Erfurt struck me as the quintessential picturesque Medieval German town. It flourished in the Middle Ages thanks to the woad trade and remained prosperous as a key trading hub on the Via Regia pilgrim route.

The town has a relaxed, small-town vibe. Our guide, Matthius, mentioned that Erfurt is a place where people walk and talk, making it a natural meeting point. We explored Erfurt during a four-day road trip through the Cultural Heart of Germany and found plenty of interesting activities.

Erfurt, a university town in the green heart of Germany, is the capital of Thuringia. It was part of East Germany from 1949 to 1990. Due to a lack of funds during this period, modernization was limited, preserving its medieval center. It escaped the worst of WWII bombings and is rich in culture, making it a delightful place to visit for a few days.

One of the top attractions in Erfurt is the Krämerbrücke, or Merchants Bridge, which spans the River Gera. Historically, markets were central to town life, and open markets were the main commercial hubs since selling goods inside private houses was forbidden. The stone Krämerbrücke, built in the 14th century, replaced earlier wooden bridges. Houses were soon built on the bridge, where merchants sold luxury goods like gold, silver, spices, and fine cloth.

Walking across the bridge feels like strolling down a narrow street, with 32 half-timbered buildings housing artisan shops. Each house has a unique symbol, a practice from before postal services required house numbers. The bridge is maintained by a foundation, and you can visit their house, built in 1578, to learn more about the bridge’s history.

The bridge is lined with charming shops selling local crafts. One shop specializes in pigments and displays information about woad, a plant used to produce a rare blue dye. The woad plant thrived in the villages around Erfurt due to the favorable climate and water supply from the Thuringia forest. The blue dye was a luxury product exported across Europe until cheaper indigo dye imports in the 17th century led to its decline.

Other notable shops include the puppet-maker Martin Gobsch’s house, where you can see wooden marionettes and a puppet tableau. The House of the Golden Helmet, now Goldhelm Schokoladen, sells artisan chocolates and ice cream.

If you visit Erfurt in June, don’t miss the Krämerbrückenfest, a medieval-themed festival with food stands and entertainment. At one end of the Krämerbrücke is the Agidienkirche, a church tower that offers views over the town.

St. Augustine’s Monastery, where Martin Luther lived and studied theology from 1505 to 1511, is another significant site. After the Reformation, it became a Protestant conference and study center. The monastery was partially destroyed during WWII, but a modern glass extension has been added, incorporating the old stonework.

Erfurt also has connections to the Bauhaus art and design school, founded in nearby Weimar in 1919. The former AOK health insurance office and hospital on Augustinestrasse is a great example of Bauhaus architecture. Another notable Bauhaus artist from Erfurt is Margaretha Reichardt, who set up a weaving workshop in the 1930s.

The Fischmarkt, or Fish Market, is another must-see. This open square was once a bustling market for fish and other goods. Surrounding the square are historic houses, including the beautiful pink Merchant’s house Zum Breiten Herd, built in 1584, and the neo-gothic town hall completed in 1874.

To learn about Erfurt’s Jewish history, visit the Old Synagogue, which dates back to the 11th century. It houses a collection of silver coins, jewelry, and fine gold and silverware, including the famous medieval Jewish wedding ring. The Mikveh, a Jewish ritual bath built in the 13th century, is also worth a visit.

For a taste of local cuisine, try the famous Thuringia Sausage, made from minced pork or beef and seasoned with caraway, marjoram, and garlic. It’s cooked over charcoal and served in a long white bread roll with mustard.

St. Mary’s Cathedral, overlooking the town, is another major landmark. Founded by St. Boniface in 742, it features a large medieval mural of St. Christopher and the bronze Wolfram candelabra from 1150.

The Petersberg Citadel, built in the 17th century, offers guided tours of its “listening tunnels,” designed to detect enemy tunneling. The citadel grounds are free to explore, and the Destille Erfurt distillery nearby offers tastings of various spirits.

Erfurt has many hidden gems, like the stone “mushroom” seats outside older houses and puppet windows by Martin Gobsch. Goldhelm Schokoladen has multiple locations in Erfurt, offering delicious ice cream, chocolate, and cakes.

For dining, try Eat Erfurt for a trendy, tasty lunch, or Faust Food for grilled meats and Thuringia Sausage. Zum Goldenen Schwan is a traditional gasthouse with a beer garden, serving local dishes and house-brewed beer.

We stayed at the Hotel Am Kaisersaal, a modern hotel with a calm atmosphere and excellent breakfast. It’s conveniently located near the Krämerbrücke.

Erfurt is easily accessible by train, and once there, you can explore the town on foot or use the public transport network. The Erfurt Card offers free public transport and discounts on attractions.

Erfurt, the capital of Thuringia, is a charming destination with a rich history, well-preserved medieval architecture, and a vibrant cultural scene.