Let's go to the Thuringian capital!

Friday

You start by taking in Erfurt's stunning old town after moving into your vacation apartment. Everything is accessible on foot, even with a baby carriage, buggy, or handcart, despite the old cobblestones.

The Krämerbrücke is the day's high point. It is Europe's oldest bridge that has been continuously constructed and occupied. You are welcome to browse and meander through the tiny, unique shops and cafés. This iconic structure in Erfurt spans the River Gera, which here forms a little ford and is ideal for a cool summertime swim. Around the Krämerbrücke, you can also find some of the KiKA characters: Sandmann, Schnatterinchen, and Moppi are waiting for you on the Gera, and you shouldn't miss the opportunity to snap a selfie with Pittiplatsch atop the Rathausbrücke.

With a stunning view of the Krämerbrücke, the Augustiner beer garden is situated right on the Gera ford. Here, parents may unwind with a refreshing drink and a filling meal. With the beer garden visible, the Kikaninchen playground is a great place for kids to run off steam. Or would you rather have some lovely ice cream from "Zucker & Zimt" or "Goldhelm"? Or would you rather go to "Hans im Glück" for a delicious bowl? There is something in Erfurt for every taste

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On Saturday

To guarantee that you are well-prepared for the many positive impressions, start the day with a substantial meal.
The tourist office on Benediktsplatz is the first place to visit. You can gather all the information you require right here. For your discovery tour, a city map comes in helpful. The tourist office is also the starting point for a kid-friendly city march. You will visit unique locations on the tour where fascinating inquiries about Erfurt will be addressed. At the Tourist Information, you will find a small surprise waiting for you once you have solved the questions.

Once the city rally is over, you can walk or take the streetcar to the cathedral square, past the figures of Bernd the Bread and the Tiger Duck. The impressive view of the cathedral and the Severi Church can be enjoyed particularly well from the cathedral steps with a delicious Thuringian bratwurst.

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With renewed energy, you head uphill to the Petersberg, which you can easily reach by panoramic elevator as an alternative to walking. Numerous attractions have been added to the Petersberg after the 2021 Federal Horticultural Show. The display in the Commandant's House is one of them. This is not a place for dry facts; participation and touching are welcome. Assist the builders in constructing the fortress walls, interact with the Mainz Elector Bishop von Schönborn's image, and hear the fortress staff playing cards.

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If you're in the mood for more action, you can go on a Petersberg rally with the kids or scare yourselves on an exciting guided tour through the so called Horchgänge. Not to be missed: The view of Erfurt and the surrounding area from the Petersberg plateau, the Kommandantengarten or the Bastionskronenpfad is magnificent. Fidi the bat, who watches over the city not far from the Kommandantenhaus, thinks so too.

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For dinner, head back to the old town. If you want to enjoy classic Thuringian cuisine, the “Güldenen Rade” is the place for you. You will also find a large selection of other good restaurants at the fish market or on the Anger, such as the “Block House” with its tasty steaks. Vegetarian and vegan alternatives are of course also available.
Finally, as you stroll through the city center towards your vacation apartment, keep an eye out for more KiKA characters. Who will spot Tabaluga or Mouse & Elephant?

Sunday

One of Germany's biggest and most well-liked leisure and recreation parks, egapark Erfurt, receives all of the attention on the final day of the Erfurt weekend. A trip to the ega grounds can easily take several hours. This place won't be dull, for sure.
After a relaxed breakfast, pack your bags, load up the car and drive to egapark Erfurt, where you can easily find a parking space. The egapark streetcar stop is near the entrance, so you can also use it if you'd rather. You may rent a handcart at the store, so leave yours in the car.

You can walk across the park by vibrant flowerbeds and visual axis on the vast, well-kept grounds. The egapark Express leaves every half hour from the store and is a good way to see the park for the first time. The Danakil, the first house of its sort amid the world's desert and jungle, is a particular highlight. Where else can you travel between two temperature zones with such ease and get a close-up look at both the verdant forest and the seemingly hostile desert? Animals and plants are close enough to touch: the funny ground squirrels are easy to observe, while you have to make a little effort to spot all the birds and butterflies in the dense jungle.
 

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Adventures make you hungry, so it's time for lunch at Danakil Restaurant. With your energy levels up, you can continue touring the grounds in the early afternoon. The observation tower offers a wonderful view of the ega, Erfurt, and the surrounding countryside. Finally, it's time to head to the playground. This is for sure the children's favorite part. The playground is Thuringia's largest, and while the children play, parents could relax. But, before you leave, make sure to visit the KiKA pavilion. Here you can snap the final memento shots with the various KiKA characters. The ideal conclusion to an interesting weekend in Erfurt. 

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Head picture and photos: ©Florian Trykowski, Thüringer Tourismus GmbH