Erfurt
Erfurt is the state capital of Thuringia and is one of the most popular city break destinations in the region. With its history, architecture, culture, the many sights in Erfurt and culinary delights, the city has everything you need for an unforgettable vacation.
Erfurt’s medieval old town is one of the best preserved in Germany. Cobblestone streets, colorful half-timbered houses and romantic squares make every stroll an experience. The imposing Erfurt Cathedral and the Severi Church are majestically enthroned on the Domberg. The impressive Gothic church ensemble and the famous “Gloriosa”, the largest free-swinging medieval bell in the world, are an absolute highlight. The Krämerbrücke is the city’s landmark and one of the longest inhabited bridges in Europe. It is home to small stores, galleries and cafés that invite you to browse and linger.
One of the largest garden and leisure parks in Germany is located in Erfurt. Egapark is perfect for a relaxing day with beautiful flower gardens, a butterfly house and a large playground for children.
A visit to the city would not be complete without a freshly grilled Thuringian bratwurst – straight from the grill at one of the many stalls in the old town. A cold beer from one of the regional breweries is the perfect accompaniment.
A city trip to Erfurt is almost like a short journey through history. Luther was ordained a priest in Erfurt Cathedral, there are beautiful medieval houses on the Krämerbrücke, you can view valuable exhibits of Jewish history in the old synagogue, wander through mysterious corridors under the baroque Petersberg Citadel and look for the characters from the KiKa children’s program throughout the city.
Sights in Erfurt
Everywhere in Germany we encounter the stories of Eulenspiegel. In Erfurt, too, the jester came by and left his mark.
It glitters and flashes in the basement of the Old Synagogue in Erfurt. Here lies the famous Erfurt treasure, consisting of silver and Gothic goldsmith's pieces that once belonged to the city's Jewish population.
In the past, everyone knew Erfurt watercress. Today there is only one professional watercress grower left in the former watercress capital of Germany. But the plant is still popular today.
Picture this: You walk through a town, not expecting anything unusual. But then suddenly you see him – your favourite cartoon character from your childhood. The one that sent you to bed every night. The one that, in my days, existed twice: One for East Germany and one for West Germany. The Sandman. I am…
I was out and about in Erfurt for almost three days. I explored wonderful and fascinating places in the state capital of Thuringia. I highly recommend a city tour. Here are some places in Erfurt that I would like to highlight.
The egapark, a big park with gardens and an amusement park, is located in the south-west of Erfurt. It takes about 12 minutes on the tram to get here from the Old Town. On a sunny Tuesday morning, I headed over there to explore the area.
Food and beer in Erfurt
Looking for craft beer from Erfurt? No problem! The small Erfurt brewery Heimathafen, which produces excellent beer, is located in the train harbor Kulturbahnhof.
Erfurt's cuisine offers something for every taste. We have visited a wide variety of restaurants in Erfurt and were always delighted with what was on offer.
I admit I am a chocolate lover. I believe there are hardly any chocolate flavours that I don’t like. Add marzipan or nougat into the mix and I will have a hard time saying no. This leaves no doubt whatsoever that going to confectionary café Viba in Erfurt was exactly the right activity for both…
Accommodation
Radisson Blu Hotel Erfurt
DAS KEHRS – Hotel auf dem Petersberg
Hotel Krämerbrücke Erfurt
ibis Hotel Erfurt Altstadt
Hotel & Restaurant Park Cafe ISA
Travel information for Erfurt
Arrival
By plane
Erfurt has its own airport. However, very few destinations are served and it is actually of little importance for air traffic. The nearest airport with scheduled flights is in Leipzig. You can also reach Frankfurt Airport very easily by train in 2.5 hours.
By train
Erfurt has a main railway station, which is a transport hub for numerous ICE connections in Germany. In addition, regional connections to the region also depart from here. There are hardly any IC and EC trains stopping in Erfurt.
By bus
Long-distance bus companies travel to the city from almost all regions of Germany.
By car
The A 4 and A 71 motorways pass the city.
By bike
Three long-distance cycle routes lead to or through Erfurt: D4 (Mittelland route), Gera cycle route, Thuringian city chain
On foot
The Ecumenical Pilgrimage Route now leads through Erfurt on the former Via Regia.
On the way...
By public transport
The city’s tram network is well developed and you can reach all important points in the city very easily. A total of 6 tram lines run through the city.
The city buses go to the regions that cannot be reached by tram.
By car
An environmental zone has been set up in Erfurt. There is a ban on the import of all vehicles in pollutant groups 1, 2 and 3 in the signposted area.
On foot
The old town can be easily explored on foot, the distances are not too great.
Parking
Free Park & Ride car parks are available on the outskirts of the city, from where you can take the tram to the old town (Europaplatz, Grubenstraße, Ringelberg, Urbicher Kreuz, Hauptfriedhof).
In the city, you can easily find a parking space in a few signposted, pay-and-display car parks.