Erfurt Travel Guide

Discover the best places to visit, things to do, where to stay, and more in Erfurt, Thuringia, Germany. This guide includes tips for travel logistics, safety, local culture, and more.


Introduction to Erfurt

Erfurt is a charming city in Thuringia, Germany, situated in the heart of Europe. It boasts a rich history and cultural heritage that makes it a must-visit destination for travelers. Whether you are a history buff, a nature lover, an adrenaline junkie, or a foodie, Erfurt has something for everyone.

In this guide, we’ll take a closer look at the must-visit places in Erfurt, the best things to do, where to stay, where to eat and drink, and much more. So, let’s start exploring!

List of Places to Visit in Erfurt

Erfurt has a wealth of cultural and natural attractions that cater to different interests. Here are some of the must-visit places in Erfurt:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Erfurt Cathedral
  • Krämerbrücke (Merchants’ Bridge)
  • Augustinian Monastery
  • St. Severus Church
  • St. Mary’s Cathedral and St. Severus Church Treasury
  • Anger Museum
  • Goethe National Museum
  • New Museum
  • Old Synagogue

Natural Attractions of Erfurt: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Egapark Erfurt
  • Petersberg Citadel
  • Cyriaksburg Castle
  • Molsdorf Castle
  • Gera Cycle Route
  • Saale Cycle Route

Hiking/Biking Routes of Erfurt

Erfurt is surrounded by beautiful landscapes that offer numerous hiking and biking trails for all levels of expertise. Here are some of the popular hiking and biking routes in Erfurt:

  • Ilmtal Cycle Route
  • Thuringia Forest Hiking Trail
  • Holzland Cycle Route
  • Unstrut Cycle Route

Best Things to Do in Erfurt: Activities and Tours

There are plenty of fun things to do and tours to take in Erfurt that are sure to keep you entertained. Here are some of the best things to do in Erfurt:

  • Attend the Erfurt Christmas Market
  • Take a Segway Tour of Erfurt
  • Explore the City on a Historical Tram Tour
  • Join a Beer Tasting Tour

Week-Long Itinerary for Erfurt

If you’re planning a week-long trip to Erfurt, here’s a suggested itinerary:

Day Activities
Day 1 Explore the historic city center and visit Erfurt Cathedral
Day 2 Visit the Krämerbrücke
Day 3 Explore the museums and art galleries
Day 4 Enjoy outdoor activities at Egapark Erfurt
Day 5 Take a cycling tour on the Ilmtal Cycle Route
Day 6 Take a day trip to Molsdorf Castle and Gera Cycle Route
Day 7 Shop for local souvenirs and products and enjoy local cuisine

Food and Drink Scene of Erfurt

Erfurt has a vibrant food and drink scene that offers a diverse range of local and international cuisine. Here are some of the must-try dishes and drinks:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Thüringer Rostbratwurst (Thuringian grilled sausage)
  • Thüringer Klöße (Thuringian dumplings)
  • Thüringer Kloßplatte (Thuringian dumpling platter)
  • Thüringer Rostbrätel (Thuringian grilled pork)
  • Thüringer Bouletten (Thuringian meatballs)

Local Beverages

  • Thüringer Bier (Thuringian beer)
  • Apfelwein (Apple cider)
  • Obstler (Fruit brandy)

Where to Stay in Erfurt: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Erfurt offers a range of accommodation options for all budgets. Here are some of the best places to stay in Erfurt:

  • Radisson Blu Hotel Erfurt
  • InterCityHotel Erfurt
  • Hotel Am Kaisersaal Erfurt
  • IBB Hotel Erfurt
  • Stadt-gut-Hotel Erfurt

What to Buy in Erfurt: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Erfurt is famous for its handmade crafts and traditional products. Here are some of the local products to bring home as souvenirs:

  • Thuringian Rostbratwurst (grilled sausage)
  • Thuringian Klöße (dumplings)
  • Hand-painted Christmas ornaments
  • Traditional crafts, such as pottery, woodcarvings, and textiles

Local Culture and Customs of Erfurt

Erfurt has a rich cultural heritage that is reflected in its customs and traditions. Here are some of the local customs to keep in mind:

  • Greet people with a handshake or a nod
  • Tipping is not mandatory but appreciated (10% is typical)
  • Dress modestly when visiting churches or other religious sites
  • Observe traffic rules and regulations

Best Time to Visit Erfurt

The best time to visit Erfurt is from April to October when the weather is mild and ideal for outdoor activities and sightseeing. The Erfurt Christmas Market, which takes place from the last week of November until December 22nd, is also a popular event and a must-see for visitors.

Do’s and Don’ts of Erfurt

Here are some of the do’s and don’ts to keep in mind when traveling to Erfurt:

Do:

  • Wander around the historic city center
  • Visit the museums and art galleries
  • Try the local food and drinks
  • Take a cycling tour in the outskirts

Don’t:

  • Forget to bring comfortable walking shoes
  • Take photos of strangers without their permission
  • Smoke in public places

Safety and Health

Safety in Erfurt

Erfurt is a generally safe city, but it is still important to take safety precautions and to stay aware of your surroundings, especially when traveling alone at night. Avoid leaving valuables in plain sight and keep your belongings close to you.

Health in Erfurt

There are no major health concerns for visitors to Erfurt. Make sure to bring any necessary medications and consult with your doctor before traveling.

Getting to Erfurt: Transportation Options and Logistics

Erfurt is well-connected to other major cities in Germany and Europe through various transportation options. Here are some of the options for getting to Erfurt:

Airports Near Erfurt

  • Erfurt-Weimar Airport (ERF)
  • Leipzig/Halle Airport (LEJ)
  • Frankfurt Airport (FRA)

Bus Stations Near Erfurt

  • Erfurt Central Bus Station
  • Erfurt Nord Station

Other Options

  • Train: Erfurt Hauptbahnhof (central station)
  • Car: A4 and A71 motorways

How to Get Around in Erfurt

Erfurt has an efficient public transportation system that includes trams, buses, and taxis. Bicycles are also a popular way to get around the city, with several bike rental companies in Erfurt.

Where to Go Next from Erfurt: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Erfurt is an excellent base for exploring other nearby destinations in Thuringia and beyond. Here are some of the popular excursions from Erfurt:

  • Weimar (30-minute train ride)
  • Gotha (25-minute train ride)
  • Jena (1-hour train ride)
  • Leipzig (1-hour train ride)
  • Dresden (2-hour train ride)

Conclusion

Erfurt is an enchanting destination that offers a perfect blend of history, culture, and nature. With this comprehensive guide, you’ll be able to plan an unforgettable trip to Erfurt with ease. Happy travels!

Krämerbrücke, one of the few remaining bridges in the world that have inhabited buildings. Krämerbrücke, one of the few remaining bridges in the world that have inhabited buildings. View over Erfurt with Cathedral and Serverichurch View over Erfurt with Cathedral and Serverichurch Roland-statue in front of the Haus Zum Roten Ochesen ''(House of the Red Ox)'' Roland-statue in front of the Haus Zum Roten Ochesen ''(House of the Red Ox)'' House in the street Anger Nr. 23: Papenbreerhaus House in the street Anger Nr. 23: Papenbreerhaus Anger 1, Kaufhaus Römischer Kaiser Anger 1, Kaufhaus Römischer Kaiser Christmas Market in Erfurt Christmas Market in Erfurt Willy Brandt ans Fenster Willy Brandt ans Fenster