Erfurt on a Budget: A Day of Charm

Explore Erfurt on a shoestring budget!

21 June 2023

Explore the medieval charm of Erfurt with a budget-friendly trip. Wander through the narrow streets of the old town, visit impressive churches and admire beautiful half-timbered houses. Enjoy local cuisine in affordable restaurants and soak in the peaceful atmosphere of this hidden gem in Germany.

Day trip plan

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Day

Exploring the Charming City of Erfurt

  • Start your day with a hearty breakfast at Cafe-Lounge Freunde, where you can indulge in their delicious German breakfast platter.
  • Head to the Krämerbrücke, one of the most iconic landmarks of Erfurt, and stroll across this ancient bridge lined with shops and cafes.
  • Visit the Erfurt Cathedral, a stunning Gothic-style cathedral with beautiful stained-glass windows and intricate architecture.
  • Check out the Fish Market, a vibrant square with a mix of modern and medieval architecture, and where you can grab a quick street food snack.
  • Take a walk through the lush greenery of the Egapark, a huge botanical garden with a stunning fountain and plenty of photo opportunities.
  • End your day with a traditional German dinner at Schmidt's Restaurant, where you can try their famous Thuringian sausage or potato dumplings.
  • With so much to see in Erfurt, this 1-day itinerary will leave you with memories that will last a lifetime.

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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