Welcome to Germany’s happiest major city!
Erfurt delights visitors with its unique blend of history, quality of life and hospitality. It is no coincidence that the capital of Thuringia was named Germany’s happiest major city in the SKL Happiness Atlas. Even Martin Luther appreciated the city’s special location, saying: “Erfurt stands in the best place. A city simply had to be built here.”
Discover the historic old town on a guided tour, enjoy the diverse culinary offerings and be inspired by the many events and highlights taking place throughout 2026.
We look forward to welcoming you!
What you absolutely have to see and visit in Erfurt
Cathedral of St. Mary
The late Gothic cathedral with its high-Gothic choir and Romanesque tower replaced the church built on this site for Bishop Boniface in 742.
Merchants' Bridge
Another Erfurt landmark is the Merchants' Bridge (Krämerbrücke), the longest series of inhabited buildings on any bridge in Europe.
egapark Erfurt
"Thuringia’s most beautiful garden" has parkland, gardens, conservatories, a butterfly house, a children’s farm, an adventure playground and a great deal more.
Petersberg Citadel
Petersberg Citadel, the only extensively preserved town baroque fortress in central Europe, was built on the site of a former Benedictine monastery.
You may also find the following of interest
Places of interest
Discover the city's many cultural and architectural treasures and succumb to the charms of Erfurt's romantic old quarter.
Famous individuals
As Thuringia’s economic, intellectual, cultural and political centre, Erfurt has always attracted great individuals.
Culture
With so much on offer, an evening's entertainment in Erfurt can be whatever you want it to be.
Shopping
Shopping in the traffic-free heart of Erfurt is a particular delight and all in all Erfurt is Thuringia's first choice for shopping.
Days out
Erfurt's location "in the centre of the centre", as Luther once described it, makes it the perfect base for excursions into the delightful surroundings.
Horticulture
Many visitors come to Erfurt to find out more about its horticultural history, as the city's connections with this industry go back a very long way.
Food, drink & eating out
Besides visiting scenes of history and world culture, visitors to Erfurt can also enjoy the city's renowned hospitality and hearty fare.
Location and travel information
Outstanding transport connections mean that Erfurt is within a few hours' reach of most places by car, rail or air.
