Holiday in Erfurt

What makes Erfurt special as a destination?

Erfurt, the state capital of Thuringia, has one of the best-preserved medieval old towns in Germany. With over 1,275 years of history, 25 churches, and the largest contiguous monument in Germany, the city is an architectural jewel that is still considered a hidden gem. The Krämerbrücke is Erfurt's landmark and unique north of the Alps: a medieval stone bridge completely built with 32 half-timbered houses, where today artisans, antique dealers, and small galleries work. It is the longest continuously built and inhabited bridge in Europe — comparable only to the Ponte Vecchio in Florence. The Erfurt Cathedral of St. Mary and the Severikirche form an impressive ensemble on the Cathedral Hill: 70 wide steps lead up to the Gothic cathedral, whose bell Gloriosa from 1497 is the largest free-swinging medieval bell in the world. In summer, the famous DomStufen-Festspiele take place on the cathedral steps — open-air theater in a unique setting. Martin Luther studied and lived in Erfurt before making Wittenberg famous. The Augustinian Monastery, where Luther entered in 1505, can be visited and impressively conveys the beginnings of the Reformation. The Petersberg Citadel is one of the largest and best-preserved baroque city fortifications in Europe, with underground passages that can be explored on guided tours. From above, there is a magnificent view over the old town with its towers and half-timbered houses.