Four Days of Fun in Quirky Erlangen, Germany

Discover family fun in Erlangen, Germany!

19 July 2023

Erlangen, Germany offers a charming, family-friendly destination with a perfect blend of historical attractions and modern amenities. Explore the picturesque Baroque-style Erlangen Castle, stroll along the charming streets of the Old Town, and visit the Schlossgarten, a peaceful park ideal for picnics and outdoor activities. With its proximity to the beautiful Franconian Switzerland and Nuremberg, Erlangen serves as an excellent base for day trips and offers a delightful experience for all ages.

Travel plan

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Day 1

Welcome to Erlangen, the Quirkiest City You've Never Heard Of

  • Check in to the cozy and family-friendly Zeitwohnhaus Hotel, conveniently located in the heart of Erlangen.
  • Kick off your adventure exploring the whimsical sights of the city center, like the Erlangen Castle with its picturesque gardens.
  • Take a stroll along the charming Huguenot Trail, lined with colorful half-timbered houses that look straight out of a fairytale.
  • Head to the sprawling Schlossgarten Park for a picnic and let the kids enjoy the playground while you soak up the sun.
  • Satisfy your taste buds at Gasthof Ritter, a hidden gem where you can savor traditional Franconian dishes amid its warm and rustic ambiance.
  • End the day with a sweet treat from Pâtisserie Ludwig, where you can sample mouthwatering pastries made with love.
Day 2

Eccentric Erlangen: A Journey Through Art and History

  • Immerse yourself in the offbeat art scene at the Kunstpalais, a contemporary art gallery nestled in a 19th-century building.
  • Uncover Erlangen's fascinating history at the impressive Erlangen City Museum, housed in a former brewery and showcasing quirky exhibits.
  • Grab a quick, yet delicious lunch at Café Picnic, known for its scrumptious sandwiches and homemade lemonade.
  • Enjoy an afternoon of outdoor exploration at the Botanical Garden, a paradise filled with diverse flora from all corners of the world.
  • Settle in for dinner at Zeidlerschloss, a charming restaurant known for its cozy atmosphere and hearty German cuisine.
  • Don't forget to end your day with a nightcap at Wunderbar, a trendy local spot where you can enjoy craft beers and eclectic cocktails.
Day 3

Unleash Your Inner Scientist: Erlangen's Science-Filled Delights

  • Kick-start the day with a visit to the Friedrich-Alexander University, where you can soak in the vibrant atmosphere of a renowned academic hub.
  • Explore the picturesque Röthelheim Park, home to the extraordinary Erlebnis-Ausstellung, an interactive science exhibition for all ages.
  • Indulge in a lunchtime feast at Bergmann Biergarten, where you can enjoy local specialties alongside freshly brewed Bavarian beers.
  • Take a guided tour of the iconic Siemens Technikum, where you can learn about the fascinating history of technological innovations.
  • Transport yourself to medieval times with a visit to the Erlangen City Wall, an ancient fortification boasting stunning views of the city.
  • Wrap up the day with a delectable dinner at Zollhaus, a cozy traditional restaurant serving mouthwatering Franconian cuisine.
Day 4

A Day amidst Nature's Abundance: Erlangen's Outdoor Escapades

  • Embark on an adventurous day trip to the nearby Franconian Switzerland, a nature lover's paradise filled with scenic hikes, caves, and rock formations.
  • Enjoy a leisurely stroll through the enchanting Tennenlohe Forest, where leafy trails and idyllic ponds create a serene atmosphere.
  • Tantalize your taste buds with lunch at Gasthof Keller, a charming countryside inn serving hearty German fare and local beer.
  • Try your hand at paddleboarding or canoeing on the calm waters of the beautiful Dechsendorfer Weiher lake.
  • If time allows, immerse yourself in Erlangen's vibrant beer culture with a brewery tour at Tucher Bräu or Kitzmann Bräu.
  • Bid farewell to Erlangen with dinner at Schwarzer Adler, a traditional restaurant known for its friendly staff, cozy atmosphere, and mouthwatering Franconian dishes.

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.

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