Erfurt, the capital city of the Free State of Thuringia, is also the state’s largest city with a population of nearly 200,000 citizens and an area of approximately 269 sq km. Erfurt also happens to be the main city nearest to the geographical centre of Germany. The city is just north of Steigerwald, a hilly forest.
How to Get There:
Erfurt Airport, west of the town, is just 5 km from the city centre, and is connected to Berlin. Various airlines operate out of Erfurt, with multiple international destinations. The local tram and bus service operate every 15-20 minutes. The main railway station is well connected to the rest of the country and has two Federal motorways and two autobahns as well, connecting with the city centre via link roads.
What to See:
Erfurt dates back to 742 AD, since which time the city has grown to become an important commercial centre. Erfurt also has a fine university. The former wealth of the city is reflected in the restored Renaissance and half-timbered houses, which together with the Krämerbrücke make up one of the best preserved medieval city centres in Germany. The Krämerbrücke, across the Gera River, is covered with 32 inhabited buildings. Recently, a medieval synagogue, discovered beneath newer buildings, has being restored. The eleventh century Erfurt Synagogue is the oldest synagogue in Europe, though it is now a museum.
At one time Erfurt gained the two titles of "Rome of Thuringia" and "erfordia turrita" (Erfurt city of towers and spires, with 36 parish churches and chapels as well as its 15 monasteries and other ecclesiastical buildings). The two churches tall churches, Erfurt Cathedral (Mariendom) and Severikirche, which stand side by side, together symbolise the city.
Where to Eat:
Erfurt has over 140 restaurants, almost from every nation. The popular one are Schildchen, Luther Keller, Steinhaus, Parkkaffee Hopfenberg, Kartoffelhaus, Schnitzler and
Restaurant Zumnorde, with prices ranging from € 10-35. Typical specialities include the famous Thuringian dumplings, unmistakable Thuringian bratwurst and great-tasting local beer. Gasthaus Feuerkugel and Alboth's Restaurant serve this speciality and have a great cellar as well.
Events:
Every year Erfurt hosts a variety of festivals, including the Thuringian Bach Festival,
the Merchant's Bridge Festival (Thuringia's biggest medieval festival), Martin's Festival celebrating the birthday of Martin Luther, the Cathedral Steps festival plays in summer, on the 70 steps between the magnificent twin edifices, St. Mary's Cathedral and the Church of St. Severus, and the Christmas market.
Hotels:
Erfurt has 60 hotels across the spectrum. The price range is from € 40-110. The recommended hotels are Ramada, Victors Residenz, Pullman Erfurt am Dom, Mercure Hotel Erfurt Altstadt, Sorat IBB, Country Inn By Carlson Erfurt-Apfelstadt, Best Western Hotel Excelsior, Hotel Zumnorde Am Anger and the Radisson Blu. There is plenty of cheaper accommodation as well, including the Bed and Breakfast variety.
