Things to Do in Erlangen

Municipal art gallery in a former palace. Rotating contemporary exhibitions, usually strong on local and regional artists. The permanent collection is small but worthwhile.

🕐 Tue–Sun 10:00–17:00, closed Mon

💡 Admission is free every first Wednesday of the month. Check their website for guided tours in English (usually free on the same day). No photography in most rooms.

A large, well-maintained baroque garden behind the castle. Good for walking, picnics, or just sitting on a bench. Look for the Chinese-style bridge over the pond.

🕐 24 hours, gates locked at dusk in winter

💡 Visit on a sunny weekday morning for near solitude. Free public toilets by the eastern entrance open during daylight hours.

University botanical garden with labelled plant collections from temperate climates, including a small alpine house. Compact but educational.

🕐 Daily 08:00–20:00 (closes 16:00 Nov–Feb)

💡 The alpine house is kept cooler than most greenhouses—wear a light jacket even in summer. No café, so bring your own water.

A low hill on the northern edge of town with a small watchtower and views over the city. The tower is free and open when the weather permits. Short steep walk up through forest.

🕐 Tower open 09:00–18:00 Apr–Oct (weather dependent)

💡 The tower spiral staircase is narrow—go early to avoid meeting others coming down. Park at Burgbergstraße for the easiest access.

A free walk around the historic centre using a downloadable map from the city’s tourism site. Covers the Huguenot old town with its planned grid layout, the castle, and half-timbered houses on Hauptstraße. About 1.5 km.

🕐 Self-guided, no time limit

💡 Pick up a free printed map from the tourist office (Rathausplatz 1). Best on a Sunday morning when traffic is light and you can actually see the architectural details.