City and region
Erfurt is a city of flowers, of Martin Luther, of sports, of solar energy, and of children’s media. To you, Erfurt may soon be your college town. That means it’s time for you to get to know Erfurt better. The city of Erfurt was first mentioned in a written document in the year 742 and was named for the ford (German: Furt) across the river Erphes, now called the Gera river. With approximately 200,000 residents, Erfurt is the largest city in Thuringia and has one of the best-preserved medieval city centers. Perched at the edge of the downtown area, St. Mary’s Cathedral and the Church of St. Severus together make an imposing landmark and serve annually as the backdrop of the widely renowned open-air theater festival set on the cathedral steps.
In terms of culture, Erfurt has a great deal to offer: from theater and Bach events to cabaret, puppet theater, comedy lounges, and outdoor cinema. Erfurt is also home to several museums – which, by the way, offer free admission on the first Saturday of every month. The money you save can go toward a shopping trip in the many shops and boutiques downtown. Speaking of Erfurt’s downtown area: the Krämerbrückenfest (Merchant’s Bridge Festival), which takes place on and around the longest series of inhabited buildings on a bridge in Europe, shows that the people of Erfurt know how to party. Whether in a cocktail bar, one of the cozy taverns, a café, or a beer garden – the summer semester is the perfect time to enjoy Erfurt’s Mediterranean flair. During the winter semester, the Christmas market will help you get in the holiday spirit with its enchanting aromas, hot spiced wine, and local culinary delights. And if you need a bit of a break between exams, try a leisurely walk at the “ega”, a recreational park, or at the Petersberg citadel.
Sports fans can push themselves to the limit on Erfurt’s many jogging and biking paths. Those who prefer sports as spectators are in for a treat as well by watching top international athletes compete at the Gunda Nieman Stirnemann Ice Rink or the Andreasried Cycling Track.
Welcome to Erfurt!
