Erfurt Travel Guide

Erfurt’s landmark is the unique ensemble created by the combined effect of the Mariendom (Cathedral of The Blessed Virgin Mary) together with the Severikirche (St. Severus Church). These two magnificent examples of German Gothic architecture at its best majestically dominate the cityscape. The Gloriosa (1497), the Queen of Bells, has been praised for centuries throughout Europe for its magnificent resonance. Inside the cathedral there is an elaborate Gothic chancel with a series of 13 coloured stained-glass windows which are almost 13 meters high and are among the greatest works of medieval stained-glass art. The Cathedral houses many rare and rich furnishings and sculptures, including the tomb of bigamist Count von Gleichen, accompanied by both of his wives, a stucco altar, a bronze candelebra of Romanesque antiquity called Wolfram, the oldest free standing cast work in Germany, and, outside, several statues of the Wise and Foolish Virgins. A wide and impressive open-air stairway leads up from the market square to the cathedral itself and to the Church of St. Severus (1278 - 1400), which contains the sarcophagus of St. Severus (1363).

Hours: May to October Mon to Fri 9 am – 5 pm, Sat 9 am – 4:30 pm, Sun/public holidays 1 pm – 5 pm. November to April Mon to Sat 10 am – 11:30 am and 12:30 pm – 4 pm, Sun/public holidays 2 pm – 4 pm.

Admission: free; guided tours to cathedral and Gloriosa 2.50 € each.

The Krämerbrücke (Merchants’ Bridge) is the only bridge north of the Alps to be built over entirely with houses that are still used as residences. This arched stone bridge was constructed in 1325 over the river Gera where the original ford was located along the via regia trading route. In medieval times there were two churches built at either end of the bridge, one of which, the Ägidienkirche, is still in existence. Currently mostly artisans' and antique shops can be found in the 32 houses on Krämerbrücke, and the greatest city festival of Erfurt is named after the bridge: Krämerbrückenfest. It is held around the bridge and in the old town annually in June.

The Old Synagogue is one of very few preserved medieval synagogues in Europe. Thanks to the extensive preservation of the original structure, it has a special place in the history of art and architecture and is among the most impressive and highly rated architectural monuments in Erfurt and Thuringia. The synagogue was constructed during the Middle Ages on the via regia, one of the major European trade routes, at the heart of the historical old quarter very close to the Merchants Bridge and the town hall. Many parts of the structure still remain today, including all four thick outer walls, the Roman­esque gemel window, the Gothic rose window and the entrance to the synagogue room.

After extensive restoration, the building reopened in 2009. On display in the exhibition rooms is an extensive collection of medieval treasures discovered during archaeological excavations. This includes 3,140 silver coins, 14 silver ingots, approx. 6,000 works of goldsmithery from the 13th and 14th centuries and an intricately worked wedding ring of the period, of which only two others are known to exist anywhere in the world. A mikveh (Jewish bath) has been excavated close by (13th/14th century). The Old Synagogue, the Small Synagogue and two Jewish cemeteries together form a network of historical buildings and sites which vividly portray the role of Jewish life in the history of Erfurt.

The church and monastery of the Augustinian hermits was built around 1300 and posseses valuable stained glass windows dating back to the beginning of the 14th century. Martin Luther, the famous Augustinian monk, was admitted to the monastery on 17 July 1505. The Augustinian Monastery pays tribute to Martin Luther with a new exhibition whose theme is Bible-Monastery-Luther. The Lutherzelle (Luther’s cell) can be visited as part of the exhibition. Since 1988 the monastery has been used as an ecumenical conference centre and a memorial to Luther.

Guided tours every hour or by arrangement. Hours: April to October: Mon - Sat 10am - 12pm and 2 -5pm. Sun/public holidays 11am, 2pm and 3pm. November to March: Mon - Sat 10am - 12pm and 2 -4pm. Sun/public holidays 11am, 2pm and 3pm.

Admission: Adults 5 €, children 3.50 €.

The people of Thuringia are very proud of the ega, (40 hectares ) which acts as a magnet for visitors and is often referred to as the garden of Thuringia. A walk through this extensive and varied horticultural park can be combined with a visit to the 500-year-old Cyriaksburg castle (now hosting the German horticultural museum) with its watch towers and ancient fortifications. The center point of the ega is the (very) Large Flowerbed, which is an impressive floral display, unique in Thuringia for both its size and beauty. Tropical plants, cacti and other succulents, orchids and many other kinds of plants can be admired in greenhouses which are open to visitors all the year round. The most recent attraction of the ega is the butterfly house, which is the first of its kind in Thuringia.

Children are welcome to play, paddle, paint and enjoy a great variety of craft work in the largest children’s playground in Thuringia. In close proximity to the playground, there is also a children’s farm. In the greenhouses and exhibition halls, thematic floral displays are often exhibited. There are also regional exhibitions with themes such as art and culture, science and technology, and nature and the environment.

Hours: Jan. - Feb.: Daily from 10am to 4pm. March - April: Daily from 9am to 6pm. May 1 - September 15: Daily from 9am to 8pm (halls and glasshouses close at 6pm). September 16 - October 31: Daily from 9am to 6pm. November - December: Daily from 10am to 4pm.

Petersberg Citadel, the only extensively preserved town baroque fortress in central Europe, was built on the site of a former Benedictine monastery. It dates from a time when Erfurt was ruled by the Electors of Mainz and is a unique example of the European style of fortress construction. Beneath the citadel is an underground maze of passageways that can be visited on guided tours organized by Erfurt Tourist Office. Also, the greater part of the casemates, esplanades and bastions inside the fortification area are now open to visitors. The citadel itself and more importantly, the entire area of the Petersberg including the Peterskirche, (a Romanesque basilica containing three naves) overlooks Erfurt’s old city center.

Hours: April to October, daily 11am - 6:30pm. November to March, daily 11am - 4pm. January to Easter closed.