Erfurt in the lush heart of Germany

State capital, urban centre with a big potential and so much to explore. Cathedral of St. Mary, Martin Luther, Goethe, Schiller and Napoleon. Festivals and Thüringian food. Erfurt offers you all. I fell for its charming old town, the stories and the food.

Weather you are staying for a day of for a full weekend there is so many things to do in Erfurt, I have listet just a few for you.

1. Kid friendly

Imagine my surprise when I came over a well known children figurine from Norwegian television, the Sandman. We used to watch his little stories every time around christmas as kids. And Erfurt has more in store. Head into the tourist information and ask for a map containing the children figurines. Now there is a fun treasure map.. Now go explore! These figurines are well known from the children´s tv shows all over Europe.

2. Eat some proper German fast food

When in Erfurt you really have to have som “faust food” the German word faust means fast food. The hippest place in town? pretty darn good food and if you want, it is to go. If you find your self on a city tour on a segway? just roll right in, order your food and of you go again.. quite awesome.

3. And of course while in Erfurt try the Thüringian kitchen..

When in Thüringen you have to try the local specialities. One in particular is the Thüringian dumpling, a national dish in these parts of Germany. Originally a feast and Sunday meal, but these days an everyday delicacy. Make sure you look up some of Erfurts best and oldest restaurants for this local food. I recommend trying the Feuerkugel or the Hauz sum Naumburgischen Keller. Good wholesome authentic food and good atmosphere in both.

Oh and for gods sake don´t forget the grilled Bratwurst! A total must.

4. SHOPPING!!

Need I say more. Erfurt is perfect for shopping. The perfect size to walk around and do what we girls do best. Having a good time and burn some m.o.n.e.y.

The city center is just the right size and just what I like when exploring new cities – it really can be to big. Main shopping area is found in the street of Anger but if you want some small boutiques and galleries you find these in the old town and on the merchant bridge.

5. Discover medieval Erfurt

Erfurt is old, very old. Dating back almost 1270 years. Restored houses and grand churches still bear witness today of the wealth this once powerful trading city was. Erfurt is one of the best preserved listed medieval city in Germany today. My favourite sight has to be the impressive ensemble of St. Mary´s Cathedral and St Severus Church. Just a big WOW factor alone and one of the city´s most photoed sight.

6. Krämerbrücke (merchant´s bridge)

This is Erfurt´s landmark. The longest bridge in Europe entirely covered with inhabitant houses still today. But keep a close look out for this brigde if you pass it from the wrong side, you would never know that this was the Krämerbrücke itself. Be sure to visit the north side as it gives the best impression. Not as impressive as, say, ponte Veccio in Italy. But it still deserves a big wow. It is beautiful and well preserved, you may even visit one of the houses on the bridge to get a feel on how it was to live here in the 14th century.

7. Marvel at the Cathedral St. Mary (Mariendom)

This Cathedral stands out like a fairytale building. It is also the backdrop for the annual Cathedral Steps Festival. Those 70 steps will take you up to the Cathedral and the church of St. Severus and I would put in some time to walk and marvel at the stucco´s stained glass and choir halls. It even has the largest free swinging medieval bell in the world – worth a visit.

8. Walk in the footsteps of the famous figures.

Martin Luther, Goethe, Schiller even Napoleon has once set foot in the city of Erfurt. Feel like walking in their footsteps and learning even more of our history? There is many guided tours that offers a good history lesson. See the University where Luther studied or the church where he later was ordained as a priest and formed what we today call the Lutheran church.

9. The old synagogue

Erfurt has in fact the oldest fully intact synagogue in Europe, discovered by luck and undamaged in world war II. The legacy of one of the most important Jewish communities of the middle ages deserve a visit.

10. Get lost..

Take on your best hiking boots or sneakers. Use your feet and just wander the streets to explore. My favourite kind of exploring. No plans, no agenda – just walk and get to know the city. Find that coffee house, sit down, sip and watch the people walk past. Take in the city..

 

The WurstAdventure is in partnership with The German National Tourist Office, Best Western Hotels, DBBahn and NordicTB, the opinions, text and pictures is as always all mine