Mystery Backpack 2p: explore the city with an Erfurt novel

Erfurt’s Mystery Backpack Tour: A Literary Journey Through the City

If you’re looking for a way to explore Erfurt that’s both active and meaningful, the Mystery Backpack 2p tour offers a fresh take on sightseeing. For $65 per group of two, you receive a thoughtfully designed two-hour experience that takes you through the city’s core, guided by an intriguing blend of literature and local history. Starting at a cozy bookshop in the city center, this tour invites you to forget your phone, use your senses, and step into Erfurt’s past through the pages of carefully chosen historic novels.

What makes this experience stand out is its personalized, self-guided structure. You’re handed a backpack filled with a historic novel, a city map, seat pads, and a surprise. The author herself has crafted the tour, ensuring an authentic narrative that weaves through real locations. Two elements we particularly love: first, the engagement of reading passages at specific sites, which makes history feel tangible; second, the use of your senses and activity—no passive sightseeing here. A possible consideration is that some groups might take longer than two hours, especially if they choose to linger or explore additional sites, which adds a layer to planning your visit.

This tour is best suited for groups of friends, couples, or small parties who appreciate a literary twist to history and enjoy walking at a relaxed pace. If you love discovering places through stories and conversations rather than just monuments, this is a charming way to see Erfurt.

Key Points

• Unique Literary Approach: The tour combines local history with passages from a historic novel, making each stop more vivid.
• Self-Guided Flexibility: You are free to explore at your own pace, making it suitable for those who prefer personalized timing.
• Authentic Sites & Stories: Designed by the author, the route ensures you see key medieval landmarks and learn their stories.
• Engaging and Activity-Based: Forget your phone, use your senses, and actively participate in the storytelling.
• Cost-Effective Experience: At $65, it offers good value, especially considering the personalized, immersive nature.
• Suitable for Various Interests: Perfect for history buffs, literature lovers, or anyone wanting an authentic, active city experience.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An In-Depth Look at the Mystery Backpack Tour in Erfurt

The Foundation of the Experience

This self-guided walking tour starts at the bookstore on Am Anger or a pre-arranged meeting point, giving you flexibility in your schedule. Once you receive your backpack, you’re equipped with a historic novel based on factual events, which sets the tone for the entire exploration. The inclusion of seat pads suggests some stops may be seated outdoors, adding comfort to your journey, and the surprise item valued around 15 euros hints at additional local treats or souvenirs that enhance the experience.

The Novel and Its Significance

The tour’s backbone is the novel you receive, available across five themes:

• Blue Gold: Covering the 17th-century woad trade
• The Beer Ruler: Focusing on brewing in the 17th century
• Love Conquers All (or The Lost Treasure): Delving into 14th-century Jewish life and UNESCO sites
• The Abbot of Petersberg: Exploring 15th-century monastery crimes
• Martin Luther in Erfurt: Detailing the Reformation-era church history

Each theme offers a distinct lens on Erfurt’s past, allowing you to choose what interests you most. This tailored approach ensures you’re not just ticking off sights, but engaging with stories that resonate.

The Itinerary: Exploring by Passage and Place

The tour begins at Am Anger 11, a central spot perfect for kicking off your adventure. From there, it’s a walk through the medieval city center, with stops that correspond to passages in the novel.

While the exact locations aren’t exhaustively listed, based on reviews, you might find yourself near landmarks like the houses associated with historical figures or UNESCO sites. One review mentions visiting the Synagogue and Schatz im Keller (Treasure in the cellar), adding a layer of historical depth. The route is crafted to balance walking, reading, and absorbing the atmosphere—a more active approach than sitting on a bus or taking a typical guided tour.

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Authenticity and Engagement

Participants have noted how this method brings history and architecture to life. “Viel über das Handwerk gelernt” (learned a lot about craft trades) and feeling “zurück versetzt” (transported back in time) are common impressions. The storytelling, read aloud at each stop, fosters a sense of intimacy and immediacy—you’re not just observing from afar but living the history through the words and your senses.

The Pace and Flexibility

The two-hour duration is ideal for a relaxed exploration, but as one reviewer pointed out, some groups might need longer—whether to linger at certain sites or to read passages more thoroughly. This flexibility is a plus, giving you control over your experience.

Comfort and Accessibility

The inclusion of seat pads suggests the tour is designed with comfort in mind, especially since it involves outdoor walking and reading at various spots. It is also wheelchair accessible, making it inclusive for more visitors.

Value and What You Get

For $65, you receive a personalized, literature-based tour that mixes history, storytelling, and physical activity. Compared to traditional guided tours, this offers a more intimate and flexible experience, especially as it’s private. The tour plan, crafted by the author, guarantees you’ll see the key sights and hear compelling stories.

Reviews and Authentic Feedback

The reviews echo the value of this experience: one mentions it being a “wonderful way to experience the city” and highlights the feelings of connection it fosters. Another appreciates the relaxed nature of the walk and the way it brings buildings to life. The fact that some participants took longer than the scheduled time indicates that personal pace and interest levels can vary, which is a good thing for customizing your visit.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This activity is best suited for literature lovers, history enthusiasts, or travelers who enjoy active sightseeing. If you prefer guided groups with fixed schedules, this might seem too flexible, but if you like exploring on your own with a narrative twist, it’s perfect. It’s especially appealing if you’re intrigued by local stories tied directly to well-chosen landmarks, making the city’s past feel immediately relevant and tangible.

The Sum Up

The Mystery Backpack 2p tour in Erfurt offers a refreshing blend of storytelling, active exploration, and local authenticity. For just $65, you gain a personalized experience that’s as much about engaging your senses and imagination as it is about seeing the sights. It encourages you to think beyond the typical photo stops and dive into the stories that shaped Erfurt’s streets.

If you enjoy literature, history, and walking at your own pace, this tour provides a rich, meaningful way to connect with the city’s past. It’s a wonderful choice for small groups, couples, or solo travelers looking for an experience that combines education with a sense of adventure.

FAQ

How long does the tour last?
The tour is designed to last about two hours, but some groups may take longer depending on how much they linger at sites or read passages.

Where does the tour start and end?
It begins either at the bookstore on Am Anger or a pre-arranged meeting point by email. The tour concludes back at the starting location.

What is included in the backpack?
You’ll find a historic novel, two seat pads, a city map, a tour plan, and a local surprise, making the experience both comfortable and immersive.

Can the tour be customized?
While the route and passages are pre-planned based on the chosen theme, you have some flexibility in pacing and exploring additional sites if desired.

Is the tour wheelchair accessible?
Yes, the tour is accessible for wheelchair users, with thoughtful inclusion of seat pads and manageable walking distances.

Is there a cancellation policy?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Booking is flexible with the option to reserve now and pay later.

What language is the tour conducted in?
The tour is offered in German, so some familiarity with the language will enhance your experience.

Whether you’re a literature enthusiast, a history buff, or simply looking for a more active way to see Erfurt, this tour offers a personal and memorable way to connect with the city’s stories. It’s a well-priced, carefully crafted experience that rewards curiosity and a love for authentic exploration.

You can check availability for your dates here: