Erfurt
N 50°58.609', E 11°1.437'
2014-04-06
http://www.erfurt-tourismus.de/en/
Our rating: 7.20
Overall rating: - Rate this place - 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1
Erfurt is the capital of Thuringia, city with 1270 years of history. Due to the excellent location, at the crossroads of trade routes, it was well developed in the Middle Ages. The town gained wealth and political influence through the trading and export of a blue dye gained from the woad plant. Due to the importance of the city there was a constant struggle between the bishops of Mainz and local rulers. In 1352 Erfurt received the status of free imperial city and in 1430 joined the Hanseatic Trade Union. In 1392 in Erfurt opened the third oldest university in Germany. From 1501 to 1505 here studied Martin Luther, reformer and founder of the Lutheran Church. We moved around the city using these two maps. Center is compact.
Tourist map of Erfurt ©@
Map of transport in Erfurt ©@
The main attraction of the city is Cathedral Square with Erfurt Cathedral and Severikirche.
Cathedral Square (Domplatz) in Erfurt ©erfurt-touristinformation.de
To take best pictures you need to come here early in the morning. In the Middle Ages the area was smaller, but because of the fire in 1813 during the war with Napoleon's troops, a few rows of houses were burned. Those which now surround the area create a beautiful ensemble.
Houses on the Cathedral Square in Erfurt ©Yuriy Buriak
Near the square, on the hill stands Petersberg fortress, but it is better to climb there in the evening, when the sun will shine from different side. Wide staircase leads to cathedrals. The main cathedral is very large and even consists of 2 parts. It received present appearance in XIV - XV centuries. Inside stored quite a large collection of art objects.
Erfurt Cathedral ©Yuriy Buriak
Impressive stained-glass windows (XV century).
Erfurt Cathedral ©Yuriy Buriak
Erfurt Cathedral ©Yuriy Buriak
Erfurt Cathedral ©Yuriy Buriak
Erfurt Cathedral ©Yuriy Buriak
Severikirche (Church of Saint Severi) smaller in size, but still is one of the most important Gothic buildings in Germany. The most interesting here are: Here the most interesting is a huge organ, sarcophagus of St.Severi (1365) and many tombstones on the floor. The bell, located in the middle tower (1497) is the largest medieval church bell in the world.
Severikirche in Erfurt ©Yuriy Buriak
Severikirche in Erfurt ©Yuriy Buriak
From Cathedral Square we went in the direction of Kraemerbruecke bridge. Along the way we met the Church of All Saints (1221 - the end of the XIV century).
Church of All Saints (1221 - the end of the XIV century) ©Yuriy Buriak
Next square is Fish Market (Fischmarkt). It is small, but has many beautiful buildings, as well as City Hall (1711 -1720).
Fish Market square in Erfurt ©Yuriy Buriak
Guild Hall (1584) ©Yuriy Buriak
House "At the Red Bull" (1562) ©Yuriy Buriak
Note small sculptures on the houses.
Sculptures on the Fish Market Square ©Yuriy Buriak
Sculptures on the Fish Market Square ©Yuriy Buriak
Sculptures on the Fish Market Square ©Yuriy Buriak
Town Hall can be visited for free, don't miss this opportunity.
Town Hall in Erfurt ©Yuriy Buriak
Town Hall in Erfurt ©Yuriy Buriak
Town Hall in Erfurt ©Yuriy Buriak
There are small squares on the both sides of the bridge.
Benediktsplatz ©Yuriy Buriak
The bridge from inside looks like an ordinary street.
Kraemerbruecke in Erfurt ©Yuriy Buriak
Therefore, you have to look at it from outside.
Kraemerbruecke in Erfurt ©Yuriy Buriak
Kraemerbruecke in Erfurt ©Yuriy Buriak
Kraemerbruecke in Erfurt ©Yuriy Buriak
River, that passed under the bridge, creates beautiful cityscapes.
Erfurt ©Yuriy Buriak
Erfurt ©Yuriy Buriak
Erfurt ©Yuriy Buriak
Erfurt ©Yuriy Buriak
On the other side of the bridge is a very cozy Small market square. Here stands Ägidienkirche church. Upstairs there is an observation deck (1.5 euros), but it does not work during services at the church.
