Erfurt
Germany
Why Erfurt is a great destination
Erfurt pairs a remarkably intact medieval core with a relaxed, crowd‑light pace—delivering big-hitting experiences without the queues.
- Atmosphere: A lived‑in Altstadt of cobbles, half‑timbered houses and hidden courtyards; grand Gothic theatre on Domplatz where St Mary’s Cathedral and St Severus crown the 70 steps; evenings spill onto café terraces at Fischmarkt and Wenigemarkt.
- Authenticity: Less stage‑set, more everyday city—browse the weekly market beneath the cathedrals, ride trams to GDR‑era districts like Rieth for context, and look up for carved house signs and Renaissance oriels along Michaelisstraße.
- Culture & highlights: Stroll the Krämerbrücke (Europe’s longest inhabited bridge); explore the UNESCO‑listed medieval Jewish ensemble at the Old Synagogue and Mikveh; loop the star‑shaped Petersberg Citadel for skyline views; time your trip for the Domstufen‑Festspiele or the atmospheric Christmas market.
- Value & ease: Better value than headline‑name cities, with a compact, walkable centre and simple tram network; hearty Thuringian flavours—from charcoal‑grilled Rostbratwurst on Domplatz to bakery Schittchen—make delicious, affordable refuelling.
Who should go to Erfurt?
Charming, compact, and richly layered, Erfurt is ideal for travellers who love medieval cities that still feel lived‑in. Its cathedral hill, inhabited bridge, fortress, and hidden courtyards reward slow exploration and good shoes. Come for Gothic drama and Renaissance flair; stay for café culture, markets, and night‑lit streets.
- History lovers: In Erfurt, trace 1,000 years from the Domberg ensemble and Luther’s Augustinerkloster to the UNESCO World Heritage Jewish‑medieval sites (Old Synagogue, Mikveh, Stone House).
- Architecture buffs: Marvel at the High Gothic Cathedral with its raised choir, the hall‑church of St Severus, ornate Renaissance houses on the Fischmarkt, the star‑shaped Petersberg Citadel, and the lived‑in Krämerbrücke.
- Scenery seekers: Capture panoramas from the Petersberg walls, golden‑hour views up the Domstufen, and night‑lit streets that rival Germany’s most photogenic medieval towns.
- Foodies: Graze the Domplatz weekly market, bite into a charcoal‑grilled Thüringer Rostbratwurst, and linger at Wenigemarkt’s café terraces and artisan shops on the Krämerbrücke.
- Active travellers: Walk cobbled Altstadt lanes, climb the Ägidienkirche tower, explore fortress tunnels, and ride trams to GDR‑era Plattenbau districts for a striking contrast.
- City‑breakers: Compact, walkable Erfurt is steps from the ICE station, delivering big‑ticket sights and festivals with far fewer crowds than Berlin or Munich.
Who should go to Erfurt?
Charming, compact, and richly layered, Erfurt is ideal for travellers who love medieval cities that still feel lived‑in. Its cathedral hill, inhabited bridge, fortress, and hidden courtyards reward slow exploration and good shoes. Come for Gothic drama and Renaissance flair; stay for café culture, markets, and night‑lit streets.
- History lovers: In Erfurt, trace 1,000 years from the Domberg ensemble and Luther’s Augustinerkloster to the UNESCO World Heritage Jewish‑medieval sites (Old Synagogue, Mikveh, Stone House).
- Architecture buffs: Marvel at the High Gothic Cathedral with its raised choir, the hall‑church of St Severus, ornate Renaissance houses on the Fischmarkt, the star‑shaped Petersberg Citadel, and the lived‑in Krämerbrücke.
- Scenery seekers: Capture panoramas from the Petersberg walls, golden‑hour views up the Domstufen, and night‑lit streets that rival Germany’s most photogenic medieval towns.
- Foodies: Graze the Domplatz weekly market, bite into a charcoal‑grilled Thüringer Rostbratwurst, and linger at Wenigemarkt’s café terraces and artisan shops on the Krämerbrücke.
- Active travellers: Walk cobbled Altstadt lanes, climb the Ägidienkirche tower, explore fortress tunnels, and ride trams to GDR‑era Plattenbau districts for a striking contrast.
- City‑breakers: Compact, walkable Erfurt is steps from the ICE station, delivering big‑ticket sights and festivals with far fewer crowds than Berlin or Munich.
Top things to do in Erfurt
These are the unmissable highlights of Erfurt, blending a thousand years of architecture with vibrant, lived-in streets. Use them to anchor your visit while leaving time to wander the Altstadt’s side lanes.
