Erfurt Germany

Erfurt Germany is the capital city of the state of Thuringia, and is a charming city full of vibrant colors. This town is known for its medieval and renaissance architecture, which is especially evident in the cathedrals and houses. The Merchant’s Bridge(pictured above) is the longest series of inhabited buildings on top of a bridge in Europe. Surrounding the old city are high rise buildings, and architecture that is reminiscent of other former East German cities. The older portion of the town ends with the walled citadel, which is strategically placed on the hill that overlooks the town.

Sidestreets with Charm

You can’t help but smile as you walk around the charming city of Erfurt. Although it is the capital city of the state, it has a very small city feel, and is full of hospitality and charm. In my month in Germany I traveled all throughout Germany, and this town felt the most welcoming. Shopkeepers were very friendly and welcoming, the stores showed cute merchandise, and the streets were lined with flower baskets and cool knickknacks. The vibrant colors of the buildings enhanced the good mood, and the food made the experience memorable. This city is huge, and full of great places to walk so make sure you have a good pair of shoes on, and bring a bag to hold your souvenirs.

Erfurt Germany is known for its connections to theologian Martin Luther, and the artist Lucas Cranach, who were both notable figures of the Renaissance and Protestant Reformation. Luther studied in Erfurt, and many of Cranach’s works are displayed in various cathedrals in Erfurt.

Historical Cathedrals

St Mary’s Cathedral is build towards the edge of the city center, and overlooks the city. This church has a history that is traced back to 742, where its foundation began to be used as a Christian basilica. What is currently on display has existed since the fifteenth century in all of its glory. I was able to walk around inside the church and appreciate it’s spectacular altar, and organ. Some people were in the pews with their rosary beads, but most were just there to catch a glimpse of the beautiful sanctuary.

Cathedral Interior

Erfurt Germany is adorned with many cathedrals that represent both the Catholic and the Lutheran traditions. Luther was ordained as a Catholic priest in this town, and is recognized as the reformer who started the Protestant Reformation. Following his excommunication with the Catholic Church, many Germans followed Luther and became Lutherans, but the Catholic Church still maintained a strong following. This is still evident today, and in Erfurt there are a good amount of both Catholic and Lutheran churches. Another notable church in the town was St Augustine’s Monastery, which is where Luther lived as a friar from 1505-1511.

Whether you practice religion or not, these churches are beautiful works of art that can be appreciated by anybody. If you are lucky enough to get the opportunity to visit these churches, be respectful of those who come to connect with God by being quiet. As an American I noticed a big differences in the public behavior displayed by Germans compared to what I am accustomed to. In American churches the doors are frequently locked most of the week to protect the building from thieves and from arson, but in Germany many of these timeless churches are open most of the day. And in the church there is peace and quiet, and no protesters outside making a scene, but in America the latter is a common occurrence in big churches. These were all welcomed changes that I feel like Americans should take note of.

City Center

The highlight of Erfurt was definitely the churches, but there were also some great places to eat. I ate at a few local bakeries that were well stocked with fresh baked goodies. I indulged in rhubarb pastries, and fresh pretzels at these bakeries. Additionally I checked out a local candy store that had an unbelievable amount of gummibären(gummy bears). My father spent a few of his earliest years in Germany, where these delectable candies originate from, and gummy bears did not exist in America at the time. He always told me about how big of a deal they were in Germany, and after seeing that I believed him. This whole store was almost completely full of them, as well as other traditional candies like licorice.

My favorite food I ate in Erfurt Germany was the Thuringian Bratwurst. Similar to a regular brat, but a different cut, and less fatty than a regular brat. It is also known as a Thuringer, and it was by far the best sausage I have ever eaten. Coming back to America afterwards, and eating a hot dog was significantly disappointing when compared to the variety of delicious sausages available in Germany. Erfurt Germany was a charming city to visit, and a must see destination for anyone who visits Germany.