3 Days of Fun: Erfurt on a Budget

Discover the charm of Erfurt without breaking the bank!

21 June 2023

Experience the rich cultural heritage of Erfurt without breaking the bank on this budget-friendly trip. Wander the cobblestone streets of the historic old town, take in the stunning views from the Cathedral Square, and visit the many museums and galleries for a taste of the city's art scene. End the day with a traditional Thuringian meal at a local restaurant, and retire to your cozy accommodation for a good night's sleep.

Travel plan

Getting latest place information
Day 1

Exploring the Altstadt

  • Check into Hotel Altstadt-Hostel, quaint budget accommodation in the heart of the old town
  • Walk around the charming Altstadt, with its cobbled streets, half-timbered houses and market squares
  • Visit Erfurt Cathedral, one of the oldest and most beautiful churches in Germany, and marvel at its stunning Gothic architecture
  • Learn about local history at Stadtmuseum Erfurt, a fascinating museum with exhibits ranging from medieval times to the present day
  • Indulge in some tasty German cuisine at Wirtshaus zur Henne, renowned for its hearty meals and traditional atmosphere
Day 2

Parks and Gardens of Erfurt

  • Start your day with a stroll through the picturesque Egapark, a sprawling botanical garden featuring over 36 hectares of diverse flora
  • Visit the nearby Cyriaksburg Castle, a fortress dating back to the 13th century, and explore its impressive grounds
  • Take a break for lunch at La Cuisine, a charming restaurant with a sunny terrace and a menu of international and regional delicacies
  • Continue your nature-filled adventure by visiting the Petersberg Citadel, an impressive fortress surrounded by beautiful greenery
  • Head back into town and finish your day with a refreshing beer at the quirky and welcoming Klosterbräu Brewery
Day 3

Arts and Culture in Erfurt

  • Start your day off by visiting Krämerbrücke, Erfurt's oldest and most famous bridge, filled with shops and artisans selling handmade goods
  • Continue your artistic journey at the Angermuseum, a gallery showcasing a wide range of artwork from across the centuries
  • Grab a quick bite at Cafe Carlie, a cozy cafe perfect for breakfast or lunch, featuring a varied and delicious menu
  • Take a short walk to the nearby Augustinian Monastery, where Martin Luther lived for six years, and take a tour of its iconic library
  • End your trip on a high note with a show at the charming and intimate Theater Erfurt, showcasing a variety of plays, musicals, and cultural events.

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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