Welcome to Erfurt, Thuringia’s vibrant and diverse regional capital.

It is of course possible to describe Erfurt, a city that dates back 1,280 years, but it’s much better to see, smell, taste and experience it for yourself. That is the only way to truly appreciate its many facets.

Located in the lush heart of Germany and at the centre of Europe, Erfurt is quick and easy to get to. Whether you arrive at the award-winning InterCityExpress station or via the excellent autobahn links, Erfurt is the place to be. The city was already an important trading hub in the Middle Ages, owing to its central location at the crossroads of two major European trading routes, the Via Regia and the Nuremberg Geleitstrasse.

Today, in its role as the region’s main urban centre, Erfurt unites many different cultures and lifestyles. As a university city it offers excellent prospects and it is also an important location for business.

Away from work, the people of Erfurt like to head to the old quarter, one of Germany’s largest single heritage sites. The medieval centre is characterised by historical buildings, narrow winding streets and pretty squares along the tributaries of the Gera river. In summer, locals of all ages flock to the many cafés and restaurants to enjoy the mediterranean ambience and listen to the street musicians.

The people of Erfurt are very proud of the city’s most famous landmarks, particularly the Merchants’ Bridge and the impressive ensemble of Erfurt Cathedral and the Church of St Severus.The Petersberg Citadel delights visitors with a fantastic view and an interactive exhibition on the history of the fortification.

If you are looking for peace and relaxation, then head for the city’s many parks and gardens. The egapark is one of Germany’s most beautiful parks, especially since its revamp for the Federal Horticultural Show in 2021.

Did you know that the residents of Erfurt are known as puffbohnen. As early as the Middle Ages, puffbohnen, or broad beans, were an important and popular part of the local diet. To this day, the nickname reflects how much the locals love this vegetable.

These initial impressions merely hint at how rich and varied Erfurt is, and how many aspects there are to this remarkable city. We hope that you settle quickly and find your home for life in Erfurt.

The "Jewish-Medieval Heritage Erfurt" is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. When the decision of the World Heritage Committee was finalised in September 2023, there was great rejoicing in Erfurt, as only the most outstanding testimonies to human and natural history are awarded this title.

The "Jewish-Medieval Heritage Erfurt" are the Old Synagogue, the Medieval Mikveh and the so-called "Stone House".

The Old Synagogue is the oldest, largest and best-preserved medieval synagogue in Central Europe with its oldest parts dating back to the 11th century. In 2009, an extraordinary museum was created where the medieval material testimonies of Erfurt‘s Jewish community are accessible to the public.
The centrepiece of the exhibition is the "Erfurt Treasure". It dates back to the 13th/14th century and is unique in the world in terms of type and size with 3,141 silver coins, 14 silver bars, over 700 pieces of Gothic gold and silver work as well as the jewish wedding ring.

The Mikveh, the traditional Jewish immersion bath of the medieval community, is located in the immediate vicinity of the Merchants' Bridge. Anyone who would like to visit it has the the opportunity to take a guided tour.

The "Stone House" can be admired from the outside near the Benediktsplatz.