Erfurt on a Budget: 4 Days of Medieval Magic

Experience the charm of Erfurt without breaking the bank.

21 June 2023

Erfurt is a charming medieval town in central Germany known for its picturesque squares and historical landmarks. Despite being a popular tourist destination, visitors can explore the town on a limited budget by walking around and admiring the stunning architecture of the churches, houses, and bridges. Affordable lodging options include hostels and budget hotels, while local markets and street vendors offer delicious and inexpensive food.

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Travel plan

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Day 1

Arrival and First Impressions

  • Check in at the IntercityHotel Erfurt conveniently located, modern and not overly expensive.
  • Wander around the enchanting old town cobbled streets, gorgeous architecture and colorful flowers everywhere.
  • Discover the Merchants' Bridge the oldest inhabited bridge in Europe, lined with quirky shops and cafes.
  • Explore the Cathedral Square home to Erfurt's most stunning and famous landmarks, including the St. Mary's Cathedral and the Severi Church.
  • Enjoy a hearty and affordable German meal at the Die Kaffeebar restaurant, with a cozy and charming atmosphere.
Day 2

History and Culture

  • Visit the Erfurt Synagogue a beautiful and poignant memorial to Jewish life and culture, featuring a moving exhibition.
  • Delve into the past at the Stasi Museum a fascinating and chilling insight into the secret police of the former East Germany.
  • Take a tour of the Augustinerkloster a historic monastery where Martin Luther lived as a monk and sparked the Protestant Reformation.
  • Admire the fine art and impressive collections at the Angermuseum expect some surprising and unconventional works.
  • Indulge in some of Erfurt's best ice cream at the quaint Eiscafé Il Mondo, with a dizzying array of flavors.
Day 3

Nature and Relaxation

  • Take a scenic stroll along the banks of the Gera River a tranquil and picturesque oasis in the midst of the city.
  • Explore the lush greenery and diverse flora at the egapark a stunning botanical garden with a tropical greenhouse and a mini zoo.
  • Unwind in the thermal baths of the Johannesbad a rejuvenating spa with soothing pools, saunas and massages.
  • Hike up the Domberg hill a challenging climb but rewarding views of the city and countryside.
  • Savor the tastes of Italy at the cozy and authentic Osteria del Buongusto, with homemade pasta and wine.
Day 4

Shopping and Farewell

  • Browse the delightful flea market on the Domplatz a treasure trove of vintage clothes, books, antiques and trinkets.
  • Hunt for bargains at the Galeria Kaufhof a bustling department store with an extensive range of clothing, food and cosmetics.
  • Admire the craftsmanship and uniqueness of the handcrafted items at the Meisterstrasse a charming street full of skilled artisans.
  • Soak up the atmosphere and bid farewell to Erfurt with a pint of beer and some pub grub at the popular Alpenmax.

Length of stay

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Type of trip

Standard trip Budget Family Friendly Romantic Stag do

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.

Destination

Erfurt

Looking for a city with a name that sounds like a sneeze? Then Erfurt is the place for you! But don't let the name scare you away, this charming town has plenty to offer.

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Number of days

1 2 3 4 5

Type of trip

Standard trip Budget Family Friendly Romantic Stag do

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