Discovering Underdog Cities in Thuringia: Erfurt, Weimar, and Gotha Unveiled
Step into your very own fairytale by setting foot in Erfurt, capital city of Germany's enchanting Thuringia region. This hidden gem in Europe boasts cobblestone streets, captivating cathedrals, and vibrant squares that seamlessly weave together to create a dreamy backdrop for your vacation.
But Thuringia has much more to offer than just Erfurt. A visit to nearby Weimar and Gotha will make for the perfect week-long adventure, particularly attractive to those who appreciate classical culture and the arts. This region, nestled in the heart of Germany, is brimming with artistic treasures.
While my journey didn't start in Erfurt, this city won my heart during my German expedition, making it the ideal base for your explorations.
Erfurt
Erfurt is the largest city in the region, but with a population just over 200,000, it maintains a charming, unpretentious vibe. Although it may lack the edge of Berlin or the status of Frankfurt, it exudes a touch of sophistication that is impossible to ignore. The old town is filled with attractions that will keep you entertained for days.
Founded around 700 AD, Erfurt gradually grew in importance during the Middle Ages as a vital trading center. Thanks to the old town surviving World War II, you can experience it very much as it once was. The city is home to Germany's oldest university, giving it a lively, youthful energy, especially in the summer months when beer gardens are bustling, and every street pulses with life.
Erfurt boasts a diverse range of architectural gems to discover, and its sites, like Central Europe's oldest surviving synagogue, are inching closer to UNESCO World Heritage status. The city's blend of architecture, charming cobbled streets, and splendid wooden beamed facades make it a delightful place to wander aimlessly, camera in hand.
Erfurt is a city that encourages you to take your time, to savor every moment as you meander from one beer garden to the next, capturing the vibrant hues of the city's wooden buildings on camera. The relaxed vibe and delectable ice cream served at Eiskrämer on the Merchants Bridge only add to the allure.
The Merchants Bridge, one of the city's most famous tourist attractions, is a medieval bridge teeming with half-timbered shops and houses. Walking up St. Edgidius Tower, the church at the base of the bridge, offers breathtaking views of the city and the cobbled streets running through it. The views from the gardens at the rear of the bridge, where locals gathered on a sunny evening, are even more enchanting.
Erfurt's architecture tour continues through its main churches and cathedrals. The Gothic Erfurt Cathedral towers over the city, and inside its ceilings and stained glass windows are sheer perfection. Exploring Petersberg Hill and Citadel, with its two kilometers of stone walls and hidden tunnels, is a step into the past.
The Augustinian Monastery, where a young Martin Luther began his journey as a novice monk, is another must-visit attraction. A stroll down Kirchgasse rounds out your time in Erfurt perfectly. The rest of your day can be spent reveling in Erfurt's relaxing atmosphere, sipping local brews, and indulging in the region's renowned Bratwurst.
Gotha
Gotha, while unassuming at first glance, is steeped in history. Once the residence of the dukes of Saxe-Gotha, it boasts the earliest baroque complex in the country, Friedenstein Castle. The castle is home to Ekhof Theatre, the oldest surviving Baroque theater in the world.
Visiting Gotha was a history lesson for me as a Brit, as there are numerous links between this small German city and our royal family. It's fascinating to learn about the connections between Gotha and the House of Windsor.
Exploring Gotha's Ducal Museum offers a glimpse into the royals' extensive art collection, and a visit to the city's bustling market square is a delightful ending to a day of history and culture.
Weimar
My second side trip from Erfurt took me to Weimar, a city that captivated me in both scale and offerings. The Dubcess Anna Amalia Library, with its extensive collection of books, manuscripts, and other historical treasures, was a highlight of my visit.
Weimar's connection to influential figures like Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, Johann Sebastian Bach, and the German Enlightenment, as well as its role in the classical arts, make it a cultural powerhouse. A visit to the Wartburg Castle, nearby Eisenach, offers a glimpse into Germany's rich literary and artistic heritage.
From Erfurt, you can easily take day trips to soak up more of the Cultural Heart of Germany. Gotha and Weimar are just the beginning of an enchanting journey through time. Don't miss out on the chance to experience this hidden gem for yourself.
A visit to Weimar and Gotha, enchanting cities steeped in history and culture, completes a week-long adventure through Thuringia's artistic treasures, especially appealing to those who appreciate classical culture and the arts. Erfurt, a city that exudes a touch of sophistication, is brimming with architectural gems, museums, and beer gardens, making it an ideal base for travelers seeking a delightful lifestyle amidst the vibrant backdrop of Central Europe.