- Walk the Krämerbrücke end to end, then step aside to Wenigemarkt for the classic view of its lived‑in timbered houses.
- Explore the UNESCO-listed Old Synagogue and Mikveh to encounter rare medieval Jewish architecture and the Erfurt Treasure.
- Visit the Domberg ensemble—St Mary’s Cathedral and St Severus—via the 70 Domstufen for Gothic stained glass and the mighty Gloriosa.
- Take the tram to Rieth or Johannesplatz to see GDR‑era Plattenbau estates that complete the city’s story.
- Hike the Petersberg Citadel ramparts for sweeping roofscape views and atmospheric baroque tunnels.
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Top things to do in Erfurt
These are the unmissable highlights of Erfurt, blending a thousand years of architecture with vibrant, lived-in streets. Use them to anchor your visit while leaving time to wander the Altstadt’s side lanes.
- Walk the Krämerbrücke end to end, then step aside to Wenigemarkt for the classic view of its lived‑in timbered houses.
- Explore the UNESCO-listed Old Synagogue and Mikveh to encounter rare medieval Jewish architecture and the Erfurt Treasure.
- Visit the Domberg ensemble—St Mary’s Cathedral and St Severus—via the 70 Domstufen for Gothic stained glass and the mighty Gloriosa.
- Take the tram to Rieth or Johannesplatz to see GDR‑era Plattenbau estates that complete the city’s story.
- Hike the Petersberg Citadel ramparts for sweeping roofscape views and atmospheric baroque tunnels.
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3-day Erfurt itinerary
Day 1: Medieval skyline and river quarter Erfurt’s story begins on the Domberg and along the Gera. Start with the grand set‑pieces, then slip into lanes and courtyards where the city’s fabric reveals itself at eye level. Wear sturdy shoes—cobbles and steps are part of the charm.
- Morning: Domplatz and the 70 Domstufen up to the cathedral and St. Severus. Visit the cathedral’s raised Gothic choir and stained glass; if available, join a short tower or treasury visit (small fee; steps). Contrast the basilica cathedral with the hall‑church next door.
- Midday: Picnic or grab a Thuringian bratwurst at the daily market on Domplatz (Tues–Sat), then wander to Fischmarkt. Admire the neo‑Gothic Rathaus and the Renaissance facades of Haus zum Breiten Herd and Haus zum Roten Ochsen; if the town hall is open, pop in for the murals. Tip: peek through open gateways to find timber‑gallery courtyards.
- Afternoon: Cross the Krämerbrücke end‑to‑end (both pavements) for artisan shops, then step back to view the bridge from neighbouring footbridges. Climb the Ägidienkirche tower for the postcard shot (coins for the turnstile; narrow stairs). Detour to Waagegasse and the calm of the Predigerkirche’s vast mendicant nave.
- Evening: Settle on Wenigemarkt for dinner—lively in summer with outdoor seating and quieter, candlelit atmospheres in cooler months. After dusk, stroll back to the Domberg for the lighting scheme; in December, the Christmas market transforms Domplatz, while in July/August the Domstufen‑Festspiele turns the steps into an open‑air stage (book well ahead).
Day 2: Scholarship, Jewish heritage, and half‑timbered lanes Today is about layers: Luther’s monastic world, Erfurt’s UNESCO‑listed Jewish‑medieval heritage, and the everyday houses that knit the city together. Keep an eye out for carved house signs and discreet “MSD” restoration plaques with before/after photos.
- Morning: Augustinerkloster (where Luther lived as a monk): cloister, library, and simple Gothic spaces. Wander Michaelisstraße—university quarter ambience, Collegium Maius frontage, and richly detailed Renaissance and half‑timbered facades; step into any open hof for timber galleries.
- Midday: Alte Synagoge (approx. €8) for one of Europe’s best‑preserved medieval synagogues and the Erfurt Treasure. Lunch nearby in the old town or on a quiet side street off Fischmarkt to avoid crowds.
- Afternoon: Guided slot at the medieval Mikveh near the Krämerbrücke (pre‑book if possible); then the Stone House to complete the UNESCO trio. Drift into the Andreasviertel: narrow lanes, low‑tilting fachwerk, Haus zum Güldenen Krönbacken’s courtyard, and a coffee stop on a pocket‑square.
- Evening: Performance night: choose a concert in one of the churches (excellent acoustics) or a show at Theater Erfurt (modern venue; check programme). For dinner, try a traditional tavern for Thuringian dumplings and roast, or a modern kitchen in Andreasviertel; end with a riverside walk under the Krämerbrücke.
