You know, some cities scream at you with their attractions. Attractions of Erfurt On the other hand, their stories whisper to you as you wander over cobblestones that Martin Luther and Johann Sebastian Bach already had under their feet.
The Thuringian state capital is astonishingly unexcited, despite its 1,300 years of history and the almost impertinently well-preserved medieval city center.
On the one hand, the city offers large, well-known highlights such as the imposing cathedral and the picturesque Krämerbrücke. On the other hand, in side streets and inconspicuous courtyards hide places that are less well-known – but just as fascinating.
Who else is the Attractions of Erfurt Discovered away from the typical tourist trail, experience a city full of history, charm and surprises. Make time for both, and you’ll be rewarded with a travel experience that gets under your skin.
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Table of contents
7 Attractions of Erfurt in the inner cityt
#1 + #2 The Erfurt Cathedral & Severikirche – the landmark of the city
Tip: Visit the Duomo at noon, when the sun's rays fall through the colorful windows and enter the interior Magic Sea of Lights transform. And if you can, climb the 70 steps of the outdoor stairs slowly – not just to catch the air, but to keep the air flowing. Growing outlook Enjoy the old town. Arriving at the top, you will be with one of the The most beautiful city panoramas Thuringia rewarded.
The 800 years old "Gloriosa" In the cathedral tower is the Largest Free-Swinging Medieval Bell in the World – when you hear them on special holidays, you actually feel their sound in the chest!
#3 Krämerbrücke – The picturesque bridge with a special flair
Imagine living on a bridge – not in any modern construct, but in a 600 years old half-timbered house. On the Krämerbrücke That is exactly what is possible! With their 32 houses It is the longest continuous bridge built and inhabited by houses in Europe.
You can spend an entire afternoon browsing the small shops – from Dollmakers from potteries to chocolate manufacturers. One highlight is the small Café balcony at the eastern end, from which you will find the perfect View of the entire bridge have. Order an espresso and watch tourists and locals meet on this lively piece of history.
#4 Petersberg Citadel – Historic Fortress with Panoramic View
The Citadel Petersberg is one of the largest and best preserved baroque city fortresses in Central Europe. She sits on Erfurt and tells Stories of wars, Power and change.
Make sure to take a lead through the *Underground casemates! In this labyrinth of corridors and rooms, you get goosebumps if you imagine how soldiers stayed here centuries ago.
But the ascent is also worthwhile for the Stunning 360 degree views Throughout the city. It is especially magical at dawn when the Lights of the Old Town Slowly approach and the Dom golden is illuminated.
#5 + #6 Fish Market & City Hall – The Heart of the Old Town
The fish market is the Puls Erfurts – here everything and everyone meets. Surrounded by magnificent houses and the Renaissance Town Hall It feels like you are in the middle of a living painting.
The City Hall You can admire yourself on a guided tour from the inside – the magnificent Festsaal with its wall-sized paintings is an absolute highlight. And if you are lucky, you even catch a glimpse into the historic Ratskeller, where since the Middle Ages important decisions have been made over a good glass of wine.
#7 Preacher Church – Gothic Architecture
The Preacher's Church It looks almost a bit shy next to the dominant dome – and that is exactly what makes her charm. As Former Dominican Monastery It exudes a calming simplicity. Especially the high, light-flooded halls, which manage without lush splendor and impress just because of it, have something incredibly reassuring.
Especially beautiful: in the Adjacent library Medieval manuscripts are preserved, including some of Germany’s oldest books. If you are lucky and one of the Special guided tours When you get caught, you can admire these literary treasures up close.
4 Secret tips away from the tourist path
#1 Small & Old Synagogue – Hidden Places of Jewish History
Away from the beaten path lies a treasure that even many Erfurts do not know: the The Old Synagogue. It is one of the oldest, largest and The best preserved medieval synagogues in Europe.
SpecialIn 1998, the "Erfurt Schatz" Discovered – a collection of medieval goldsmiths and coins presumably discovered during the Pogroms in the 14. Century He was buried by a Jewish family.
The Small Synagogue, just a few minutes walk away, was Lovingly restored Today it serves as a meeting center. Concerts and readings take place here.
#2 Andreasviertel – The charming artists’ quarter with rustic alleys
Intact AndreasviertelJust a stone’s throw from the hustle and bustle of the center, time seems to pass more slowly. Dreamy lanes with colorful half-timbered houses, Small studios and craft businessesin which still work with passion by hand.
Waiting at every corner New surprises: a hidden backyard garden, a pottery where you can watch the artist at work, or a tiny café set in a Former horse stable is accommodated.
#3 Egapark in the evening light – oasis of peace with flower splendor
This park is not just a green lung, but a 36 hectares Great garden wonderland!
What many do not know: The park was Location of the GDR Garden Building Exhibition and has preserved a very special atmosphere to this day. The mixture of Historical elements and modern horticulture trends makes it a place where you can discover new angles for hours.
Secret tip: Come shortly before sunset! Most of the day tourists are then already gone, and you can rest through the Japanese gardens As the setting sun dips everything into warm light. Sit on one of the benches at the big fountain, take a deep breath and review the day – slowing down is not better!
