Walk in Martin Luther's footsteps through Germany's best-preserved medieval city. My personal guide to Erfurt's historic bridges, stunning churches, and authentic Thuringian culture.
The City of Erfurt (Germany)
Erfurt (German: Erfurt) is a city in central Germany, the capital of the federal state of Thuringia. This ancient university and trading city is located in the valley of the Gera River. Erfurt is a major religious and cultural center, boasting historic landmarks, cultural monuments, and beautiful old buildings. The city’s historic center is one of the best-preserved in Germany. Among its most notable sights are the cathedral, the medieval Krämerbrücke bridge, and the Petersberg Citadel.
Erfurt is located almost in the center of modern Germany, in the southern part of Thuringia. The city lies in an agricultural region between the foothills of the Harz Mountains and the Thuringian Forest. The climate is temperate with maritime influences. Summers are warm and humid, while winters are relatively cool with light frosts. Annual precipitation is just over 500 mm.
Practical Information
- Population – slightly over 200,000 inhabitants.
- Language – German.
- Currency – Euro.
- Visa – Schengen.
- Time – Central European Time (UTC +1, summer +2).
- Around Krämerbrücke, you can buy unique souvenirs and various interesting trinkets.
- Numerous shops can be found in the streets of Anger, Bahnhofstraße, Fischmarkt, Domplatz, Schlösserstraße, and Marktstraße.
- Be sure to try the local Thuringian sausage.
- For pub lovers and nightlife, head to Michaelisstraße near Fischmarkt.
History and Interesting Facts
Erfurt is an old German settlement. In the 5th century AD, the Thuringii tribe lived here. The first mention of the city dates back to 742 AD, associated with the establishment of a diocese by St. Boniface. During the Middle Ages, Erfurt became an important trading center, located near a crossing over the Gera River at the junction of trade routes between East and West. In the 9th century, Charlemagne established trading warehouses and the Church of St. Mary here.
During the Carolingian dynasty, the city became the residence of the counts palatine. In the 11th century, Erfurt became a free imperial city with significant rights and freedoms. Around this time, a Jewish community was established, which became one of the most influential in the country. In the 14th century, a university was founded, one of the oldest in Germany.
In 1501, Martin Luther—the famous theologian and one of the founders of the Reformation and Lutheranism (a branch of Protestantism)—enrolled at the local university. By 1530, Erfurt became one of the first German cities where both Catholicism and Protestantism were officially permitted.
During the 16th and 17th centuries, Erfurt’s significance declined. The population decreased, and the university lost its influence. In 1802, the city became part of Prussia. During the Napoleonic Wars, Erfurt was conquered by France, but after the Congress of Vienna, it was returned to Prussia. By the end of the 19th century, most of the city’s fortifications were demolished to allow for urban growth. During World War II, the city remained largely undamaged.
How to Get There
Erfurt is located near two major highways, A4 and A7, about 100 km from Leipzig, 300 km from Berlin, 400 km from Munich, and 250 km from Frankfurt. The city has its own small airport, mainly serving Mediterranean and Black Sea resorts. The nearest major airport is in Leipzig. Erfurt is a major railway hub, with direct regional trains from Berlin, Düsseldorf, Dresden, Frankfurt, Würzburg, and Leipzig.
Hotels and Hostels in Erfurt
Sights and Landmarks
The most iconic sights of Erfurt with photos and detailed descriptions.
St. Mary’s Cathedral (Erfurt Cathedral) – The oldest religious building in Erfurt, located on Domplatz in the heart of the old town. One of the most beautiful Gothic cathedrals in Germany, founded in the 8th century under Charlemagne. The cathedral tower houses an ancient bell, the largest medieval bell in the world.
St. Severus Church – Another gem of German Gothic architecture, a historic religious building from the 12th century. Located next to the cathedral, it forms an almost unified architectural complex and is a symbol of Erfurt. Originally built as a monastery church.
Krämerbrücke (Merchants’ Bridge) – A unique medieval structure, the longest inhabited bridge in Europe. Built in the 15th century over the Gera River, it spans 120 meters and now features 32 houses.
Petersberg Citadel – One of the best-preserved Baroque fortresses in Europe, built on the site of an old Benedictine monastery. A significant example of defensive architecture.
Old Synagogue – The oldest synagogue in Europe, founded in 1100. Remarkably preserved in its original state, it now houses a museum of Jewish culture with unique exhibits.
Augustinian Monastery – A 13th-century monastic complex where Martin Luther, the famous reformer, took his vows. Now a museum dedicated to Luther and a guesthouse for pilgrims. The Chapel of St. Elizabeth preserves 14th-century manuscripts.
Town Hall – A Neo-Gothic building on Fischmarkt Square, constructed in the 19th century. Its interior features murals depicting city life and Martin Luther.
University Building – A medieval structure housing one of Germany’s oldest universities.
Egapark – One of the finest examples of landscape design in Central Germany and one of Erfurt’s largest parks.
Examples of Sacred Architecture in Erfurt
Reglerkirche – An early Gothic church built in the 13th–14th century.
Lorenzkirche – A Catholic church in the old town, founded in the 12th century and later given Gothic features after a fire.
Allerheiligenkirche (Church of All Saints) – A 12th-century Gothic church with a 53-meter spire.
Kaufmannskirche – A 14th-century Gothic church.
Schottenkirche – An ancient church blending Gothic and Baroque styles, built on the site of an old monastery.
Erfurt: The City Where Luther Changed the World and Time Stood Still
Erfurt is a German city that impresses with its ability to preserve authenticity over centuries. On Krämerbrücke, merchants still trade as they did 500 years ago—though now selling souvenirs instead of fabrics. Within the walls of the Augustinian Monastery, one can almost hear the echoes of young Martin Luther, who once changed the face of Christianity. Meanwhile, Europe’s oldest synagogue quietly reminds us that history has not always been kind.
Walking through Erfurt’s ancient streets, you realize this city is not just a museum but a living organism filled with history. Gothic spires reach for the sky alongside modern tram lines, and medieval walls embrace university halls where new ideas still flourish today.
Perhaps Erfurt’s uniqueness lies in its unwavering authenticity. It simply exists—with its many churches and bridges, the aroma of Thuringian sausage, and the echoes of student debates. In this simplicity lies its true strength, for it was here, in the heart of Germany, that one monk changed the course of history forever.
