Erfurt, Germany

University of Erfurt, Germany (cc)

Erfurt Travel Guide

Introduction

Erfurt, the capital of Thuringia, is one of Germany's most authentic medieval cities, at once picturesque, unpretentious, thoroughly charming, and infinitely less crowded than, say, nearby Weimar. It has beautiful streets that date from the Middle Ages, lined with equally ancient buildings, given to strolling around. It has a town center that is supremely historic, with atmospheric old squares, a fabulous town hall, one of the oldest synagogues in Europe, a couple of magnificent churches that tower above the town, and a centuries-old university that has associations to reformer Martin Luther. Still, the focus here is on the town's unique 14th-century bridge, Krämerbrücke, built across the Gera River and covered with 32 half-timbered buildings housing antique and artisans' shops. The city also has a popular Christmas market.

Location

Erfurt is situated in the valley of the Gera River in the southern part of the Thuringian Basin, more or less in the geographical center of Germany, with Steigerwald (Steiger Forest) along its south. It is 63 miles (100 km) southwest of Leipzig, 94 miles (150 km) north of Nuremburg, 113 miles (180 km) southeast of Hannover, and is connected via direct flights to Munich.

How to Get There

Sightseeing

Neighborhoods

How to Get Around

Where to Stay

Where to Eat

Where to Party

Essential Information

Nearby Destinations

How to Get There

Erfurt can be reached via direct flights from Munich or Frankfurt. It can also be reached by rail from several German cities, including Leipzig, Dresden, Halle, Nuremburg and Frankfurt.

Sightseeing

Main Neighborhoods