Small market square in Erfurt ©Yuriy Buriak
Next street after the bridge and the square is Futterstrase. There are several beautiful buildings here and one particularly beautiful at the intersection with Johannesstrase.
Erfurt ©Yuriy Buriak
Erfurt ©Yuriy Buriak
Erfurt ©Yuriy Buriak
Erfurt ©Yuriy Buriak
Erfurt ©Yuriy Buriak
Here you can turn right and walk to downtown Anger.
Anger Street in Erfurt ©Yuriy Buriak
From here, trams run in all directions and we went to the EGA park on tram number 2. Entrance fee to the park is 6 euro. This landscaped park, exhibition center and botanical garden in one. It is built on the area around the old Kiriaksburg fortress. Walls and buildings of the fortress are now integrated into the landscape of the park.
EGA Park in Erfurt ©Yuriy Buriak
EGA Park in Erfurt ©Yuriy Buriak
EGA Park in Erfurt ©Yuriy Buriak
EGA Park in Erfurt ©Yuriy Buriak
EGA Park in Erfurt ©Yuriy Buriak
EGA Park in Erfurt ©Yuriy Buriak
EGA Park in Erfurt ©Yuriy Buriak
EGA Park in Erfurt ©Yuriy Buriak
EGA Park in Erfurt ©Yuriy Buriak
EGA Park in Erfurt ©Yuriy Buriak
EGA Park in Erfurt ©Yuriy Buriak
EGA Park in Erfurt ©Yuriy Buriak
EGA Park in Erfurt ©Yuriy Buriak
EGA Park in Erfurt ©Yuriy Buriak
EGA Park in Erfurt ©Yuriy Buriak
EGA Park in Erfurt ©Yuriy Buriak
There is a huge playground and a small zoo for children.
EGA Park in Erfurt ©Yuriy Buriak
One of the towers of the fort converted into a viewing platform which offers a great view of the park and Erfurt.
EGA Park in Erfurt ©Yuriy Buriak
View of the Erfurt from EGA park ©Yuriy Buriak
View of the Erfurt from EGA park ©Yuriy Buriak
EGA Park in Erfurt ©Yuriy Buriak
EGA Park in Erfurt ©Yuriy Buriak
There is unusual fountain in the park, it can be controlled.
EGA Park in Erfurt ©Yuriy Buriak
EGA Park in Erfurt ©Yuriy Buriak
We leaved the part through the lower exit leading to Goethe square and from there went on a tram back to center. Stopped at the beginning of the Anger street near the Hirschgarten (Deer garden) square. On this square stands one of the most beautiful buildings in the city Chancery. It became famous after 1808, when it hosted the Erfurt Fuerstenkongress. Since the end of September for two weeks Erfurt became a center of world politics. Napoleon Bonapart organized here meeting with Alexander I for the conclusion of the Franco-Russian alliance.
Anger Street in Erfurt ©Yuriy Buriak
City Chancery in Erfurt ©Yuriy Buriak
Next went for a walk down the Anger street. Despite the fact that it is the central street of the city it is quite deserted, as most tourists walk in the old town. In the past centuries rich people lived there and they have left many beautiful buildings.
Anger Street in Erfurt ©Yuriy Buriak
Anger Street in Erfurt ©Yuriy Buriak
Anger Street in Erfurt ©Yuriy Buriak
Anger Street in Erfurt ©Yuriy Buriak
Anger Street in Erfurt ©Yuriy Buriak
Anger Street in Erfurt ©Yuriy Buriak
Anger Street in Erfurt ©Yuriy Buriak
Martin Luther monument on the Anger square ©Yuriy Buriak
Anger Street in Erfurt ©Yuriy Buriak
Anger Street in Erfurt ©Yuriy Buriak
Anger Street in Erfurt ©Yuriy Buriak
Museum at the Anger ©Yuriy Buriak
Anger Street in Erfurt ©Yuriy Buriak
From Anger on the tram we reached the Cathedral Square. The last place for today is Petersberg fortress (XVII century).
Petersberg Fortress in Erfurt ©Yuriy Buriak
Don't miss the opportunity to taste Thüringian sausage (Thuringen bratwurst). On the square near the tram stop there is a place where they cost 1 euro. Don't know why, but Germans cosider sausages from this region the best in the country. I do not see the difference, they all tasty :)
Erfurt ©Yuriy Buriak
Fortress meets tourists with massive and well-preserved gate.
