Budget-Friendly Bliss: A 5 Day Erfurt Adventure

Experience historic charm and culture without breaking the bank in Erfurt, Germany.

21 June 2023

Erfurt is a charming town in central Germany that's perfect for travelers on a tight budget. The city is home to numerous free attractions, including the magnificent Erfurt Cathedral and the picturesque town square. Accommodation is also affordable, with a range of hostels and budget hotels available.

Travel plan

Getting latest place information
Day 1

Arrival and Exploration

  • Check into the budget-friendly Hotel Krämerbrücke, right in the heart of the city center
  • Walk across the iconic Krämerbrücke, a medieval bridge lined with shops and restaurants
  • Visit the Cathedral of St. Mary, a gothic masterpiece with stunning stained glass windows
  • Grab a bratwurst at the famous Thüringer Bratwurst Glöckl am Dom
  • Take a stroll through the Old Town and admire the half-timbered houses and charming squares
Day 2

Parks and Gardens

  • Spend the morning in the Egapark, a massive botanical garden with themed areas and a butterfly exhibit
  • Have a picnic in the lush Cyriaksburg Park, complete with fountains and a scenic pond
  • Visit the Russian Orthodox Church, an ornate cathedral with golden domes and intricate frescoes
  • Enjoy a coffee and cake break at Café Nerly, a historic spot with a cozy atmosphere and yummy desserts
  • Attend a concert or dance performance at the Theater Erfurt, a beautifully restored venue with a varied program
Day 3

Art and Culture

  • Explore the exhibits at the Angermuseum, a highly regarded museum with artwork from the Middle Ages to today
  • Admire the striking architecture of the Haus zum breiten Herd, a Renaissance building with an unusual façade
  • Learn about local history at the Stadtmuseum Erfurt, which has interactive displays and artifacts from the region
  • Have lunch at Zum Güldenen Stern, a cozy pub with hearty Thuringian dishes and a rustic ambiance
  • Attend a guided tour of the Michaeliskirche, a historic church with a fascinating history and impressive interior
Day 4

Day Trips

  • Take a train to Weimar, a city packed with cultural highlights such as the Bauhaus Museum and Goethe's house
  • Visit the Wartburg Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with stunning views and a rich history
  • Have lunch at Thüringer Hof, a traditional restaurant in Eisenach known for its schnitzel and beer
  • Go hiking in the picturesque Thuringian Forest, which offers a range of trails and fantastic vistas
  • Sample local wines at Weingut Pawis in Bad Sulza, a boutique winery with a lovely tasting room
Day 5

Markets and Shopping

  • Browse the stalls at the weekly farmer's market, where you can find fresh produce, flowers, and regional specialties
  • Visit the Kramermarkt, a traditional fair held twice a year with carnival rides and food vendors
  • Shop for souvenirs and gifts at the Christmas market, which transforms the city into a winter wonderland
  • Have dinner at Zum Nussbaum, a cozy restaurant with a wide range of dishes featuring fresh ingredients
  • End the day with a drink at the Barfüßer, a historic brewery serving up tasty local beer and a lively atmosphere.

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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