Erfurt: the sights that are really worth it

There are plenty of things to do in Erfurt – but not all of them are worth it. So here is our honest list: what we saw ourselves, how much time you should allow and what you can safely skip.

Erfurt is the capital of Thuringia in central Germany. Its old town is surprisingly compact and medieval in character. Almost everything is within walking distance. So it’s less about what to choose and more about order, pace and realistic expectations. This page is a factual selection with time needed, rough prices and an honest assessment – it isn’t a travel diary.

Erfurt at a glance: the sights compared

Distances are from Domplatz (Cathedral Square) and are rounded walking distances. All prices are guide values and may change. Check them on each venue’s official website before you go.

The top things to do in Erfurt

1. Krämerbrücke: beautiful, but short

The Krämerbrücke is considered the longest continuously built-up and inhabited bridge in Europe. It’s about 120 metres long, with half-timbered houses on both sides. The houses hold small shops, workshops and galleries – and people still live there today.

Tip: go early in the day or in the late afternoon, when it’s quieter. Look at the bridge from the River Gera too, for example from the banks – you’ll understand how it’s built better from there than from the middle. The cobbles are uneven; it works with a pushchair, but you’ll have to push more slowly.

Honestly: if you expect a medieval spectacle, you’ll be disappointed. The bridge is part of the townscape and has no “attraction”. Some of the shops clearly target tourists. Look at the bridge, buy something if you like it, and move on.

2. Cathedral Hill: St Mary’s Cathedral and St Severus’ Church

The two churches stand side by side above Domplatz, separated only by a stretch of slope. Climbing the cathedral steps (about 70 of them) is part of the experience. Among the best-known details in the cathedral is the “Gloriosa” bell from the late 15th century, one of the largest medieval free-swinging bells in the world. Add to that choir stalls, stained-glass windows and sculptures.

Practical: churches aren’t museums. Services, rehearsals and events can restrict visits, so check current times before you go. For kids, 30 minutes inside is enough; after that they need to move again. The wide Domplatz is good for that – and during the Christmas markets in Advent it gets very busy.

3. Fischmarkt and the town hall

The Fischmarkt is the historic centre of the city. The neo-Gothic town hall with its murals stands next to Renaissance houses. You can walk past the façades in 20 minutes. If you want to go inside, check beforehand when the town hall is open to visitors – it isn’t always accessible.

4. The Old Synagogue and mikveh: the highlight for history fans

The Old Synagogue is one of the oldest surviving synagogue buildings in Europe. Together with the mikveh, Erfurt’s Jewish-medieval heritage has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2023. Among other things, the exhibition shows the Erfurt Treasure. The visit is small but dense.

Tip: allow a bit more time than you think. The mikveh is in a different location and is often only accessible by appointment or at certain times. So check whether you can combine the visits and whether tickets need to be reserved.

5. Petersberg Citadel

The citadel is one of the best-preserved Baroque city fortresses in Central Europe. Up top there’s space, a view over the city and paths along the walls. You usually only see the interior, such as the underground passages, on a guided tour.

Honestly: without a tour the grounds quickly feel like a wide, quiet park. That’s fine for a walk, but not very exciting for kids. If you’re interested in fortress building or city history, the tour is worth it. Dogs are usually welcome on a lead outdoors; different rules often apply in buildings and on tours. Ask beforehand.

6. egapark: good with kids, but seasonal

The egapark is a large garden park with playgrounds, themed gardens and greenhouses, about 2.5 km from the centre. For families it’s a real alternative to the cultural programme. Outside the flowering season and in bad weather, the greenhouses and play areas matter more than the flower beds. Check whether admission prices change with the season, and clarify the rules for dogs beforehand.

7. The Augustinian Monastery

Martin Luther lived here as a monk. The monastery is interesting in terms of content, but closely tied to church history. For people without an interest in Luther, it’s an item you can drop without regret.

Avenida thermal spa in Hohenfelden: a relaxing day after the city stroll

The spa is near Hohenfelden, about 20 km from Erfurt, and can be reached by car in about half an hour. By bus and train the journey is more awkward. It’s worth it as a counterbalance after a day on cobblestones, especially in rain or in winter. Admission and time slots depend on the day of the week, season and area. Expect about €20–35 per adult (as of 2026). Check age rules, children’s prices and sauna times beforehand on the official website.

With a dog: dogs generally stay outside at thermal spas. Arrange care or take turns looking after the dog.

Overrated or skippable?

• The Krämerbrücke as a day’s destination: it’s a highlight for half an hour, not half a day.
• Squeezing everything into one day: cathedral, synagogue, citadel and park in one day quickly feels like a chore. Better to drop one or two items.
• The citadel without a tour: little content apart from the view.
• The Augustinian Monastery without an interest in Luther: then you can skip it.

Typical mistakes

• Driving into the old town. Large parts are pedestrianised. Use a multi-storey car park on the edge of the old town, for example near Domplatz, and budget for fees.
• Not checking opening times. Churches, the mikveh and the town hall in particular have changing access. We deliberately don’t give fixed times because they change.
• The wrong shoes. Cobblestones and the slopes of Cathedral Hill call for sturdy shoes.
• Coming in Advent without a reservation. The Christmas market fills Domplatz and makes accommodation more expensive.

Sample weekend plan

Day 1: old town

• Morning: Cathedral Hill with the cathedral and St Severus’ Church.
• Midday: Fischmarkt, then a break in a café or restaurant.
• Afternoon: the Old Synagogue, then the Krämerbrücke.

Day 2: nature and relaxation

• Morning: the citadel (with a tour) or the egapark.
• Afternoon: the Avenida thermal spa.

This works well with kids if you plan breaks and playground time. With a dog, swap the spa for a long walk along the Gera or on the Petersberg.

Getting there and finding your way

Erfurt is in the middle of Germany and has good rail connections. The main station is about 10–15 minutes’ walk from the old town. From Austria it’s roughly 600–650 km by car, depending on where you start, so expect a good seven hours’ drive. A car is handy for the spa; in the city, walking plus the odd tram is enough.

EU citizens need a valid ID to enter Germany. For current information on travel documents and safety, check your government’s official travel advice.

Things to do in Erfurt: our verdict

Erfurt is a destination for a calm weekend, not a place for a packed schedule. The cathedral, the Fischmarkt, the Old Synagogue and the Krämerbrücke form the core. The citadel and the egapark are additions that should suit your pace. The Avenida spa rounds off the weekend if you have time and a car. Better to drop items than to tick everything off.

Our verdict on things to do in Erfurt: plan less and take your time for the places you really like. It also pays to visit the most famous sights early in the morning or in the evening, because it is quieter then. You’ll find more places we have been to ourselves on our destinations page; general background on the city’s history is on Wikipedia.

Frequently asked questions

Last updated: 20 Oct 2026. Prices and rules change – please check with the official sources before you travel.