Day 3: Fortress horizons, gardens, and the GDR contrast Put the city in panorama before exploring green spaces and Erfurt’s 20th‑century story. Use the trams as a moving architecture tour—easy, cheap, and frequent.
- Morning: Zitadelle Petersberg: circuit the walls for “city of towers” views, visit the Romanesque Peterskirche, and take the guided Horchgänge (listening tunnels) tour (combined ticket around €8; check English times). Coffee on the plateau before descending.
- Midday: Option A (spring–autumn): egapark for BUGA‑legacy gardens, viewpoints, and glasshouses; perfect for a picnic when flowers peak. Option B (cool/wet days): Anger boulevard—Angermuseum (Baroque palace), department stores with Gründerzeit facades, and the Ursuline convent as a quiet pause.
- Afternoon: Tram north to Rieth or Johannesplatz to see GDR‑era Plattenbau neighbourhoods—the scale and planning are part of Erfurt’s identity (single ticket c. €2.40; validate on board). Return via Hauptbahnhof to note the minimalist glass hall and ongoing ICE‑City Ost infill; if you prefer art, swap this segment for extra time at the Angermuseum.
- Evening: Golden‑hour return to the Petersberg ramparts or Domplatz for final photos. Celebrate with a local beer or regional wine and slow food near Fischmarkt or Wenigemarkt. Night walk through the Altstadt—look up at gables and oriels one last time.
Notes and tips:
- Most of the Altstadt is flat but cobbled; wheelchair access varies—squares and major streets are fine, steep steps to the Domberg are challenging.
- Many interiors (towers, tunnels, mikveh) run on timed entries—book ahead on weekends/holidays.
- If you’re here in December, redistribute more time to the markets (Domplatz, Fischmarkt, Wenigemarkt); in midsummer, secure performance tickets early and plan dinners late.
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Food and drink in Erfurt
Erfurt’s food culture blends hearty Thuringian classics with lively market traditions set amid medieval squares. Expect charcoal-grilled sausages, potato dumplings and seasonal treats, best enjoyed outdoors or in cosy taverns.
- Thüringer Rostbratwurst – charcoal-grilled pork sausage in a long roll, typically with spicy Born mustard; simple, iconic and affordable. Grab one at Domplatz market stalls or Christmas huts and eat al fresco beneath the cathedral.
- Thüringer Klöße – traditional potato dumplings served with roast pork and red cabbage; comforting Sunday fare. Best in rustic taverns around Fischmarkt or Michaelisstraße with a local beer.
- Erfurter Schittchen – rich Christmas stollen with nuts and candied fruit, a protected local speciality. Enjoy slices with coffee in Old Town cafés or pick up a loaf at festive stalls in December.
- Glühwein & Thuringian beer – warming mulled wine in winter and crisp regional lagers year-round. Sip in bars on Wenigemarkt or under the lights of the Weihnachtsmarkt; in summer, terrace tables fill fast.
Eat like a local: Discover Erfurt top-rated restaurants on Tripadvisor
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Food and drink in Erfurt
Erfurt’s food culture blends hearty Thuringian classics with lively market traditions set amid medieval squares. Expect charcoal-grilled sausages, potato dumplings and seasonal treats, best enjoyed outdoors or in cosy taverns.
- Thüringer Rostbratwurst – charcoal-grilled pork sausage in a long roll, typically with spicy Born mustard; simple, iconic and affordable. Grab one at Domplatz market stalls or Christmas huts and eat al fresco beneath the cathedral.
- Thüringer Klöße – traditional potato dumplings served with roast pork and red cabbage; comforting Sunday fare. Best in rustic taverns around Fischmarkt or Michaelisstraße with a local beer.
- Erfurter Schittchen – rich Christmas stollen with nuts and candied fruit, a protected local speciality. Enjoy slices with coffee in Old Town cafés or pick up a loaf at festive stalls in December.
- Glühwein & Thuringian beer – warming mulled wine in winter and crisp regional lagers year-round. Sip in bars on Wenigemarkt or under the lights of the Weihnachtsmarkt; in summer, terrace tables fill fast.
Eat like a local: Discover Erfurt top-rated restaurants on Tripadvisor
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Where to stay in Erfurt
Choosing the right area in Erfurt matters more than the hotel brand: each neighbourhood offers a distinct vibe, from medieval lanes to modern hubs. Pick based on the experience you want—heritage views, café life, quiet charm, or transport convenience.