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#4 Topf & Sons Memorial – Shocking Nazi history up close
There are places that are not beautiful, but important. The Topf and Sons Memorial is such a place. Here, in the former administrative buildings of an Erfurt company, history was written – in a harrowing way. The company designed the crematorium stoves for Auschwitz and other concentration camps.
The exhibition goes under the skin: Not with shocking pictures, but with the sober documentation of how ordinary employees and engineers became accomplices.
Discover more attractions of Erfurt
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Culinary Highlights in Erfurt
Thuringia without Thuringian monasteries would be like Bayern without Brezen – unthinkable!
A popular restaurant "The Golden Swan" It is located in a 500-year-old vaulted cellar. Here, bubbles are still rolled by hand according to grandmother's recipe, and the Thuringian Rostbratwurst comes directly from the local butcher.
Would you like to travel to the past? If yes, then go to the Flours A little bit of fulfilling your wish. In 1911, the good Mr. Franz Mehlhose his restaurant with a "game and fun program". Over the years, the house has housed various shops and companies, until after almost 100 years the original concept of Franz was taken up again.
Tip: The Burger Wednesday is extremely popular. Everyone can individually put together their own burger. A colorful cake offer including coffee specialties is of course also available.
Attractions around Erfurt
Wartburg in Eisenach – UNESCO World Heritage Site & Luther Site
A day trip that is absolutely worth it! The Wartburg towers majestically over Eisenach and is not only a architectural masterpiece, but also a place where you can feel German history up close. Here Martin Luther translated the New Testament into German – with a spring keel and ink barrel, which he allegedly once threw at the devil (the ink stain can still be seen today!).
The View from the castle walls Over the Thuringian Forest is breathtaking – especially in autumn, when the sea of leaves shines in all colors. Plan at least half a day, because next to the castle itself is also worth a walk through the forest below the fortress.
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Bachhaus in Arnstadt – experiencing music history
Only 20 minutes from Erfurt Arnstadt, where the young Johann Sebastian Bach had his first job as organist. The one there Bachhaus is a must for music lovers!
The heart of the museum is the daily Demonstration on historical instruments – when the sound of a 300-year-old harpsichord fills the room, you get goosebumps, guaranteed!
After visiting the museum, take time for a walk through Arnstadt itself – the small town has a beautifully preserved historical core with houses, where the young Bach walked daily.
Thuringian Forest – a natural paradise for hikers
If you are looking for fresh forest air, the Thuringian forest your goal. After just 30 minutes drive from Erfurt, you will find yourself in a sea of beech and spruce, interspersed by perfectly marked hiking trails.
Molsdorf Castle – Baroque splendor near Erfurt
Castle Molsdorf lDeparts only 8 km from Erfurt and is a perfect example of Baroque art of living.
The Reich Count Gustav Adolf von Gotter left here in the 18th. In the 20th century, he realized his dream of life – a place for art, culture and cultivated sociability. What particularly fascinated me: The Originally preserved rooms with Chinese tissue paper wallpaper and the ornate stucco work on the ceilings.
The French inspired garden Invites you to stroll – and if you are lucky, you will catch one of the chamber concerts that regularly take place in the ballroom. With Baroque music in a historical atmosphere, you feel for a moment like a time traveler in the 18th century. century!
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Tips for your visit in Erfurt
The best time to visit Erfurt? Clearly, Early summer (May/June) or the Early autumn (September). Then the weather is usually stable, but you escape the tourist rush of the high season.
Get them. "ErfurtCard" – for 22 euros get you 48 hours long free entrance to many museums and can Public transport use.
As for the movement: Erfurt is a pedestrian friendly city! Everything important in the old town can be reached on foot.
Another little insider tip: The "Erfurt Christmas Market It is one of the most beautiful in Germany! If you have the opportunity to come in December, you will be rewarded with a fairytale atmosphere on the illuminated cathedral square.
Frequently asked questions about the sights in Erfurt
What do you have to do in Erfurt?
In any case, you should experience the Krämerbrücke at sunrise – when the first rays of the sun dip the half-timbered houses in golden light and you have the bridge almost to yourself.
What is Erfurt famous for?
Officially, Erfurt is known for the Krämerbrücke, the imposing cathedral, its medieval old town and of course as a place of work for Martin Luther, who studied here and entered the monastery. Among foodies, the Thuringian Rostbratwurst and the hand-rolled cloisters are also famous.
Can you explore Erfurt on foot?
Absolut! Das ist sogar die beste Art, Erfurt zu erleben. Die Altstadt ist kompakt und fußgängerfreundlich. Von der Krämerbrücke bis zum Dom sind es nur etwa 10 Minuten zu Fuß, und auch die anderen Hauptattraktionen liegen in einem bequem zu erkundenden Radius. Bequeme Schuhe sind allerdings empfehlenswert, da es durch das hügelige Gelände und das historische Kopfsteinpflaster durchaus anstrengend werden kann.
What is typical Erfurt?
Typical Erfurt is the unique mixture of medieval charm and relaxed lifestyle. Unlike in many other historical cities, Erfurt does not look like a museum, but like a lively city in which history and present harmoniously merge.
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