The Ultimate 5-Day Guide to Erfurt, Germany

Experience the charm of a medieval city in the heart of Germany - Erfurt.

22 April 2023

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.

Travel plan

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Day 1

Exploring the Old Town

  • Check into your cozy room at the 4-star Hotel Zumnorde, located in a charming 19th century building.
  • Start your day with a stroll through the historic Old Town, taking in sights like the towering cathedral and the quaint streets lined with half-timbered houses.
  • Visit the Augustinerkloster monastery, where Luther famously lived and studied, and take a guided tour to learn about its fascinating history.
  • Grab a bite at Brauhaus Zum Goldenen Schwan, a traditional brewery restaurant with hearty Thuringian cuisine and local beer.
  • End your day at the Kaisersaal, a stunning hall in the regal Erfurt Palace where you can catch a concert or show.
Day 2

Parks and Gardens

  • Start your day with a decadent breakfast buffet at the hotel, featuring fresh pastries and local specialties.
  • Head to the Egapark, a sprawling botanical garden with themed areas like the Japanese garden and the tropical greenhouse.
  • Take a leisurely walk along the Gera river, stopping at scenic spots like the Luisenpark and the Weimar Gate.
  • Visit the Zoo Erfurt, home to over 1000 animals from around the world, including rare species like the snow leopard and the tapir.
  • Sample the inventive cuisine at Restaurant Garküche, which uses fresh, seasonal ingredients to create surprising flavor combinations.
Day 3

Art and Culture

  • Enjoy a lazy morning exploring the vibrant Krämerbrücke market, where vendors sell everything from artisanal cheeses to handmade jewelry.
  • Check out the Angermuseum, which houses a diverse collection of art spanning from the Middle Ages to the present day.
  • Wander through the KulturQuartier, a complex of museums, galleries, and cultural venues, like the new Bauhaus Museum or the theater Erfurt.
  • Take a break at Café Mandelkern, a charming bakery with specialty coffee drinks and delicious cakes.
  • End your day with a night at the theater, catching a performance at the Kleine Komödie or the Theater im Palais.
Day 4

Day Trip to Weimar

  • Take a short train ride to Weimar, a charming town known for its rich cultural heritage.
  • Visit the Goethe National Museum, where you can learn about the life and work of the famous writer and philosopher.
  • Admire the stunning Bauhaus architecture of the Haus am Horn or the Van de Velde Museum.
  • See the final resting place of Schiller at the beautiful cemetery.
  • Savor a traditional Thuringian meal at the Gasthaus Döllstädt or the Restaurant Alt Weimar.
Day 5

Discovering Erfurt's Surroundings

  • Rent a bike or hike to the beautiful Hill of Three Crosses, which offers breathtaking views of the city and the mountains.
  • Visit the Wartburg Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site just a short train ride away, which is famously linked to Martin Luther.
  • Grab lunch at the charming Landgasthof Zahn, a traditional guesthouse with seasonal dishes.
  • Take a refreshing dip in the Hohenfelden Reservoir, located just outside the city, and enjoy water sports like sailing and paddling.
  • End your day at Hemingway's, a cozy bar with a wide selection of cocktails and live music.

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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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.

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