- Altstadt (Domplatz–Fischmarkt) — medieval heart with Gothic cathedral backdrop, Renaissance facades and cobbles; ideal for first‑timers, architecture lovers and Christmas market fans, but expect crowds and event noise.
- Krämerbrücke & Wenigemarkt — half‑timbered bridge quarter with artisan shops and cosy cafés; great for romantics and photographers, lively in summer and during festivals.
- Andreasviertel — village‑like lanes and leaning half‑timbered houses north of centre; suits travellers seeking quiet charm close to sights, with indie eateries and hidden courtyards.
- Anger & Hauptbahnhof/ICE‑City Ost — modern shopping and transit hub with fast tram links and early‑train convenience; best for business, short stays and value, less atmospheric at night.
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Where to stay in Erfurt
Choosing the right area in Erfurt matters more than the hotel brand: each neighbourhood offers a distinct vibe, from medieval lanes to modern hubs. Pick based on the experience you want—heritage views, café life, quiet charm, or transport convenience.
- Altstadt (Domplatz–Fischmarkt) — medieval heart with Gothic cathedral backdrop, Renaissance facades and cobbles; ideal for first‑timers, architecture lovers and Christmas market fans, but expect crowds and event noise.
- Krämerbrücke & Wenigemarkt — half‑timbered bridge quarter with artisan shops and cosy cafés; great for romantics and photographers, lively in summer and during festivals.
- Andreasviertel — village‑like lanes and leaning half‑timbered houses north of centre; suits travellers seeking quiet charm close to sights, with indie eateries and hidden courtyards.
- Anger & Hauptbahnhof/ICE‑City Ost — modern shopping and transit hub with fast tram links and early‑train convenience; best for business, short stays and value, less atmospheric at night.
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Good to know before you go to Erfurt
Travel in Erfurt is straightforward: a compact historic centre, reliable trams, and plenty of good-value places to eat and stay. A few practical tips on prices, getting around and timing will make your visit smoother. Here’s what to know.
- Affordability: Expect €12–20 for a main in the Old Town (street food €4–6, coffee €3–4); mid‑range hotels run €90–140, self‑catering apartments €70–110, and hostels from €25–40 per person.
- Transport: The Old Town is walkable on cobbles, the tram network covers everywhere else (validate tickets), and fast trains give easy day trips to Weimar (~15 min), Gotha and Eisenach, with a car only useful for the Thuringian Forest or rural villages.
- Language: German is the main language, but English is widely understood in hotels, restaurants and by younger locals; a few basic German phrases help in smaller shops and markets.
- Safety & comfort: Erfurt is very safe for families and solo travellers; use normal pickpocket caution in festival/Christmas‑market crowds, wear sturdy shoes for uneven cobbles, and pack warm layers for chilly evenings in winter.
- Crowds: Peak times are the Advent/Christmas market (late Nov–Dec) and summer Domstufen festival weeks; January–March and midweek in spring/autumn are quieter with lower prices.
Good to know before you go to Erfurt
Travel in Erfurt is straightforward: a compact historic centre, reliable trams, and plenty of good-value places to eat and stay. A few practical tips on prices, getting around and timing will make your visit smoother. Here’s what to know.
- Affordability: Expect €12–20 for a main in the Old Town (street food €4–6, coffee €3–4); mid‑range hotels run €90–140, self‑catering apartments €70–110, and hostels from €25–40 per person.
- Transport: The Old Town is walkable on cobbles, the tram network covers everywhere else (validate tickets), and fast trains give easy day trips to Weimar (~15 min), Gotha and Eisenach, with a car only useful for the Thuringian Forest or rural villages.
- Language: German is the main language, but English is widely understood in hotels, restaurants and by younger locals; a few basic German phrases help in smaller shops and markets.
- Safety & comfort: Erfurt is very safe for families and solo travellers; use normal pickpocket caution in festival/Christmas‑market crowds, wear sturdy shoes for uneven cobbles, and pack warm layers for chilly evenings in winter.
- Crowds: Peak times are the Advent/Christmas market (late Nov–Dec) and summer Domstufen festival weeks; January–March and midweek in spring/autumn are quieter with lower prices.
Best time to go to Erfurt
Erfurt has distinct seasons: a lively summer of festivals and long evenings, and an atmospheric Advent period framed by quieter months ideal for unhurried exploration. Weather runs from cold, sometimes snowy winters to warm, pleasant summers; spring and autumn are mild and photogenic.
