Erfurt, Germany: The Ultimate 5-Day Family Adventure!

Discover Erfurt: A charming German city packed with family fun!

19 July 2023

Erfurt, Germany offers a perfect destination for a family-friendly trip with its charming blend of history, culture, and outdoor activities. Explore the city's medieval charm by wandering through the enchanting old town, visiting the towering Erfurt Cathedral, or strolling along the beautiful parks and gardens. Don't miss a visit to the interactive Exploratorium Erfurt, where kids can experiment and learn through hands-on exhibits, making it an enjoyable and educational experience for the whole family.

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Travel plan

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Day 1

Welcome to the Fairytale City!

  • Check into Hotel Krämerbrücke, a charming family-friendly hotel located next to the iconic bridge that spans across the Gera River.
  • Stroll through the charming streets of the Altstadt (Old Town) and soak in the medieval atmosphere.
  • Visit the impressive Erfurt Cathedral, with its soaring Gothic spires and rich history.
  • Explore the Krämerbrücke, a unique bridge lined with half-timbered houses-turned-shops, where you can find all sorts of quirky souvenirs.
  • Enjoy a delightful dinner at Zum Güldenen Rade, a traditional restaurant serving hearty Thuringian specialties like bratwurst and sauerkraut.
Day 2

Climb a Hill, Discover a Fortress

  • Visit the imposing Mariendom Hill, a verdant oasis in the heart of the city, and climb up to the mighty fortress of Petersberg.
  • Take in breathtaking panoramic views of Erfurt from the top of the fortress walls.
  • Explore the old casemates, once used as underground fortifications, and imagine yourself defending the city.
  • Indulge in a picnic at the serene landscaped gardens on the fortress grounds, with picnic supplies from the charming Viktoria Market.
  • Have a memorable dinner at Zum Goldenen Schild, a cozy tavern renowned for its traditional Thuringian cuisine and warm hospitality.
Day 3

Discover Erfurt's Treasures

  • Immerse yourself in art and history at the Angermuseum, housing a remarkable collection of paintings, sculptures, and decorative arts.
  • Stop by the Augustinerkloster, a former monastery where Martin Luther once lived, and delve into his fascinating story.
  • Wander through the idyllic Egapark, a botanical garden filled with vibrant blooms, enchanting playgrounds, and even a butterfly house.
  • Treat yourselves to a delectable lunch at Füllkornbäcker, a cozy bakery offering a mouthwatering array of artisanal bread and pastries.
  • Head to the Erfurter Zoo and delight in meeting numerous fascinating creatures from all around the world.
Day 4

Be Enchanted by Erfurt's Gardens

  • Spend the day exploring the stunning Egapark, with its dazzling displays of flowers, beautifully landscaped gardens, and tranquil ponds.
  • Let the kids run wild at the adventure playgrounds and refresh in the lovely splash pad.
  • Discover the unique flavors of Thuringian cuisine at Schmale Gasse, a charming restaurant where rustic dishes are served with a modern twist.
  • Visit the mesmerizing Schloss Molsdorf, a rococo gem surrounded by lush gardens, and feel like royalty as you wander through its opulent halls.
  • Indulge in a scrumptious dinner at Restaurant Schätze des Ostens, where you can savor the diverse flavors of Eastern European cuisine.
Day 5

Get Lost in Erfurt's Markets

  • Get an early start and wander through the bustling Erfurt Farmers Market, where local farmers offer fresh produce, aromatic spices, and artisanal cheese.
  • Explore the unique shops and galleries in the trendy Krämerbrückenviertel neighborhood, known for its avant-garde art scene and quirky boutiques.
  • Treat yourself to a leisurely lunch at Krämerbrücke Café, a cozy spot where you can enjoy a delicious slice of cake while overlooking the historic bridge.
  • Join a guided culinary tour and taste your way through Erfurt's hidden food gems, from Thuringian bratwurst to melt-in-your-mouth chocolate.
  • End your trip with a memorable dinner at Zum Nussbaum, a traditional tavern serving local specialties in a rustic, cozy atmosphere.

Length of stay

1 day 2 days 3 days 4 days 5 days

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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