Erfurt
FAMILIAR, GREEN AND IN THE HEART OF GERMANY

"Wenige" market © Graff/DAAD
"Wenige" market© Graff/DAAD

Erfurt is located in the state of Thuringia, the green heart of Germany. You can travel quickly to almost any corner of the state by bus or train. Erfurt itself is one of the most picturesque medieval cities in Germany and looks back on a long and eventful history. Its familiar atmosphere, walking distances and many parks make Erfurt an ideal place to study!

Facts

213,981 Inhabitants ¹

56,104 Students ²

3 Higher education institutions ²

WELCOME TO ERFURT

Erfurt’s historic city centre is one of its most attractive features – the old quarter is simply enchanting with churches and , the and the – the city’s most famous landmark.

The , an old fortress built at the gates of the old city in the 17th century, still towers majestically over the town. There are 142 bridges in Erfurt. The is the best known. On this small inhabited bridge, you will find a number of traditional and family-owned shops where you can window-shop, while away the time and enjoy yourself. The is one of the cultural highlights of the year and attracts droves of visitors every June.

The Gera River runs through the parks and gardens of the city. You can spend your free time relaxing at the riverside. The egapark in the south-western quarter of Erfurt is another great place to go – supposedly one of the largest and most beautiful park in Germany for recreation and relaxation. There are many exciting things to do around the region as well. Due to its ideal location, there are many places to visit nearby. You can travel anywhere in the state of Thuringia for free with your semester ticket. Take a trip to historic , the or go on a hiking tour through the . The „Rennsteig“ trail, for example, has been taken by hikers and nature lovers for over 700 years!

Tip

You can only call yourself a tried and true Erfurter when you know why people here call themselves „Puffbohnen“ (broad beans).

Erfurt is home to numerous children’s media and broadcasting companies and is the economic engine of the region. Mechanical engineering and horticulture are two significant business sectors as well.

CHING-HUI FROM TAIWAN

LIVING IN ERFURT

Life in Erfurt is peaceful and familiar. The medieval centre of town with its small streets and squares are energised by some 10,000 students who study at the , the and the . There’s a special feeling of community in Erfurt. You’ll always run into people you know – either on campus or downtown.

Most places are easy to reach on foot – especially downtown. That’s why it’s no problem to spontaneously make plans to meet up with friends. There are plenty of activities offered to students – even outside of the higher education institutions. Most of these activities usually take place downtown around the “Anger” and the Fish Market. The cultural magazine „t.akt“ can help you gain an overview of upcoming events. You’ll definitely get oriented quickly.                      

When it comes to music, you’ll find what you’re looking for. There are several locations catering to a broad range of musical styles as well as clubs for fans of electronic sounds. You’ll hear an entirely different set of sounds by the musician Clueso. He’s possibly the most famous musical export the city has to offer, and with any luck, you might run into him when he’s not performing at one of the city’s typical concert venues.

You could also meet up with friends at one of the many student cafés in town. You should also hang out at the beer gardens in the summertime where there is always something going on. At the weekends, there’s nothing better than feasting at an extended brunch. You can meet with friends at a café and afterwards enjoy the flair of the weekly market on the cathedral square. On Sunday evenings, you can head over to a pub and watch the latest episode of Tatort (Crime Scene) with your friends.

Links

Or enjoy one of the other cultural activities which the city offers. Theater Schotte is an amateur theatre with an excellent reputation which caters to children and young people. Its vision is to promote creativity, the joy of experimentation and individuality. The artistic repertory ranges from modern plays to the classics. And the admission fee for students is quite inexpensive.

How to find a room in Erfurt

Many university and college towns have dormitories or student halls, and a room there is often the most affordable accommodation. To obtain a room in a dormitory or student hall, you have to apply to your college or university’s student union (). Our ‘Find Student Hall’ function can be of practical help. You only need to make a few mouse clicks to get to the online application form. Find a room and more information about dormitories and student halls in Erfurt.

Sources
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² 

 

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