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Krämerbrücke Erfurt

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Krämerbrücke Erfurt (Germany)

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The Krämerbrücke (Merchants' Bridge) in Erfurt is the landmark of Thuringia's state capital and one of Germany's most significant sights. Featuring 32 inhabited houses, it is the longest bridge in Europe that is continuously built up with houses and remains inhabited. Originally constructed of wood, it was rebuilt as a stone bridge in 1325 following several fires, spanning a branch of the Gera river known as the Breitstrom. Once part of the vital Via Regia trade route, the houses primarily housed merchants who traded valuable spices, silks, and dyes. Today, visitors can explore numerous craft shops, galleries, and small cafes that give the bridge its unique atmosphere. The narrow lanes and historic structures make the Krämerbrücke a living monument to medieval architecture, attracting hundreds of thousands of tourists every year.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C-10491317191914940
Rain mm513744356860776156485454

📋 Practical info

📍
Address
Krämerbrücke, 99084 Erfurt
🕒
Hours
24/7
💶
Entry
free
🚌
Transit
Trams 3, 4, 6 to Fischmarkt
🅿️
Parking
Parking garage at Domplatz, approx. €2/hour
Accessibility
Cobblestones, difficult for wheelchairs but passable
📷
Photos
Allowed, please ask in advance in the small shops
Best time
Early evening when the bridge is atmospherically lit
🎧
Audio guide
no

Geography

Coordinates
50.97830, 11.02480

Facts

  • The Krämerbrücke is a total of 120 meters long.
  • The current stone structure dates back to 1325.
  • Originally, two churches stood at the ends of the bridge; the Aegidius Church remains.
  • Approximately 80 people live in the 32 houses today.
  • The bridge spans the Gera river with six stone arches.
  • The annual Krämerbrückenfest in June is Thuringia's largest old town festival.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

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© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Krämerbrücke Erfurt (10)

Gallery by TR

Art gallery in Erfurt.

🕒 Tu-Sa 09:30-14:00; Su 14:00-17:00; Mo off🆓

Das schmalste Haus Erfurts

The narrowest house in the city.

Allerheiligenkirche

Church building in Erfurt, Germany.

Theater Waidspeicher

Puppet theatre in Erfurt.

Kabarett "Die Arche"

Thuringian satire theatre and cabaret in Erfurt.

Erthal-Obelisk

Obelisk on Cathedral Square in Erfurt.

Naturkundemuseum🏛 museum

Museum in Germany.

Galerie Rothamel Erfurt

Art gallery in Erfurt.

Galerie Waidspeicher

Art gallery in Erfurt.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

Can people actually live on the Krämerbrücke?
Yes, the Krämerbrücke is the longest bridge north of the Alps lined with inhabited houses. The 32 houses contain both apartments and small artisanal workshops.
What kind of shops can be found on the bridge?
You will mostly find local handicrafts, antiques, handmade chocolate, and traditional Thuringian blueprint textiles. There are no large retail chains.
Does it cost an entrance fee to cross the bridge?
No, the bridge is a public street and can be accessed for free at any time. Fees may only apply for the small museums located inside some of the houses.
Where is the best view of the bridge?
The best view of the built-up side of the bridge is from the banks of the Gera river, for example from Benediktsplatz or the Rathausbrücke.
How old is the Krämerbrücke?
The current stone bridge was completed in 1325, after several previous wooden bridges had burned down. It is over 700 years old.
Krämerbrücke Erfurt: where is it located?
Krämerbrücke Erfurt is located in Thuringia, Germany.
Krämerbrücke Erfurt: what is there to see?
Highlights include Gallery by TR, Galli Theater Erfurt, Das schmalste Haus Erfurts.
Krämerbrücke Erfurt: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
Krämerbrücke Erfurt: why is it worth visiting?
The Krämerbrücke (Merchants' Bridge) in Erfurt is the landmark of Thuringia's state capital and one of Germany's most significant sights.
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