Erfurt coat of arms

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Erfurt

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State capital
—°1026
Erfurt (Germany)
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Practical info — Erfurt

🌤 Weather — 5 days

📍 Nearby

Sights nearby

💡 Tips

  • Walk across the Krämerbrücke (Merchant's Bridge) early in the morning to avoid the dense daytime crowds.
  • Don't miss the impressive ensemble of the Cathedral and the Severikirche on the Domplatz.
  • Use the efficient tram system to get around; the historic center is mostly pedestrianized.
  • Try a real Thuringian bratwurst from a grill stall directly on the Domplatz.
  • Explore the medieval Petersberg Citadel for a panoramic view of the entire city.

🍽 Food

🍽
Thüringer Rostbratwurst

Get it fresh from the traditional charcoal grills operating daily on the Domplatz.

🍽
Thüringer Klöße

These famous potato dumplings are best enjoyed with a hearty roast in historic old town taverns.

🍽
Goldhelm Schokolade

Try the famous local chocolate creations and ice cream right near the Krämerbrücke.

🛍 Shopping · 🧘 Quiet spots

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Krämerbrücke Shops

Explore the bridge itself for artisan crafts, local spices, ceramics, and unique gifts.

🛍
Anger

The main shopping street in the city center, featuring major brands and department stores.

🛍
Domplatz Market

Visit the weekly farmers market here for fresh regional produce and local specialties.

🧘
Egapark

A massive, beautifully landscaped horticultural park great for a relaxing afternoon stroll.

🧘
Nordpark

A peaceful green space with walking paths following the Gera river.

🧘
Petersberg Citadel Grounds

Wide open spaces with great views, offering a quiet escape from the bustling streets below.

Erfurt is the capital of Thuringia and features one of the best-preserved medieval city centers in Germany. A unique attraction is the Krämerbrücke, the longest bridge in Europe lined with inhabited houses, spanning the Gera River. The city is home to a significant intellectual history, as Martin Luther studied here at the university in the early 16th century, which was originally founded in 1379. The monumental ensemble of Erfurt Cathedral and St. Severus Church on the Cathedral Square forms the city's architectural highlight. Erfurt was also a major center for the production of woad dye in the Middle Ages, which brought immense wealth to the city. The Old Synagogue now houses the Erfurt Treasure and serves as a testament to the city's Jewish history. Today, Erfurt is a lively administrative and media hub, famously serving as the headquarters for the children's television channel KiKA. Its central location in Germany makes it a vital transport junction, particularly within the ICE high-speed rail network. At Thuringia's September 2024 state election the AfD became the largest party in a German state parliament for the first time; Erfurt, as state capital, saw difficult coalition talks that ultimately produced a CDU-BSW-SPD government.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C-10491317191914940
Rain mm513744356860776156485454

Live webcam – Erfurt

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Erfurt: Rathaus Erfurt · 0.8 km · Open webcam on Windy · Webcams provided by Windy.com

Geography

Population
218,793
Coordinates
50.98480, 11.02900

Facts

  • The Krämerbrücke is 120 meters long and features 32 inhabited half-timbered houses.
  • Erfurt was first mentioned in writing by Saint Boniface in the year 742.
  • The Gloriosa in Erfurt Cathedral is the world's largest free-swinging medieval bell.
  • Martin Luther lived as a monk in the Augustinian Monastery in Erfurt from 1505 to 1511.
  • The Old Synagogue dates back to the 11th century and is one of the oldest in Europe.
  • The city has about 214,000 residents and is located near the geographical center of Germany.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

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Sights in the town Erfurt (10)

Erfurt Cathedral

The Cathedral Hill with St. Mary's and St. Severus. It houses the Gloriosa, the world's largest free-swinging medieval bell.

Merchants' Bridge

A stone bridge from 1325 lined with 32 inhabited houses. It is the longest bridge of its kind in Europe, located in the old town.

Petersberg Citadel

One of Europe's largest and best-preserved Baroque town fortresses. It gives tunnels to explore and views over the city roofs.

Old Synagogue

Built around 1100, it is the oldest preserved synagogue in Central Europe. It displays the unique Erfurt Treasure found in 1998.

Augustinian Monastery

The Augustinian Monastery where Martin Luther lived as a monk from 1505 to 1511. It serves as an important site of the Reformation.

Fischmarkt

The central square of the old town, surrounded by magnificent Renaissance buildings like the Haus zum Breiten Herd.

Angermuseum

Housed in a Baroque palace, this museum features collections of medieval art, Thuringian porcelain, and modern graphics.

🕒 Mo-Su,PH 16:00-18:00+💶

egapark Erfurt

A 36-hectare garden park featuring Europe's largest ornamental flowerbed and the German Horticultural Museum.

Erfurt Town Hall

A Neo-Gothic town hall built in 1870. Its interior features impressive murals depicting the history and legends of Thuringia.

Kaisersaal

A historic ballroom where Napoleon met Tsar Alexander I in 1808. It remains a key cultural venue for events and congresses.

Frequently asked questions

What makes the Krämerbrücke so special?
It is the longest inhabited bridge lined with houses in Europe north of the Alps.
Where can the famous Old Synagogue be found?
It is located in the city center and houses the spectacular 14th-century Erfurt Treasure.
What is a culinary specialty in Erfurt?
The Thuringian Rostbratwurst, often sold fresh from the grill at stands in the old town.
Where can you find the best view over Erfurt?
From the Petersberg Citadel, one of the largest Baroque city fortresses in Europe.
When is the Erfurt Christmas Market?
It takes place annually from the Tuesday before the first Advent until December 22 on the Domplatz.
Erfurt: where is it located?
Erfurt is located in Thuringia, Germany.
Erfurt: what is there to see?
Highlights include Erfurt Cathedral, Merchants' Bridge, Petersberg Citadel.
Erfurt: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
Erfurt: why is it worth visiting?
Erfurt is the capital of Thuringia and features one of the best-preserved medieval city centers in Germany.
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