Erfurt is the capital and largest city of the state of Thuringia in Germany.
The ancient city of Erfurt is one of the most intact medieval cities in Germany, as it suffered little damage during World War II.
Erfurt Germany – Photo Credit: Mark Fuller
How to spend 1 day in Erfurt Germany
In this 1-day itinerary in Erfurt, discover the main attractions of the city.
Day 1 in Erfurt
Start the day by visiting Erfurt Cathedral, which houses the largest medieval bell in the world. Next to the cathedral is the Severikirche, a Gothic-style church.
Head to the Fischmarkt, a square in the old center where the City Hall (Rathaus) and the figure of Roland are located.
Also visit the Alte Synagogue, which houses several medieval treasures (silver coins, wedding rings, etc.) discovered during archaeological excavations.
Near the Alte Synagogue is the Krämerbrücke, the longest medieval bridge with buildings next to it than any other bridge in Europe. The bridge crosses the Gera River.
Head towards Wenigemarkt, another square in Erfurt. Near the square is the Evangelisches Augustinerkloste, where Martin Luther became a monk.
Petersberg Citadel is another city attraction located 1.1 km (0.7 miles) from Evangelisches Augustinerkloste.
Things to see
- Erfurt Cathedral
- Severikirche
- Fischmarkt
- Rathaus Erfurt
- Alte Synagogue
- Krämerbrücke
- Wenigemarkt
- Evangelisches Augustinerkloste
- Petersberg Citadel
Itinerary Map
Sights in Erfurt
1. Erfurt Cathedral
The Erfurt Cathedral also known as Dom St Marien was founded in the 8th century.
The cathedral has 3 towers of the 19th century, the one in the middle houses the largest medieval bell in the world.
Domstufen 1, 99084
2. Severikirche
The Severikirche is a church with a Gothic style.
It is located on the Domplatz along with the Erfurt Cathedral.
Severihof 2, 99084
3. Krämerbrücker
The Krämerbrücke is the longest medieval bridge with buildings next to it than anywhere else in Europe.
It is 120 meters long and crosses the Gera River.
Krämerbrücke, 99084
4. Fischmarkt
The Fischmarkt houses the Roland Statue of 1591 and the Rathaus.
Fischmarkt
5. Rathaus
The Rathaus is a neo-Gothic building built between 1870 – 1874.
In the Rathaus, there are numerous murals depicting scenes from Martin Luther‘s life and images from the history of Erfurt.
Fischmarkt 1, 99084
6. Alte Synagogue
The Alte Synagogue was built around 1110.
It is one of the few well-preserved synagogues of this type in Europe.
Waagegasse 8, 99084
7. Evangelisches Augustinerkloste
Evangelisches Augustinerkloste is a 13th-century monastery. It was at the site that the young Martin Luther became a monk in 1505.
Augustinerstraße 10, 99084
8. Petersberg Citadel
The Petersberg Citadel is the largest and best-preserved baroque fortress in Central Europe built in the 17th century.
Petersberg 3, 99084
9. Erfurt Zoo
The Erfurt Zoo is home to over 1600 animals, representing 193 species.
Am Zoopark 1, 99087
10. Schloss Molsdorf
The Schloss Molsdorf is one of the most beautiful Rococo palaces in Thuringia.
It was built between 1736 – 1745.
Schloss Molsdorf, 99192
11. Egapark
The Egapark has numerous attractions including gardens, playgrounds, and the German Horticulture Museum.
Gothaer Str. 38, 99094
12. Angermuseum
The Angermuseum is one of the leading art museums in Erfurt.
Anger 18, 99084
13. Lorenzkirche
The Lorenzkirche is a small 14th-century Gothic church located 950 meters from the cathedral.
Pilse 30, 99084
14. Drei Gleichen
The Gleichen, Mühlburg and Wachsenburg castles are collectively known as “Drei Gleichen“.
They are located 20 km from Erfurt.
Thomas-Müntzer-Straße 4, 99869 Drei Gleichen, Germany
Where to stay in Erfurt
1. Radisson Blu Erfurt
The Radisson Blu Erfurt is located a 10-minute walk from the historic center.
Rooms are equipped with a flat-screen TV, minibar, and coffee maker.
Juri-Gagarin-Ring 127, 99084
2. Dorint Hotel am Dom Erfurt
The Dorint Hotel am Dom Erfurt is located 400 meters from the cathedral.
Rooms are equipped with a flat-screen TV, work desk, safe, minibar.
Theaterpl. 2, 99084, Erfurt, Germany
3. Mercure Altstadt Erfurt
The Mercure Erfurt Altstadt is located 1 km from the cathedral near the Krämerbrücke.
Rooms are equipped with a flat-screen TV, work desk, minibar, coffee maker.
Meienbergstraße 26-27, 99084 Erfurt, Germany
4. Hotel Krämerbrücke Erfurt
Located near the Krämerbrücke in the historic city center, the Hotel Krämerbrücke Erfurt offers comfortable and modern accommodation.
The rooms have a flat-screen TV and a desk.
The hotel offers spa services and a Finnish sauna.
Gotthardtstraße 27, 99084 Erfurt, Germany
Malls and Department Stores in Erfurt
1. Anger 1 Erfurt
The Anger 1 is located 1 km from the cathedral.
Brands: Pandora, Camp David, Gabor.
Anger 1-3, 99084
2. Thüringen Park Erfurt
The Thüringen Park is located 7 km from the old town.
Brands: Bonita, Esprit, Gerry Weber.
Nordhäuser Str. 73T, 99091
Plan your Trip
Erfurt has easy train access from various cities in Germany. Famous cities nearby: Leipzig, Dresden, Nuremberg, Kassel.
Distances
Leipzig – 162 km (101 miles)
Dresden – 220 km (137 miles)
Nuremberg – 228 km (142 miles)
Kassel – 153 km (95 miles)
Würzburg – 193 km (120 miles)
Berlin – 289 km (179 miles)
Erfurt Germany Map
Book Your Trip
Book Your Accommodation
Book your hotel with Booking.com as they consistently provide the cheapest and lowest rates.
Book Your Flight
Find cheap flights to Germany by using Momondo. Momondo is a flight search engine that searches a lot of different airlines, including many budget carriers.
Book a Train Ticket
Check the train routes and schedules with Omio. Omio is an authorized Deutsche Bahn ticket seller, which compares and combines transport options for complete flexibility.
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance
Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, and cancellations. It’s a protection in case anything goes wrong. You can book your travel insurance with Travelexinsurance.com.
See also
10 Suggested Itineraries for Germany + Top Destinations
Outlets & Department Stores in Germany: Shopping Guide
