Erfurt Old Town Attractions: A Walking Tour

Anyone visiting Erfurt for the first time quickly faces the question of where to start their walk. The attractions of Erfurt’s old town lie close together, so much of it can be explored on foot. Between bridges, lanes and the Domplatz, the city tells its history along short distances. That is why it is worth not over-planning the visit and simply setting off. This is exactly what gives the old town its charm – it rewards walkers with ever-changing views.

The Krämerbrücke as a Starting Point

Hardly any building represents Erfurt as much as the Krämerbrücke. It ranks among the best-known attractions of Erfurt’s old town and makes a good starting point for any walking tour. From there, the surrounding lanes can be explored before continuing on towards the Domplatz. Anyone wanting to stay centrally during their visit will find the Krämerbrücke Apartment, an accommodation named after this landmark.

Attractions of Erfurt’s Old Town Around the Domplatz

The Domplatz is one of the largest squares in the city and, together with the cathedral and the neighbouring church, forms one of the best-known ensembles in Thuringia. All four Erfurt apartments run by Elbsandstein Apartments are located in the old town, within walking distance of the Krämerbrücke and the Domplatz. This makes the Domplatz an obvious destination for a first stroll after arrival. What is more, staying in the old town means short distances between the individual sights, making it easy to plan a day without a car.

Bridges as Landmarks Through the Old Town

Erfurt is rich in bridges that serve as points of orientation throughout the old town. Besides the Krämerbrücke, the Hohenzollernbrücke, the Krämpfertorbrücke and the Lange Brücke also carry names that echo the city’s history. These names live on in the apartments of Elbsandstein Apartments as well: anyone choosing the Hohenzollernbrücke Apartment, the Krämpfertorbrücke Apartment or the Lange Brücke Apartment is thereby opting for a naming scheme rather than a direct location. Still, the choice of names alone shows how closely Erfurt’s bridges are woven into the city’s character. Each bridge carries forward its own name from the city’s history, regardless of where the apartment bearing that same name is actually situated.

A Walking Tour on Foot

Anyone wanting to experience the attractions of Erfurt’s old town on foot should take their time. The distances between the Krämerbrücke and the Domplatz are short, yet it is worth not rushing. Along the way, small lanes and squares invite a pause before the route continues. That said, every walk differs depending on personal interest: some visitors focus on the architecture, others on the history of this former trading city. Either way, the old town remains compact enough to gain a solid first impression in a single day.

Staying Overnight in the Old Town

For those wanting to stay several days, accommodation right in the old town is a good choice. Since all four Erfurt apartments are within walking distance of the Krämerbrücke and the Domplatz, they make an ideal base for repeated strolls to the city’s main sights. An overview of all Elbsandstein Apartments locations – from Erfurt to Bad Schandau to Meißen – can be found on the apartments overview page. Anyone planning to book should get in touch directly through the website, since the apartments are let exclusively through direct enquiry and not via booking platforms. This keeps contact personal, and any open questions about location or amenities can be clarified without hassle.

Other Elbsandstein Apartments Locations

Besides Erfurt, Elbsandstein Apartments also runs locations in Bad Schandau and in Meißen. The apartments in Bad Schandau are located in the Kirnitzschtal, not directly on the Elbe. From there, excursion destinations such as Königstein Fortress, the Bastei, Rathen and Pirna can be reached, all of which lie on the Elbe near Bad Schandau. Anyone wanting to experience the region in a historic way can also take the Kirnitzschtalbahn, which has been running from Bad Schandau through the Kirnitzschtal to the Lichtenhain Waterfall since 1898. In Meißen, the Xenia and Otto apartments offer a temporary home in or near the old town. The Elbe Cycle Route also runs through Meißen, guiding cyclists along the Elbe through the town. Together, the three locations of Erfurt, Bad Schandau and Meißen complement one another, covering quite different regions of central Germany.

Conclusion on the Walking Tour

Anyone visiting Erfurt should therefore expect short distances and a dense sequence of impressions. Between bridges, the Domplatz and the lanes in between, Erfurt’s old town shows why it ranks among the most attractive historic centres in Thuringia. That is why a second or third visit is almost always worthwhile, since not every lane and not every viewpoint can be discovered in a single day.

Bildnachweis: Pexels, Foto: Red Nguyen