Erlangen: A Family-Friendly Adventure on a Budget

Discover family fun in the cultural heart of Erlangen, Germany.

19 July 2023

A trip to Erlangen, Germany promises a delightful family-friendly experience with its abundance of attractions and activities. Explore the picturesque city center, dotted with charming half-timbered houses, historical landmarks, and inviting parks. Enjoy a visit to the Botanic Garden, where kids can discover a variety of plant species, or spend a fun-filled day at the Schlossgarten, a beautiful palace garden offering playgrounds, mini-golf, and boating opportunities.

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Travel plan

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Day 1

Exploring Erlangen's Historic Charm

  • Start the day with a visit to the Erlangen Botanical Garden, a suburban oasis bursting with vibrant flora and fauna.
  • Immerse yourself in Erlangen's rich history with a stroll through the beautifully preserved Altstadt (Old Town) and marvel at the half-timbered houses.
  • Enjoy a midday picnic in the picturesque Schlossgarten, the gardens surrounding the Erlangen Palace, where royalty once roamed.
  • Quench your thirst at one of Erlangen's traditional beer gardens, such as Bergkirchweih, and savor a refreshing Franconian beer.
  • Embark on a canal cruise along the tranquil Main-Danube Canal, taking in the idyllic scenery and learning about the region's waterways.
  • Delight your taste buds with a scrumptious dinner at Al Dente Ristorante, offering Italian specialties with a charming Bavarian twist.
Day 2

Family Fun in Erlangen's Modern Side

  • Spend the morning exploring the Siemens Medical Campus, where science and technology collide to improve healthcare worldwide.
  • Let your kids unleash their creativity at the Tucherland Indoor Playground, featuring slides, ball pits, and an innovative climbing area.
  • Enjoy a leisurely lunch at Café Brück'n, a quirky eatery serving hearty sandwiches and mouthwatering homemade cakes.
  • Take a short trip to the Playmobil FunPark in nearby Zirndorf, a paradise for kids with themed play areas, rides, and thrilling attractions.
  • Return to Erlangen for a relaxed evening at the Palm Beach leisure pool, complete with water slides, sauna facility, and a palm tree-lined beach.
  • Dine at Gasthof Felsenkeller, a charming Bavarian restaurant known for its traditional Franconian dishes and friendly ambiance.
Day 3

Art, Nature, and Culinary Delights

  • Immerse yourself in art and culture at the Kunstpalais Erlangen, showcasing contemporary works by local and international artists.
  • Take a scenic walk through the stunning Brucker Lache Park, a peaceful oasis with serene lakes, walking trails, and abundant birdlife.
  • Indulge in a delectable brunch at Café Knauf, offering an array of freshly baked pastries, gourmet sandwiches, and aromatic coffee.
  • Discover Erlangen's local produce at the bustling Wochenmarkt, a vibrant farmers market where you can sample regional delicacies.
  • Satisfy your sweet tooth at Café Wacker, a historic café renowned for its mouthwatering pastries and traditional German cakes.
  • End your trip on a high note with a memorable dinner at Das Eichkätzchen, a cozy restaurant showcasing innovative and delicious cuisine using regional ingredients.

Length of stay

1 day 2 days 3 days 4 days 5 days

Type of trip

Standard trip Budget Family Friendly Romantic Stag do

How to get there

Plane

The best way to get to Erlangen by plane is to fly to Nuremberg Airport and then take a train from Nuremberg to Erlangen. There are direct flights to Nuremberg from major cities in Europe and the airport is only 19 km away from Erlangen.

Car

To reach Erlangen by car, the best option is to take the A3 or A9 motorway, depending on where you are coming from. From Frankfurt, take the A3 towards Würzburg and then change onto the A73 towards Erlangen. From Munich, take the A9 towards Berlin and then the A3 towards Nuremberg.

Train

One option to reach Erlangen by train is to take a high-speed ICE from Frankfurt to Nuremberg, which takes about two hours, and then change to a local train to Erlangen. Another option is to take a regional train from Munich to Erlangen, which takes about two hours and forty-five minutes.

Boat

There are no direct boat connections to Erlangen as it is located inland. However, you can take a boat trip along the Main-Danube Canal, which passes through Nuremberg about 15 km from Erlangen. From Nuremberg, you can take a train or bus to complete your journey to Erlangen.

Bus

There are several long-distance bus companies that operate routes to Erlangen from various cities in Germany and neighboring countries. Flixbus and Eurolines are two popular companies that offer multiple daily departures to Erlangen.

Destination

Erlangen

Welcome to a charming town known for its beautiful green spaces, delicious beer and a peculiar pronunciation that will have you saying Er-what? all day long.

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Number of days

1 2 3 4 5

Type of trip

Standard trip Budget Family Friendly Romantic Stag do

More travel plans

Erlangen Unpacked: A Budget-Friendly 2-Day Tour

Erlangen, Germany offers an array of experiences for travelers on a limited budget. Explore the charming Old Town, stroll through the Botanical Garden, and visit the baroque palace of the Margraves without emptying your wallet. There are also affordable accommodations and eateries available in the city, making it a great option for a budget-friendly trip.

Five Days of Fun: Exploring Erlangen, Germany

As a tourist, a trip to Erlangen, Germany promises an exploration of the town's rich cultural and architectural heritage. One can explore the historic Huguenot Quarter, enjoy a glass of beer at the local breweries, or marvel at the stunning baroque style castle, the Schlossgarten. With a vibrant food and nightlife scene, Erlangen offers an immersive experience of authentic German culture.

Erlangen on a Budget: History, Culture, Nature!

Erlangen, Germany is a great destination for budget travelers. Explore the Old Town's castles, fountains, and beautiful gardens, which are free to visit. Stay in affordable hostels or budget hotels and enjoy economical yet delicious German food at local cafes and restaurants.

Weekend Adventure: Discover Erlangen's Hidden Gems

As a tourist in Erlangen, Germany, one can enjoy exploring the city's charming historic architecture, including its famous baroque architecture. Visitors can also take part in a range of cultural activities, such as attending concerts and festivals. The city is also known for its exceptional cuisine, offering a variety of regional specialties and locally brewed beers.