Erfurt: World Heritage, Krämerbrücke and garden art

Erfurt is a destination for anyone interested in medieval heritage, striking churches and gardens. Its attractions offer a variety of highlights, from the Jewish medieval heritage in the Old Town to Krämerbrücke, egapark and Petersberg Citadel.

Jewish Medieval Heritage in Erfurt

In the heart of Erfurt’s Old Town is the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Jewish Medieval Heritage in Erfurt. It comprises the Old Synagogue, the mikveh and the Stone House—rare and exceptionally well-preserved examples of Jewish buildings in Central Europe. The Old Synagogue presents evidence of Erfurt’s medieval Jewish culture. Most of its fabric dates from around 1100 to the early 14th century, when it was used as a synagogue. At the mikveh, its original function as a ritual bath is fully apparent.

The World Heritage Site illustrates the coexistence of a Jewish community and a predominantly Christian society during the development of the medieval city. At the time, Erfurt was at the crossroads of important trade routes. A visit therefore connects specific buildings with the city’s historical context. As access arrangements for the Old Synagogue may change, check the latest visitor information before your visit.

Bridge, cathedral and church art

Krämerbrücke is one of Erfurt’s landmarks and Europe’s longest continuously built-up and inhabited bridge. It is 120 metres long and has 32 houses. Galleries and shops offer regional crafts, including Thuringian blue-print textiles, hand-painted ceramics, Lauscha glass and wood carvings. Regional delicacies such as Unstrut wines are also available. Goldhelm, right on the bridge, offers tastings; if this is important to your plans, check the latest details in advance.

Erfurt Cathedral of St. Mary and St. Severus Church stand on Cathedral Hill. The cathedral combines a High Gothic choir with a Romanesque tower area and a Late Gothic west hall. Its central tower houses the Gloriosa, the world’s largest free-swinging medieval bell. St. Severus Church is a five-aisled Gothic hall church and served as the collegiate church of a community of canons from the 12th century onwards. Its works of art include the Severi sarcophagus from 1365, whose side panels depict the saint’s life, a stone Madonna from 1345 and a 15-metre-high baptismal font from 1467. A 70-step outdoor staircase leads from Cathedral Square up to Cathedral Hill.

Citadel and views

Petersberg Citadel is one of the largest and the only largely preserved Baroque city fortresses in Central Europe. Its elevated location offers several viewpoints with sweeping views across Erfurt. Sunsets can be seen from Michael Bastion in the west. The panoramic path to the citadel starts at Cathedral Square and provides independent access without additional aids. The fortress offers a different focus from the churches and buildings of the Old Town: here, the grounds and views across the city take centre stage.

Gardens and wildlife

egapark Erfurt is an important 1960s garden monument with 20 themed gardens. Its features include the Danakil desert and jungle house, themed gardens, the Forest of Knowledge and the German Horticultural Museum. The park also has Europe’s largest ornamental flowerbed, covering 6,000 square metres. At Danakil, visitors walk through desert and tropics and learn how plants and animals have adapted to extreme living conditions. At 35,000 square metres, the park’s playground is the largest in Thuringia.

The Thuringian Zoo Park Erfurt offers a different kind of nature experience: it covers around 63 hectares and is home to more than 1,000 animals from around the world. Some enclosures can be entered by visitors; the zoo also participates in breeding programmes for endangered species. The number of animals may change over time. Together with its gardens, the zoo also makes Erfurt an appealing destination for travellers who want to include green outings alongside architectural and cultural history in their plans.

Getting there and finding a hotel

Erfurt Central Station is an important hub in Deutsche Bahn’s ICE network. Long-distance and regional services connect there with the city’s local public transport. As timetables and services may change, check connections for your travel dates. When choosing a hotel, it helps to decide on your priorities first: World Heritage and churches, gardens, or a mix of themes throughout your stay.

Discover more destinations: Alach, Ermstedt, Salomonsborn, Kerspleben, Frienstedt, Tiefthal, Kühnhausen, Molsdorf.

Back to the main travel overview: Erfurt.