Top Rated Attractions in Erfurt

Regarded as one of the city’s fascinating attractions, the Erfurt Cathedral is identifiable by its steeples and carvings. Apart from that, it also holds the Maria Gloriosa, one of the world's largest free-swinging bells, the sculptures of the Wise and Foolish Virgins and the Wolfram candelabra, which is one of Germany’s oldest free-standing cast works.

Zitadelle Petersberg forms the crowning glory of Erfurt's past. This well-preserved fortress was built on a Benedictine monastery in 1665. It was built primarily to protect the German Electorate at the time from Protestant attacks. Further on, it served as a military outpost during the two world wars. Sections of the site were opened to the public from 1963 and in the 1990s, it underwent planned restoration. The main attraction remains the eerie labyrinth of passageways that lies beneath the fortress. Tourists flock to the site to explore the area and one can also hire the help of tour guides from the region.

Established in 1959, Thüringer Zoopark Erfurt is on the foothills of Roter Berg on the northern side of the city. Encompassing 63 hectares (155.68 acres) of land, it is among the largest of its kind in the country. It houses more than 3500 animals from across the globe which includes 420 different species. Most of their enclosures imitate the natural habitats of wild beings. Check out the Berberlöwen, Lion Savannah, African Savannah, African Swamp, Monkey Jungle, Lemur Forest, Elephant House, Terrarium, White Rhino facility, Aviary, Deer Forest and other wildlife zones that are enthralling as well as educational. This zoo also features an aquarium that was opened before the menagerie and became a part of it in 2003. This zoopark also has three establishments for refreshments. Due to the huge size of this property, it might be difficult to cover the entire area, hence a second visit might be required.

Weimar between the 18th and 19th centuries became a center of cultural development, art and architecture in Germany. This period particularly flourished during Goethe's life from 1749-1832 and became a hub of development. Several notable personalities like Goethe, Schiller, Christoph Weiland and Johann Gottfried Herder contributed to the development of literature, philosophy and culture during the Classical Period. The architecture and cultural centers that were developed or used during this period include Goethe's Home and Garden House, Wittumspalais, Ettersburg Palace, Ettersburg Park and St. Peter and Paul amongst others. Thanks to the architectural embellishments, Classical Weimar was declared as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1998.

Commissioned by Grand Duke from Saxe-Weimer-Eisenach Duchy, Karl Alexander August Johann, Goethe-Schiller Monument project is considered to be one of the most remarkable ones in Germany. The striking monument features figurines of Friedrich Schiller and Johann Wolfgang Goethe in bronze. Undoubtedly, these two were among the most celebrated names of German literature. Goethe-Schiller Monument was unveiled on September 4th, 1857, on the occasion of the 100th birthday celebrations of Duke Carl August. Today, this monument is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Goethe-Schiller Monument is also explained, "as one of the most famous and most beloved monuments in the whole of Germany."

The Goethe-Nationalmuseum is a museum dedicated to one of the greatest poets the world has ever seen, Johann Wolfgang von Goethe. Goethe's House in Weimar has now been converted into the museum where you get to see how he lived and what influenced his literary accomplishments. Though this museum is hugely popular, limited visitors are allowed so that the place is not damaged by any means. A famous exhibition held here is 'The Bauhaus comes from Weimar'.