Erfurt : A Scenic City at the Heart of Thuringia in Central Germany

Erfurt is the capital city of the state of Thuringia in Central Germany. With a population of about 500,000. Erfurt is considered the largest city in the state. Erfurt is home to stunning and historic attractions which are worth sightseeing. On this article, we are going to delve into ten of the best sightseeing destinations that could be found in Erfurt.

1. Merchant's Bridge

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One of the most prominent sightseeing destinations in Erfurt that you should visit is the Merchant's Bridge, known among the locals as the Krämerbrücke. It is a medieval bridge found in Erfurt which is lined with buildings on both sides. These buildings are noted for being half-timbered and inhabited. The Merchant's Bridge spans the Breistrom, connecting Wenigemarkt and Benediktsplatz. At present, you could visit several businesses at the bridge including wine merchants and antique shops. You could also find art galleries and specialist food outlets around the bridge. All in all, it is seemingly a one-stop attraction worth sightseeing.

2. Erfurt Cathedral

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The Erfurt Cathedral is a Catholic church that is found in Erfurt, Germany. This 1,200-year-old church is also known as the St. Mary's Church. This sightseeing destination is noted for its international Gothic style and its stunning interior. The Erfurt Cathedral is situated specifically on a hillside that is overlooking the main town square. The cathedral is home to many sculptures and furnishings including the tomb of Count von Gleichen and his two wives, a bronze candelabra, a stucco altar, and several statues of the Wise and Foolish Virgins.

3. Domplatz

After sightseeing at the Erfurt Cathedral, you might want to consider visiting the Domplatz or the Cathedral Square too. This sightseeing destination in Erfurt is a large marketplace with restored edge buildings. It used to be the main market square and court square of Erfurt. Every December, the Domplatz serves as the place of the Erfurt Christmas Market, a large and eventful happening in the whole of Germany, In November, the Martini Festival is held in honor of Martin Luther and Saint Martin. On the other hand, the Cathedral Stage Festival occurs every August.

4. Erfurter Domberg

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The Erfurter Domberg is another stunning sightseeing destination that you could visit in Erfurt. It is also known as Domhugel and formerly known as Unterberg. The Erfurter Domberg is an ensemble of the Severikirche and the Erfurt Cathedral. Due to its architectural views, it has become a staple landmark of the city of Erfurt and the state of Thuringia. In between the Erfurt Cathedral and the Severikirche, you will be able to find the cathedral steps which would lead you up to the mountain.

5. Egapark

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The Egapark is a large park in Erfurt and is considered one of the largest in the whole of Germany. It offers an array of colorful flowers that cover the 3.6 hectares of land. It is home to approximately 150,000 spring flowers and a stunning view of herbaceous perennial plants. One of the most prominent parts of the Egapark is the rose garden which comprises of 450 varieties of roses. When sightseeing around the park, you will also be able to witness other stunning attractions such as the Japanese rock and water garden, glasshouses with orchids, and a butterfly garden, among others.

6. Zitadelle Petersberg

The Zitadelle Petersberg, otherwise known in English as the Petersberg Citadel, is a large fortress that could be found in Erfurt. As a matter of fact, it is noted as one of the best-preserved town fortresses that are situated in Europe. It was built on Petersberg hill when Erfurt was still under the governance of the Electorate of Mainz. The Zitadelle Petersberg is noted for its towering stone walls with tunnels within them. Other sightseeing attractions that could be found within the citadel include the Gate and Commandant Building and the St. Peter's Church.

7. Old synagogue

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The Old Synagogue or the Alter Synagoge is a historic structure that could be found in Erfurt. It is considered as one of the best-preserved synagogues in Europe. Construction began during the 11th century but most of the parts of the synagogue has been built around 1250 CE to 1320 CE. As a matter of fact, it is recognized as the oldest synagogue in Europe whose roof is still intact with the building. You should consider visiting it on your travel to Erfurt.

8. Thuringer Zoopark

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The Thuringer Zoopark is a zoological garden that could be found in Erfurt, the provincial capital of Thuringia. It provides a stunning view of the different parts of Erfurt. It is home to about 2278 animals which belong to 346 different species. The zoo park was also the home of the Erfurter Aquarium which consists of about 50,000-liter reef tank. As of 2014, there have been more than 500,000 sightseeing tourists in the Thuringer Zoopark, making it one of the most-visited attractions in the city.

9. Evangelisches Augustinerkloster

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The Evangelisches Augustinerkloster, known in English as the St. Augustine's Monastery, is a former monastery and church complex which was established in the 13th century in Erfurt. It is noted for being the former home of Martin Luther, the father of the Reformation. Its denomination is the Evangelical Church in Central Germany. In early 2016, an application has been made to include the Evangelisches Augustinerkloster as a UNESCO World Heritage Site along with 11 other sites which are dubbed as the Luther Sites in Central Germany.

10. Fischmarkt

Our final sightseeing destination in Erfurt is the Fischmarkt or the Fish Market. It could be found in the old town between Anger and Domplatz. You will be able to find the Erfurt City Hall at the Fischmarkt. It was named as such because fish - among other things - used to be traded on this place during the Middle Ages. At present, sightseeing tourists could find restaurants, cafes, and small shops. Do not forget to tag along your friends when you go sightseeing on this place.

◎ Closing

From cathedrals to synagogues, Erfurt will surely captivate you with its homey ambiance and its scenic views. So the next time you go sightseeing at Erfurt, you should consider visiting all the attractions which were identified above.