Winter sale offers on our trips, incredible savings.

• Post ID: 1000047841
• Sponsored? No
• View Payload

Erfurt Travel Essentials

Ideal duration: 1-2 days

Best Time: May - September

Planning a Trip? Ask Your Question

"Medieval Marvels and Cultural Heritage"

Erfurt tourism.

Erfurt is a city located in the state of Thuringia, Germany. It is renowned for its historical attractions and interesting sights and activities. Erfurt is a great place to explore as it is full of interesting attractions, including the Kr‰Ûª_merbrÌøcke (Merchant's Bridge), the Anglican Church, Erfurt Cathedral, and the Erfurt Synagogue. It is also home to many museums such as the Thuringian State Museum and the Erfurt City Museum.

Erfurt is a great place for travelers looking to explore its vibrant culture and medieval architecture. From the Kr‰Ûª_merbrÌøcke, the oldest bridge in Germany, to the Erfurt Synagogue, the oldest Jewish synagogue in Germany, Erfurt is sure to impress. Visitors can also explore the historic city walls, the St. Severi Church, and the University of Erfurt. For those looking for outdoor activities, Erfurt offers plenty of options. Visitors can take part in the Erfurt Marathon or take a hike along one of the many trails in the Erfurt area. Additionally, Erfurt offers a great range of restaurants, bars, and cafes, making it a great place to spend an evening. When visiting Erfurt, visitors should be sure to take advantage of the city's public transportation system, which is reliable and easy to use. Furthermore, visitors should make sure to dress appropriately, as the city is fairly conservative. Lastly, visitors should be aware that some parts of Erfurt are relatively quiet, so travelers should plan their itinerary accordingly.

Top Hotels In Erfurt

9.4 (906 reviews)

₽ 16,780 onwards

9.3 (137 reviews)

₽ 13,901 onwards

9.0 (646 reviews)

₽ 8,340 onwards

9.8 (54 reviews)

₽ 8,439 onwards

8.8 (509 reviews)

₽ 7,347 onwards

8.8 (201 reviews)

₽ 7,546 onwards

Nearby Places

Browse Package Collections

Nearby destinations for packages, erfurt photos.

+ 48 photos

Have a Question on Erfurt?

Erfurt Reviews

Similar Places

Get the best offers on Travel Packages

Compare package quotes from top travel agents

Compare upto 3 quotes for free

• India (+91)

*Final prices will be shared by our partner agents based on your requirements.

Log in to your account

Welcome to holidify.

Forget Password?

Share this page