- Shoulder Season (Spring & Autumn): Mild temps, fewer crowds, and a relaxed, local vibe—great light for architecture and easy strolling through the Altstadt.
- High Summer (Jun–Aug): Warm and lively with outdoor cafés, festivals (incl. the Domstufen-Festspiele), longer days, and the biggest crowds.
- Advent & Winter (late Nov–Dec): Cold but magical—iconic Christmas Market draws heavy weekend crowds; January–February are quiet, good value, and slower-paced.
Best time to go to Erfurt
Erfurt has distinct seasons: a lively summer of festivals and long evenings, and an atmospheric Advent period framed by quieter months ideal for unhurried exploration. Weather runs from cold, sometimes snowy winters to warm, pleasant summers; spring and autumn are mild and photogenic.
- Shoulder Season (Spring & Autumn): Mild temps, fewer crowds, and a relaxed, local vibe—great light for architecture and easy strolling through the Altstadt.
- High Summer (Jun–Aug): Warm and lively with outdoor cafés, festivals (incl. the Domstufen-Festspiele), longer days, and the biggest crowds.
- Advent & Winter (late Nov–Dec): Cold but magical—iconic Christmas Market draws heavy weekend crowds; January–February are quiet, good value, and slower-paced.
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How to get to Erfurt
By Air
- Erfurt–Weimar Airport (ERF): Small regional airport with limited (mainly seasonal/leisure) flights. Tram line 4 links the terminal to the city centre/Hauptbahnhof in about 25 minutes.
- Leipzig/Halle (LEJ): Typically 1.5–2 hrs to Erfurt by train (S-Bahn to Leipzig Hbf, then ICE to Erfurt). About 1.5 hrs by car (c. 120 km).
- Frankfurt (FRA): Fast ICEs from the long-distance station take around 2:15–2:30 (sometimes direct, otherwise 1 change at Fulda). About 2.5–3 hrs by car (c. 260 km).
- Berlin (BER): FEX to Berlin Hbf (~30 min), then ICE to Erfurt (~1:40); total ~2:20–2:30. About 3–3.5 hrs by car (c. 300 km).
- Nuremberg (NUE): U2 to Nuremberg Hbf (~12 min), then ICE/RE to Erfurt (~1:35–2:00); total ~2–2:20. About 2.5 hrs by car (c. 210 km).
- Munich (MUC): S-Bahn to München Hbf (~45 min), then ICE to Erfurt (~2:15); total ~3:15–3:30. About 4–4.5 hrs by car (c. 430 km).
- Hanover (HAJ): S-Bahn to Hbf (~18 min), then ICE to Erfurt (~2:30); total ~2:45–3:00. About 2.5–3 hrs by car (c. 210 km).
By Train
- Main station: Erfurt Hauptbahnhof (Hbf), a major ICE hub on the Berlin–Munich high‑speed line.
- Typical ICE times:
- Berlin Hbf ~1:40 (Sprinter services available at peaks)
- Munich Hbf ~2:15
- Frankfurt (Main) Hbf ~2:15–2:30
- Leipzig Hbf ~0:45–0:55
- Nuremberg Hbf ~1:35
- Dresden Hbf ~2:15–2:30
- Frequent regional trains to Weimar (~15 min), Gotha (~10–15 min), Eisenach (~40–50 min), Jena (~45–60 min).
- Book via Deutsche Bahn (DB); ICE/IC services are frequent throughout the day.
By Coach/Bus
- Long‑distance coaches (e.g., FlixBus) serve Erfurt Bus Station (ZOB) next to the Hauptbahnhof.
- Typical journey times: Berlin ~3.5–4.5 hrs, Frankfurt ~3.5–4.5 hrs, Munich ~4.5–5.5 hrs, Leipzig ~1.5–2 hrs, Dresden ~2.5–3.5 hrs.
By Car
- Motorways:
- A4 (east–west) connects Dresden–Chemnitz–Jena–Erfurt–Gotha–Eisenach.
- A71 (north–south) links Erfurt with the A70/A7 corridor (towards Schweinfurt/Würzburg) and Sangerhausen.
- Approximate driving times (traffic dependent): Leipzig ~1.5 hrs; Dresden ~2–2.5 hrs; Berlin ~2.5–3 hrs; Frankfurt ~2.5–3 hrs; Nuremberg ~2.5 hrs; Hanover ~2.5–3 hrs; Munich ~3.5–4 hrs.
- The historic centre is largely pedestrianised; use multi‑storey car parks around the inner ring or Park & Ride sites and continue by tram.
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