Ellrich(Germany) Travel 2026: Cheap Flights, Hotels & Top Attractions

The best area to stay in Erfurt is the Altstadt (Old Town), where you can walk to major landmarks like Erfurt Cathedral and Krämerstraße, Germany’s longest shopping street. For a charming experience, book a room at Hotel am Dom, located just steps from the cathedral’s majestic façade. This boutique hotel blends medieval architecture with modern comforts, offering cozy rooms with exposed beams and panoramic views of the city skyline.

Alternatively, consider Friedrichsplatz, a quieter but central neighborhood near the University of Erfurt and the Stadtschloss. Here, Hotel Forum provides excellent value with spacious rooms, free Wi-Fi, and easy access to public transit. Guests enjoy walking tours through cobbled alleys and visiting the famous Erfurt Tunnel Network, an underground labyrinth dating back to the 13th century. Staying in these districts ensures immersive cultural access and authentic local charm.

For authentic Thuringian cuisine in Erfurt, head to Gasthaus zur alten Mühle, a family-run restaurant tucked in a 16th-century mill building near the Gera River. Their signature dish, Thüringer Rostbratwurst, is grilled over beechwood and served with sauerkraut and mustard—perfectly balanced and deeply flavorful. The menu also features Rippchen (pork ribs) stewed in local beer and wild mushroom dumplings.

Another must-visit is Zur Krone, located on Krämerstraße, which has been serving traditional fare since 1872. Try their Sauerbraten with red cabbage and dumplings, prepared using a century-old recipe. Both restaurants offer homemade Thuringian apple wine and seasonal beers brewed locally. Dining here isn’t just about food—it’s an immersive cultural experience rooted in regional heritage and culinary craftsmanship.

During autumn, Erfurt hosts the Herbstfest der Stadt (City Autumn Festival), featuring lantern-lit parades, folk music concerts in the Domplatz, and vintage market stalls selling handcrafted goods. A highlight is the Medieval Candlelight Tour through the Erfurt Underground Tunnels, where guides recount ghost stories and historical secrets under flickering candlelight.

You can also join a Thuringian Wine Harvest Experience at nearby vineyards, where visitors pick grapes, taste new wines, and learn about the region’s unique terroir. Many hotels partner with local artisans to offer workshops such as traditional bread baking using sourdough from the 18th century or wood carving inspired by Gothic cathedral motifs. These immersive activities provide deep cultural insight into Thuringia’s rich heritage and seasonal rhythms.

Yes, Erfurt offers several family-friendly hotels with engaging activities for children. Hotel am Dom features a dedicated kids’ corner with toys, books, and weekly themed events like “Castle Explorer Day,” where kids receive scavenger hunt maps and collect stamps at historical points around the city.

Friedrichsplatz Hotel provides complimentary family passes to the Erfurt Zoo and organizes weekend nature walks in the Gera River Park, including bug-hunting and bird-watching sessions. They also offer baby cots, high chairs, and child-sized bathrobes upon request. Some suites have interconnecting rooms, ideal for multi-generational families. All properties are within walking distance of playgrounds and museums with interactive exhibits, ensuring both comfort and fun for young travelers.

Near Erfurt, the Thüringer Wald Nature Park offers some of the finest hiking trails with breathtaking views. The Brunsberg Panorama Trail (6 km) starts just outside town and climbs to a viewpoint overlooking the entire city and surrounding forest canopy. Along the way, hikers pass ancient oak groves and stone markers from the 19th century.

Another must-do is the Gera River Valley Trail, a 7-km loop that winds through lush meadows, wooden footbridges, and crystal-clear streams. It’s ideal for families and beginners, with interpretive signs identifying local flora and fauna like red foxes, black woodpeckers, and rare orchids. Many trails begin near hotels, and rental gear—including trekking poles and backpacks—is available on-site. For the best experience, start early in the morning to avoid crowds and bring a picnic with local Thuringian rye bread and fruit juice.