This German city's old town features Gothic churches and historic buildings. Home to a university, it has a youthful atmosphere with many cafes and bars.
Erfurt, the capital of Thuringia, is a city with a rich past and an active present. As you walk through its well-preserved old town, you'll encounter the unique Krämerbrücke, a bridge lined with half-timbered houses, and the imposing Cathedral Hill. Explore Erfurt's history at sites like the Old Synagogue, or enjoy the greenery of the expansive egapark. From medieval architecture to modern amenities, Erfurt has something for every visitor.
Wandering Through Erfurt's Old Town
In Erfurt's old town, one of Germany's best-preserved medieval city centers, you'll walk on narrow cobblestone streets lined with Gothic churches, Renaissance townhouses, and half-timbered buildings. At the Fischmarkt, once the economic heart of Erfurt, you'll see some of the city's most elegant buildings, including the Rathaus (Town Hall). As you explore, you'll find small shops and cafes, many of which have been run by the same families for generations.
Krämerbrücke: A Bridge of Houses
The Krämerbrücke, or Merchants' Bridge, is a 125-meter-long structure that's unique in Europe for its inhabited buildings. Built in the 14th century, the bridge supports 32 half-timbered houses that now contain art galleries, craft shops, and cozy cafes. You can walk across the bridge, browse the shops, and even stay overnight in one of the historic houses that have been converted into guesthouses.
Cathedral Hill: Gothic Architecture
Cathedral Hill defines Erfurt's skyline with the Gothic Erfurt Cathedral and St Severus' Church standing side by side. Inside the cathedral, you'll find the Gloriosa, the world's largest free-swinging medieval bell. Climb the 70-meter-high tower for panoramic views of the city. In summer evenings, you can enjoy concerts and performances on the cathedral steps, which transform into an open-air theater.
Old Synagogue: Medieval Jewish Life
Erfurt's Old Synagogue, dating back to the 11th century, is the oldest synagogue in Central Europe that has been preserved from its foundation to its roof. Now a museum, it houses the Erfurt Treasure, a collection of medieval Jewish ceremonial objects and coins discovered in 1998. Along with the nearby mikveh (ritual bath) and the Stone House, the synagogue forms Erfurt's UNESCO World Heritage site, recognized for its importance in illustrating Jewish life in medieval Europe.
Martin Luther's Erfurt Connections
Martin Luther, the key figure of the Protestant Reformation, spent several years in Erfurt as a student and monk. You can visit the Augustinian Monastery where Luther lived from 1505 to 1511, including the church and Luther's cell. The University of Erfurt, where Luther studied, continues to be an important educational institution today as one of the oldest universities in Germany.
Parks and Gardens of Erfurt
Erfurt has many parks and gardens where you can relax and appreciate nature. The egapark, often called the garden of Thuringia, covers 36 hectares and includes themed gardens, a butterfly house, and one of Europe's largest ornamental floral displays. At the Petersberg Citadel, a well-preserved Baroque fortress, you can explore historical sites and enjoy beautiful gardens with views of the city.
Tasting Thuringian Specialties
When you're ready to eat, you'll find many restaurants in Erfurt serving Thuringian specialties. Try the Thüringer Rostbratwurst, a type of grilled sausage, or Thüringer Klöße, potato dumplings often served with roasted meat. For dessert, sample Erfurter Schittchen, a fruit bread eaten during the Christmas season. You'll find many restaurants serving both traditional and modern interpretations of local cuisine in the old town, particularly around the Fischmarkt and Domplatz.
