Romantic Retreat: 5 Days in Erfurt, Germany

Experience love in bloom in the charming city of Erfurt.

22 April 2023

Erfurt, located in central Germany, is a charming, historical city with a romantic atmosphere. With its cobbled streets, gothic architecture and picturesque bridges, it provides the perfect backdrop for a romantic getaway. Couples can enjoy exploring the city's many sights, including the impressive Erfurt Cathedral and historic Krämerbrücke bridge, before indulging in a candlelit dinner at one of the many cozy restaurants.

Travel plan

Getting latest place information
Day 1

Welcome to Erfurt!

  • Check into Hotel Zumnorde, a romantic boutique hotel with unique rooms and excellent service.
  • Visit the Krämerbrücke, Erfurt's iconic bridge lined with artisanal shops and cafes.
  • Tour the Erfurt Cathedral, a stunning Gothic architectural masterpiece surrounded by lush gardens.
  • Grab a bite to eat at Zum Roten Ochsen, a cozy pub serving traditional Thuringian dishes like Rostbratwurst and Klöße.
  • Wander through the picturesque Old Town, with its charming half-timbered houses and winding cobblestone streets.
  • Catch a show at Theater Erfurt, a historic theater with a wide range of performances and events.
Day 2

Culture and Cuisine

  • Start the day with a hearty breakfast at Café Schmidt, a beloved local spot with a mouthwatering array of pastries, breads, and specialty coffee drinks.
  • Visit the Augustinian Monastery, where Martin Luther lived as a monk and began his journey towards leading the Protestant Reformation.
  • Check out the Angermuseum, a fascinating art museum with an impressive collection of German and international works.
  • Lunch at Ratskeller, a classic German restaurant housed in the historic town hall building.
  • Take a tour of the Petersberg Citadel, a massive fortress that has protected Erfurt for centuries, with stunning views of the city below.
  • End the day with drinks and tapas at Weinstube Zum Güldenen Schmied, a cozy wine bar with a charming, rustic atmosphere.
Day 3

Park and Palace

  • Spend the morning exploring the Egapark, a sprawling botanical garden with themed areas like tropical rainforests, Japanese gardens, and a butterfly house.
  • Take a short drive to the nearby town of Weimar to visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Schloss Belvedere, a grand palace with stunning gardens and views.
  • Stop for a quick lunch at the nearby Café Residenz, a cozy spot with fresh salads and sandwiches.
  • Return to Erfurt to visit the Bachhaus, a museum dedicated to the life and work of the classical composer Johann Sebastian Bach.
  • Try some of the best sausages in town at Bratwurst Glöckl am Dom, a popular local spot with a great selection of grilled meats.
  • Catch a performance at the Domstufen Festival, a summer theater festival held in the courtyard of the Erfurt Cathedral.
Day 4

Medieval Magic

  • Start the day with a light breakfast at Café Central, a trendy spot with excellent coffee and homemade granola.
  • Take a day trip to the nearby town of Eisenach to visit the imposing Wartburg Castle, a medieval fortress with ties to Martin Luther and Richard Wagner.
  • Have lunch at the castle's onsite restaurant, Kemenate, featuring gourmet dishes inspired by the castle's history and surroundings.
  • Return to Erfurt to explore one of the city's hidden gems, the Petersberg Tunnel, a mysterious underground passage built during the Thirty Years War.
  • Have dinner at Zum Goldenen Schwan, an upscale spot with an innovative menu featuring locally sourced ingredients.
  • End the night with a couple's massage at the Hotel Zumnorde Spa.
Day 5

Farewell, Erfurt!

  • Start the final day with a leisurely breakfast in bed, courtesy of Hotel Zumnorde's room service.
  • Visit the Haus Zum Breiten Herd, a historic house museum showcasing life in medieval Erfurt.
  • Take a stroll through the city's largest park, the Cyriaksburg Park, with beautiful gardens, ponds, and walking paths.
  • Have lunch at Kartoffelhaus, a cozy restaurant with an extensive menu of potato dishes.
  • Visit the Kramermarkt, a traditional market held on weekends with food, crafts, and entertainment.
  • End the trip with a sunset walk across the Gera River, watching the stunning sky and reflecting on a wonderful time in Erfurt.

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.

More travel plans

The Ultimate 5-Day Guide to Erfurt, Germany

As a tourist in Erfurt, Germany, you can visit the stunning St. Mary's Cathedral that has breathtaking architecture and rich history. The town of Erfurt is also home to towering bridges, fortified walls, and narrow alleys as well as the famous Krämerbrücke, the longest inhabited bridge in Europe. In addition, you can enjoy Erfurt's vibrant art scene, including the Angermuseum, which has a vast collection of modern art.

The Ultimate 2-Day Erfurt Adventure on a Budget.

Erfurt is one of Germany's best kept secrets for budget-friendly travel. With its charming old town and historic sites, visitors can easily fill their days exploring the city's rich culture without breaking the bank. From the scenic parks and gardens to the local cuisine, Erfurt offers a truly authentic German experience that won't break the budget.

One Day in Erfurt: A Taste of Thuringia

As a tourist in Erfurt, one can explore the rich heritage and history of the city by visiting the Erfurt Cathedral, the Krämerbrücke, and the Petersberg Citadel. The city also offers various museums such as the Angermuseum, and cultural events like the Erfurt Christmas Market. The local cuisine can be enjoyed at one of the many restaurants serving traditional Thuringian dishes.

Erfurt on a Budget: 4 Days of Medieval Magic

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.