Discover Erfurt: A Fun-Filled Weekend Itinerary

Discover the medieval charm of Erfurt, Germany's hidden gem.

03 May 2023

Erfurt is a charming medieval town in the heart of Germany that boasts historic buildings and picturesque streets. Visitors can stroll through the cobbled streets of the Old Town, visit the stunning Cathedral of Saint Mary and Saint Severus, and explore the many museums and galleries that the city has to offer. With its friendly locals and relaxed atmosphere, Erfurt is the perfect destination for a weekend break.

Travel plan

Getting latest place information
Day 1

Exploring Erfurt

  • Hotel: Stay at the quirky and quaint Hotel Zumnorde am Anger for a comfortable stay in the heart of the city.
  • Start the day at the historic Erfurt Cathedral and marvel at the stunning Gothic architecture.
  • Visit the Krämerbrücke, a medieval bridge lined with shops selling local handicrafts and souvenirs.
  • Take a stroll through the charming streets of the Old Town and admire the picturesque half-timbered houses.
  • Sample some traditional Thuringian cuisine at Zum Goldenen Schwan, a cozy restaurant serving hearty dishes like sausages and sauerkraut.
  • Head to the Merchants' Bridge and admire the views over the River Gera as the sun sets behind the Gothic towers.
Day 2

Culture and Nature

  • Visit the impressive Augustinerkloster, a former monastery that now houses a museum of religious art and artifacts.
  • Take a break at the idyllic Egapark, a sprawling park with themed gardens and a butterfly house.
  • For a taste of cultural diversity, visit the Jewish Quarter and learn about Erfurt's rich Jewish heritage.
  • Enjoy a coffee and cake at the traditional Kaffeeklatsch café, a cozy spot that has been serving locals since 1924.
  • End the day with a stroll along the Gera River and take in the beautiful natural scenery before heading back to the hotel for a good night's sleep.

How to get there

Plane

The best way to get to Erfurt, Germany by plane is to fly into Erfurt-Weimar Airport (ERF) from major cities like Frankfurt, Munich, or Cologne. From the airport, you can catch a taxi or take the tram line 4 towards Bindersleben to reach Erfurt city center.

Car

If you're driving to Erfurt, you can take the A4 autobahn from cities like Frankfurt, Berlin, or Munich. Depending on your starting point, it can take between 2 to 6 hours to reach Erfurt. Once you arrive, you can park your car at one of the many public parking facilities in the city center and explore the city on foot.

Train

If you prefer traveling by train, you can take a high-speed Deutsche Bahn train from major cities like Berlin, Frankfurt, or Munich to Erfurt Hauptbahnhof. From there, you can take a local train or bus to reach your final destination.

Boat

Unfortunately, there are no direct boat connections to Erfurt, as the city is not located near any major waterway. However, you can take a riverboat tour along the nearby Saale river and admire the scenic landscape of Thuringia. The nearest port to Erfurt is located in Naumburg, which is about 50 km away.

Bus

Traveling by bus to Erfurt is also a viable option, especially if you're coming from within Germany or neighboring countries. There are regular bus services from cities like Berlin, Dresden, or Prague, which arrive at Erfurt's Central Bus Station. From there, you can take a taxi or public transport to reach your destination.

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