Baroque gate (1673) with the arms of Mainz Elector Johann Philipp ©Yuriy Buriak
To estimate the height of the walls just compare them with people on the top.
Petersberg Fortress in Erfurt ©Yuriy Buriak
Castle is perfectly preserved. It's pretty big and you need at least 1 hour to get around its perimeter.
Petersberg Fortress in Erfurt ©Yuriy Buriak
Petersberg Fortress in Erfurt ©Yuriy Buriak
Petersberg Fortress in Erfurt ©Yuriy Buriak
The walls offer beatifulul views of the city and the Cathedral Square.
View of the Cathedral square from the Petersberg fortress ©Yuriy Buriak
View of the cathedrals from the Petersberg Fortress ©Yuriy Buriak
Getting there: Erfurt has a small airport. Tram 4 connects it with the center. The best option to reach the city is by train, find schedule in bahn.de .
Tags, Germany: cathedral , city , fortress , park Tags, all countries: cathedral , city , fortress , park
- Rate this place -
Location : ------------ 1 - Far beyond the settlements, you must spend minimum a day 2 - Near the small town, you need to walk long distance 3 - A small town with a poor transport links 4 - Not far from human settlements, can be reached only by car 5 - Outside the settlements, but with excellent transport links 6 - A small town with excellent transport links 7 - Medium-size city 8 - Suburb of the capital or major city, the ability to reach by public transport 9 - Big city 10 - Capital
Impressions : ------------ 1 - No point in visiting 2 - Boring, wasted time 3 - You can visit, if you have a lot of free time and nothing better to do 4 - A lot of things, but not so interesting 5 - It seems to be interesting, but hard way to spoil the impression 6 - There is something interesting, but the rest is not worth the attention 7 - Probably interesting, but for everybody 8 - Very cool, but difficult to see everything and long-distance trails 9 - Very cool, but there are similar facilities in other locations 10 - Very cool, this is not anywhere else
Number of tourists (weekend afternoon) : ------------ 1 - Crowds, impossible to see everything normally 2 - A lot of tourists, a long wait 3 - A lot of tourists, the organization is lame 4 - A lot of tourists, but good organization 5 - There are many tourists, but they are concentrated in one place and you can walk freely 6 - Many tourists everywhere, but the large space is compensated 7 - The average number of tourists. To photograph, you must wait 8 - Tourists are, but they do not interfere 9 - There are few tourists 10 - You are alone
State : ------------ 1 - Only title left 2 - Dull ruins 3 - On restoration 4 - The picturesque ruins 5 - Have not been restored, the state is poor 6 - Partially destroyed, but the rest of the normal state 7 - Have not been restored, good condition 8 - OK, but it is possible to make better 9 - Looks good from the outside, partial repair inside or without repair 10 - In excellent condition, well-groomed area
Picturesque (for the photographer) : ------------ 1 - Photograph does not make sense or object in the reconstruction 2 - Horrible background, normal pictures only from the top 3 - wires and cars do not allow make normal photo 4 - Interfere with foreign objects 5 - In the city, but more or less normal photo can be made 6 - Beautiful, but you can take pictures with just one point 7 - Very nice, but you can only shoot at a certain time 8 - Very nice, but hard to get to the good weather or permanently interfere with tourists 9 - Very nice, but occasionally interferes with the weather or tourists 10 - A heavenly place, always perfect weather, no tourists
* - Note: Description of the evaluation is not always appropriate for a particular object, it's just a little help
Our rating - 7.20
Location : ------------ 1 - Far beyond the settlements, you must spend minimum a day 2 - Near the small town, you need to walk long distance 3 - A small town with a poor transport links 4 - Not far from human settlements, can be reached only by car 5 - Outside the settlements, but with excellent transport links 6 - A small town with excellent transport links 7 - Medium-size city 8 - Suburb of the capital or major city, the ability to reach by public transport 9 - Big city 10 - Capital
Impressions : ------------ 1 - No point in visiting 2 - Boring, wasted time 3 - You can visit, if you have a lot of free time and nothing better to do 4 - A lot of things, but not so interesting 5 - It seems to be interesting, but hard way to spoil the impression 6 - There is something interesting, but the rest is not worth the attention 7 - Probably interesting, but for everybody 8 - Very cool, but difficult to see everything and long-distance trails 9 - Very cool, but there are similar facilities in other locations 10 - Very cool, this is not anywhere else
