Erfurt 3-Day Itinerary

A day-by-day plan for Erfurt: the best attractions in order, where to eat, how to get around — with free hotel briefings for your stay.

Day 1

Arrive & Explore the Highlights

Morning
Krämerbrücke

Europe's longest continuously inhabited bridge, lined with half-timbered houses and small shops. Walk across for free; window-shop for crafts and local honey.

🕐 Bridge open 24/7; shops typically 10:00–18:00

Free entry

💡 Go early on a weekday to avoid tourist crowds—the bridge feels magical with fewer people.

Hotels near Krämerbrücke →
Afternoon
Erfurt Cathedral (Dom St. Marien)

Gothic cathedral on the Domberg hill, famous for its Glockenspiel and medieval stained-glass windows. Entry is free, though donations welcome.

🕐 Mon–Sat 10am–6pm, Sun 1–6pm

Free entry

💡 Visit at noon to hear the carillon bells play; avoid Sunday mornings if crowds bother you.

Hotels near Erfurt Cathedral (Dom St. Marien) →
Evening
Where to eat

Gasthof Schloss Hubertus · ££

double B · ££

Day 2

Deeper Into Erfurt

Morning
Anger Museum (free outdoor part)

Museum of city history with a free courtyard and exterior exhibits (sculptures, historical signs). The indoor galleries charge a small fee.

🕐 Courtyard open daily 8am–8pm

💡 The courtyard is a quiet spot for a picnic – grab a sandwich from the nearby bakery.

Midday
Petersberg Citadel

Large 17th-century fortress with grassy ramparts and views over the city. The park area is free; the small museum inside costs a few euros.

🕐 Grounds open 24/7; tower open April–Oct 10am–6pm

💡 Climb the tower for a panorama of Erfurt – it’s a steep but quick climb, no fee.

Afternoon
Museum für Thüringer Volkskunde

A small folklore museum in a historic granary, showcasing everyday life in Thuringia—tools, costumes, and crafts. Free entry on the first Wednesday of each month.

🕐 Tue–Sun 10:00–17:00 (closed Mon)

💡 Combine with a walk through the adjacent Anger park; the museum’s audio guide is worth the €2 rental.

Late afternoon
Petersberg Citadel

A massive 17th-century fortress on a hilltop, now a park with panoramic views over Erfurt's Old Town. The outer grounds are free; the inner barracks and exhibition have a small fee.

🕐 Grounds open daily 06:00–22:00 (winter until 20:00)

💡 Bring a picnic and sit on the southern ramparts at sunset—you’ll see the cathedral spires lit up.

Evening
Dining tonight

Willy B.

Schnitzler

Day 3

Final Favourites & Departure

Morning
Petersberg Citadel

One of Europe’s largest Baroque fortresses, with grassy ramparts, tunnels, and panoramic views over Erfurt. Most of the citadel grounds are free.

💡 The free audio guide is dry but interesting—focus on the self-guided walking path along the walls. Pack a picnic as there are few benches near the top.

Midday
Krämerbrücke (Merchants' Bridge)

A medieval bridge lined with 32 half-timbered houses, still lived in and filled with small shops and galleries. Free to walk across and browse.

💡 Visit early morning (before 10am) to get photos without crowds. Look for the tiny chapel embedded in the shops halfway across.

Afternoon
Egapark (partial free areas)

Large horticultural park with themed gardens, greenhouses, and playgrounds. Only the main entrance area is free; the full park costs €7. But the free bits are l

💡 Walk through the free section along the Gera River path – it’s a peaceful route with flowerbeds and benches.

Before departure
Erfurt Cathedral (Dom St. Marien)

Gothic cathedral with the famous Gloriosa bell, 12th-century choir stalls, and impressive stained glass. Entry is €3, but worth it for the view over Domplatz an

💡 Climb the tower at 12pm on a weekday to hear the Gloriosa being rung—it’s the world’s largest medieval bell.

Final meal

Masala

Cafe MUSTI

Getting Around Erfurt

EVAG Tram Line 1 From 2.70 EUR 8 min

Buy a day ticket (7.50 EUR) if arriving after 10am — covers all trams, buses and trains inside the city zone until 3am next day.

EVAG Tram Line 1 From 2.80 EUR (single adult) 22 min

Get off at Melchendorf, not Melchendorf West. The Gasthaus is a 3-minute walk south from the stop. Validate your ticket in the machine on board.

EVAG Bus Line 51 From 2.80 EUR (single adult) 20 min

Bus 51 runs later than the tram on weeknights. Check the EVAG app for real-time delays – Sunday service is thinner.

Taxi Erfurt From 25 EUR 15 min

Book ahead with Taxi Erfurt (+49 361 65555) to avoid wait — airport rank can be sparse late evening.

City-Funk Taxi From 25 EUR 15 min

Book ahead on +49 361 654 654 for airport runs – they'll find you at arrivals. Late-night surcharge of 2 EUR after 22:00.

Bus 99 From 3.50 EUR 20 min

Bus 99 runs straight to Hbf — from there take tram 1 or 2 to Anger station (2 stops).

Frequently Asked Questions

Is 3 days enough for Erfurt?

Three days covers the main highlights well. You can see the key attractions like Krämerbrücke and get a genuine feel for the city. For a more leisurely pace or to explore neighbourhoods in depth, a 5-day trip is better.

What is the best time to visit Erfurt?

See our full best time to visit Erfurt guide — it covers weather month by month, peak vs. shoulder seasons and how to avoid the crowds.

Where should I stay for this itinerary?

A central location saves transit time between sites. Top options include Haus Maximilian, Zur Guten Quelle, Gasthaus zu Melchendorf. See the full ranked list with free briefings for each.