Erfurt

Erfurt is the state capital of Thuringia and has a population of almost 200,000. Home to a large number of cultural attractions, it is a popular destination for city breaks and cultural holidays.
The city has one of the best-preserved medieval town centres in Germany. Erfurt became established during the Middle Ages at the crossing point of ancient trade routes and it grew into an influential commercial and university town. Even today, Erfurt's wealthy past is reflected in its lovingly restored Renaissance buildings, half-timbered houses, churches and abbeys. It is dominated by the towering spires of St. Mary’s Cathedral and the Church of St. Severus.

The Merchants' Bridge (Krämerbrücke) - with 32 houses built along its 120-metre length - is Europe's longest inhabited bridge. The narrow buildings on the bridge house artists' studios and local craft shops selling typical souvenirs of Erfurt. Just a stone's throw from cathedral hill is Petersberg Citadel, the only extensively preserved baroque town fortress in the whole of central Europe.

Erfurt is not only an architectural gem with a history dating back over 1,260 years, it also has a rich tradition as Thuringia's commercial, spiritual and cultural centre. It attracted such important figures as Luther, Goethe, Schiller, Bach, Tsar Alexander and Napoleon during its eventful history. Martin Luther in particular is closely associated with Erfurt. He studied here from 1501 to 1505 at the university which was famous even then, and the city is considered to be Luther's spiritual home. Visitors can follow in his footsteps at the Erfurt Protestant Augustinian monastery.

A wide variety of events take place all year round. Visitors are spoilt for choice – should they come to Erfurt for the Merchants' Bridge Festival, the Cathedral Steps festival plays or the Christmas market? Whichever you choose, Erfurt is always worth a visit. Good travel connections and a broad range of hotels and eating places make a "rendezvous in the heart of Germany" an experience that all types of visitor can share. Erfurt's egapark, one of the finest garden parks in Germany with its themed areas and parkland, is ideal for relaxing in.