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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

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.