The city of Erfurt

Erfurt is the capital of the German state of Thuringia and is located in the central part of the country. The city lies on the Gera, which rises in the Thuringian Forest. Erfurt looks back on a long history. The first documented mention can be found in a document from the missionary Boniface from the year 742. However, it was not until the 11th century that Erfurt began to flourish thanks to its location on important trade routes such as the Via Regia.
In the years following German reunification, Erfurt experienced something of a renaissance, with the historic center undergoing extensive renovation. Today the city is a popular tourist destination, with its mix of medieval architecture in the center and modern amenities. Visitors can enjoy the many museums and cultural offerings in Erfurt. With so much to offer, it's no wonder that Erfurt is known as one of the most livable cities in Germany.

View over the city of Erfurt with the striking silhouette of the Gothic cathedral. The coat of arms of the city of Erfurt adorns the “Mainz wheel”. This is a remnant of the centuries-long rule of the Archbishop of Mainz over the Thuringian city.

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Erfurt – state capital with flair

The beautiful state capital of Thuringia impresses with its historical flair and rich cultural life. There are over ten museums to admire. There are also a number of venues for party people and creative people. The Steigerwald near the city, the lakes in the north of the city and the Geraradweg offer numerous local recreational opportunities. The 2021 Buga – the Federal Garden Exhibition – has also left the people of Erfurt with permanently new, beautiful green spaces.

The sights of Erfurt

Impressive old buildings and colorful houses characterize the old town, which not only attracts tourists. The lively and central fish market is a popular meeting place. In summer you can relax and experience the hustle and bustle of the big city in one of the cafés and then go for a stroll through the surrounding shopping streets and alleys. The eye-catcher of the square is the historic town hall from 1875, which was built in the neo-Gothic style. But the cathedral square is also always worth a visit. It is overlooked by one of the city's most important landmarks: St. Mary's Cathedral. Gothic and Romanesque components characterize the striking church. By the way, the largest free-swinging bell in the world rings here on public holidays - the Gloriosa. The striking Krämerbrücke holds another record: it is the longest inhabited bridge in the entire world. With its colorful half-timbered buildings, it is ideal as a background for a selfie.

Culture in the Erfurt museums

The diverse cultural offerings are one of the main reasons why Erfurt is considered a city worth living in. It gives it big city charm and thus attracts a diverse audience. The state capital has more than ten museums as its own. In the east of the old town, the city museum provides insights into the history of the place. The exhibition in the Haus zum Stockfisch focuses on the late Middle Ages and the early modern period. Art historians, on the other hand, are drawn to the Angermuseum. Art and crafts from Thuringia are presented in the Kurmainzischen Packhof. Temporary exhibitions on contemporary and modern art, however, are located in the Kunsthalle. This is located directly at the lively fish market in the Haus zum Roten Ochsen. The Museum of Thuringian Folklore shows the everyday and social culture of the region from several centuries. It is one of the largest museums of its kind in Germany and is located on several floors of the former Great Hospital. The exhibits include, for example, Thuringian traditional costumes and historical furniture. Molsdorf Castle is located in one of the more outlying parts of the city. The pretty late Baroque building houses an exhibition that shows works from the estate of the painter Otto Knopfer.

Evening in Erfurt

Big city flair also comes from the diverse Erfurt evening program. Eleven theaters are just part of the portfolio. A particularly modern building is located on Theaterplatz. The theater, which opened in 2003, is a two-part theater that performs musical theater and operas. In the Great Hall, 800 guests can attend performances by the Philharmonic Orchestra. The highlight of every season is the famous Cathedral Steps Festival against a historical backdrop. But the other theaters such as the Galli Theater or the Theater im Palais also regularly delight their audiences. The two cabaret stages launch an attack on the laughing muscles: Das Lachgeschosse and Die Arche. Audiences young and old enjoy visiting the city's two puppet theaters.

Discover art and make it yourself

A number of galleries are spread across different parts of the city and invite you to admire and purchase paintings or sculptures. The Krämerbrücke picture house primarily presents works by important local and regional artists. The gallery in Haus Dacheröden focuses on national and international contemporary art. But if you want to get creative yourself, you will also find a number of places to go in Erfurt. In the north of the state capital, the artists' workshops offer a meeting place for artists and hobby creatives. Workshop rooms can be rented here and there is a lively exchange of new ideas and projects. The Imperial Hall was also created as a creative meeting place. Exhibitions, readings, lectures, concerts and conferences are held in the culture and congress center.

Local recreation and family fun

It's not for nothing that the relaxed city is also called the flower city. Visitors and residents have access to a number of beautiful green spaces for local recreation. Molsdorf Castle impresses with its extensive castle park, and the egapark is even larger. This 36-hectare facility was opened for the horticultural exhibition in 1961 and boasts, among other things, the largest ornamentally planted flower bed in Europe. But the Japanese Garden, the cactus or tropical house or the butterfly house also tempt you to take a leisurely stroll. Families with children spend eventful days in the Thuringian Zoopark, the third largest animal park in Germany. Elephants, bison and giraffes make your eyes shine here. A total of 2,500 animals from well over 300 species live in the facility. But the city has much more to offer its young residents. Since the public children's television has its studios locally, a number of well-known figures have been set up within the city area. Among the television favorites to discover are the sandman, mouse and elephant, kirabin, the dragon Tabaluga, the tiger duck and gadwall. Swimming pools and several cinemas also ensure entertaining leisure activities. If you want to be active regularly, you will find a broad base with the many clubs.

Erfurt festivals, music and customs

Last but not least, the customs and regular events of a place also contribute to well-being. The three-day Krämerbrückenfest, which takes place on the third weekend in June, is now legendary. Medieval market, cabaret and of course culinary delicacies from the region such as the Thuringian Rostbratwurst attract a large audience every year. This also fills the cathedral square with its scent in the run-up to Christmas. Then the Erfurt Christmas market takes place here for several weeks, whose festive lighting creates a very special atmosphere against a historic backdrop. Christmas stollen and Erfurter Schnittchen are among the other local delicacies that are sold here. Concerts also take place in the state capital throughout the year. Large events are held in the Thüringenhalle and exhibition hall . But suitable locations are also available for smaller concerts. For example, the jazz club at the fish market, the museum cellar or the old opera.