A little river courses through this Instagram-pretty medieval pastiche of sweeping squares, time-worn alleyways, a house-lined bridge and lofty church spires. Erfurt also boasts one of Germany's oldest universities, founded by rich merchants in 1392, where Martin Luther studied philosophy before becoming a monk at the local monastery. It's a refreshingly untouristed spot and well worth exploring.
All of Erfurt's main sights cluster in the old town, about a 10-minute walk from the train station (or quick ride on tram 3, 4 or 6). The most striking panorama unfolds on the vast Domplatz where two churches – the Mariendom and the Severikirche – form a photogenic ensemble lorded over by the vast and well-preserved Petersberg citadel.
Erfurter DomCATHEDRAL
The cathedral where Martin Luther was ordained a priest has origins as a simple 8th-century chapel that grew into the stately Gothic pile you see today. Standouts in its treasure-filled interior include the stained-glass windows; the Wolfram, an 850-year-old bronze candelabrum in the shape of a man; the Gloriosa bell (1497); a Romanesque stucco Madonna; and the intricately carved choir stalls.
The steps buttressing the cathedral make for a dramatic backdrop for the popular Domstufen-Festspiele (www.domstufen.de), a classical music festival held in July or August.
KrämerbrückeBRIDGE
Flanked by cute half-timbered houses on both sides, this charming 1325 stone bridge is the only one north of the Alps that's still inhabited. To this day people live above little shops with attractive displays of chocolate and pottery, jewellery and basic souvenirs. See the bridge from above by climbing the tower of the Ägidienkirche (usually open 11am to 5pm) punctuating its eastern end.
AugustinerklosterCHURCH
It’s Luther lore galore at the very monastery where the reformer lived from 1505 to 1511, and where he was ordained as a monk and read his first Mass. You’re free to roam the grounds, visit the church with its ethereal Gothic stained-glass windows and attend the prayer services. Guided tours of the monastery itself take in the cloister, a recreated Luther cell and an exhibit on Luther’s life in Erfurt. You can sleep here too. Enter on Comthurgasse.
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