Erfurt

Erfurt is a small city in the region of Thuringia in central Germany. It was founded as a Catholic diocese in 742 and flourished in the Middle Ages thanks to the woad plant, the source of valuable blue dye.

Today, Erfurt is a bustling town of 200,000 with an abundance of churches (36 churches plus 15 monasteries and other ecclesiastical buildings, to be exact!) . Erfurt's many churches, chapels and monasteries have earned the city the nickname "Thuringian Rome." And Erfurt is most famous, of course, for playing a significant role in the life of Martin Luther. In the 16th century, Luther spent six years in Erfurt, first studying at the University of Erfurt then living as a monk in the Augustinian Monastery.

In addition to all these great religious sites, Erfurt boasts a lovely medieval city center, the oldest inhabited bridge in Europe (the Krämerbrucke) and a charming Christmas market. It is no surprise, then, that Erfurt is becoming an increasingly popular tourist destination for Germans and non-Germans alike. Yet Erfurt is still much less "touristy" than more famous German cities, so it's a bit quieter and accommodations tend to be more reasonably priced.

	Erfurt Satellite Map Explore the city in detail with our interactive, high-resolution satellite city map of Erfurt.
	Erfurt Fact Sheet Statistics and facts on Erfurt and its people.
	Martin Luther in Erfurt Learn about Luther's turbulent and formative years as a monk and student in Erfurt.
	Getting to Erfurt How to arrive in Erfurt by plane, train or car.
	Erfurt Hotels Find and book your hotel in Erfurt.
	Erfurt Hotel Reviews Read unbiased reviews of hotels in Erfurt, check availability and compare prices.
	Erfurt Travel Forum Ask experienced travelers for advice on travel to Erfurt, or browse previous discussions.

	Erfurt Christmas Market Many towns throughout Germany host wonderful Christmas markets during Advent, but Erfurt's version (held on Domplatz) is widely regarded as among the best.
	Luther Banquet You can book ahead for a medieval banquet in the vaulted Luther Cellar, where Luther appears "in person" to tell anecdotes about women and the gastronomic culture of his day. More information
	Kramerbrückenfest This is Erfurt's principal festival, held in late June. It features a medieval market and music.
	St. Martin's Festival November 10 is St. Martin's day, and Erfurt holds a festival in celebration of Martin, their patron saint, as well as their beloved Protestant "saint" and namesake, Martin Luther.

	Augustinerkloster The main stop on the Luther Trail in Erfurt is this Augustinian monastery where Luther lived as a monk during his turbulent, formative years in 1505-11.
	Dom (St. Mary's Cathedral) This Gothic cathedral (with Romanesque parts) is an impressive cathedral that uses its unique sloping site to full advantage. Inside are many important art masterpieces.
	Predigerkirche This was once a Dominican priory, but since the Reformation has been Erfurt's main Protestant church. Meister Eckhart was a friar here.
	Severikirche (St. Severus Church) Located next door to the Dom, this smaller church has a distinctive triple-towered east end and a celebrated monumental tomb by the "Master of St. Severus."
	Church of St. Aegidius Built in the early 14th century, this church claims to be the oldest Methodist church in the world. You can climb the church's tower for an aerial view of the city. At the entrance of the Krämerbrücke by Wenigeplatz.
	Barfüsserkirche (Blackfriars' Church) This large Franciscan church was almost completely destroyed by WWII bombs, but the restored choir has 13th-century stained glass windows of St. Francis and medieval artifacts.
	Lutherdenkmal (Luther Monument) As in every German town that can boast a connection with Martin Luther, Erfurt has a nice Luther Monument, standing outside the Kaufmannskirche near Anger Square.
	Luthersteine (Luther Stone) Just outside Erfurt is an upright stone that marks the spot where Luther got caught in a thunderstorm and vowed to become a monk if St. Anne saved him.
	Kleine Synagoge (Small Synagogue) This small building of 1840 is the oldest undamaged synagogue left in Germany. It houses an exhibition on Erfurt's Jews.
	Michaelskirche (St. Michael's Church) This early Gothic church was the main church of the University of Erfurt, and Luther preached here several times. Today it is known for its impressive organ.