Number of tourists (weekend afternoon) : ------------ 1 - Crowds, impossible to see everything normally 2 - A lot of tourists, a long wait 3 - A lot of tourists, the organization is lame 4 - A lot of tourists, but good organization 5 - There are many tourists, but they are concentrated in one place and you can walk freely 6 - Many tourists everywhere, but the large space is compensated 7 - The average number of tourists. To photograph, you must wait 8 - Tourists are, but they do not interfere 9 - There are few tourists 10 - You are alone
State : ------------ 1 - Only title left 2 - Dull ruins 3 - On restoration 4 - The picturesque ruins 5 - Have not been restored, the state is poor 6 - Partially destroyed, but the rest of the normal state 7 - Have not been restored, good condition 8 - OK, but it is possible to make better 9 - Looks good from the outside, partial repair inside or without repair 10 - In excellent condition, well-groomed area
Picturesque (for the photographer) : ------------ 1 - Photograph does not make sense or object in the reconstruction 2 - Horrible background, normal pictures only from the top 3 - wires and cars do not allow make normal photo 4 - Interfere with foreign objects 5 - In the city, but more or less normal photo can be made 6 - Beautiful, but you can take pictures with just one point 7 - Very nice, but you can only shoot at a certain time 8 - Very nice, but hard to get to the good weather or permanently interfere with tourists 9 - Very nice, but occasionally interferes with the weather or tourists 10 - A heavenly place, always perfect weather, no tourists
* - Note: Description of the evaluation is not always appropriate for a particular object, it's just a little help
Visitor's rating - 0.00
Location : ------------ 1 - Far beyond the settlements, you must spend minimum a day 2 - Near the small town, you need to walk long distance 3 - A small town with a poor transport links 4 - Not far from human settlements, can be reached only by car 5 - Outside the settlements, but with excellent transport links 6 - A small town with excellent transport links 7 - Medium-size city 8 - Suburb of the capital or major city, the ability to reach by public transport 9 - Big city 10 - Capital
Impressions : ------------ 1 - No point in visiting 2 - Boring, wasted time 3 - You can visit, if you have a lot of free time and nothing better to do 4 - A lot of things, but not so interesting 5 - It seems to be interesting, but hard way to spoil the impression 6 - There is something interesting, but the rest is not worth the attention 7 - Probably interesting, but for everybody 8 - Very cool, but difficult to see everything and long-distance trails 9 - Very cool, but there are similar facilities in other locations 10 - Very cool, this is not anywhere else
Number of tourists (weekend afternoon) : ------------ 1 - Crowds, impossible to see everything normally 2 - A lot of tourists, a long wait 3 - A lot of tourists, the organization is lame 4 - A lot of tourists, but good organization 5 - There are many tourists, but they are concentrated in one place and you can walk freely 6 - Many tourists everywhere, but the large space is compensated 7 - The average number of tourists. To photograph, you must wait 8 - Tourists are, but they do not interfere 9 - There are few tourists 10 - You are alone
State : ------------ 1 - Only title left 2 - Dull ruins 3 - On restoration 4 - The picturesque ruins 5 - Have not been restored, the state is poor 6 - Partially destroyed, but the rest of the normal state 7 - Have not been restored, good condition 8 - OK, but it is possible to make better 9 - Looks good from the outside, partial repair inside or without repair 10 - In excellent condition, well-groomed area
Picturesque (for the photographer) : ------------ 1 - Photograph does not make sense or object in the reconstruction 2 - Horrible background, normal pictures only from the top 3 - wires and cars do not allow make normal photo 4 - Interfere with foreign objects 5 - In the city, but more or less normal photo can be made 6 - Beautiful, but you can take pictures with just one point 7 - Very nice, but you can only shoot at a certain time 8 - Very nice, but hard to get to the good weather or permanently interfere with tourists 9 - Very nice, but occasionally interferes with the weather or tourists 10 - A heavenly place, always perfect weather, no tourists
* - Note: Description of the evaluation is not always appropriate for a particular object, it's just a little help