Erfurt is capital of the free federal state of Thuringia and at the same time the biggest town of the federal state. Erfurt is situated in the southern part of the Thuringian basin in the valley of Gera. South of the town extend the wooded mountain ranges of the Steigerwald.

The city centre of Erfurt consists of two parts. There is on the one hand the inner part of the Old Town that is dating back to the 10th century. On the other hand there is the outer part of the Old Town which was build during the 14th century. Still today the inner part reflects medieval times by Gothic parish churches and timber-framed buildings. In the outer part buildings have been built in various architectural styles. On account of its many churches Erfurt is also called „Rome of Thuringia“. The Old Town by itself harbours 22 churches! The Cathedral and the church Severinkirche are the landmarks of Erfurt. By the way, the bell of the cathedral is the biggest medieval bell in the world.

While the Old Town is rather heavily built-up, at the outskirts of Erfurt are several recreation areas as for example the Steigerwald, north beach and Ega Park. The park area of Ega Park is listed and comprises 36 hectares. Here you can see the biggest ornamentally planted flowerbed in Europe. Rose lovers will love the rose garden. Within the park are numerous thematic houses, as for instance a butterfly house with butterflies showing all the colours of the rainbow. Next door in the tropical house you can see exotic flowers and plants. Also a cactus house and an orchid house can be visited in the park. Kids will be excited by Thuringia’s biggest playground. In summer they can even swim in a terrace-shaped paddling pool.

The Thuringian zoo in the north of Erfurt is one of Germany’s biggest zoos.  1200 animals, among them elephants, rhinoceroses, lions and giraffes attract animal lovers of every age.

Erfurt’s aquarium counts 3000 animals of 368 species and has the biggest collection of fresh water fishes in Germany.

Events

Erfurt’s theatre opened in 2003 offering its audience 800 seats. Each year around 250 events are staged at the theatre. Attached is a philharmonic orchestra. Further but smaller theatres also stage many interesting plays. For kids there are two puppet theatres.

Also in Ega Park are regularly staged events, as for example the light party in August.

More information: http://www.erfurt-tourismus.de/en/all-about-erfurt/

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