Erfurt stands out as a city perfect for exploring on foot or via engaging guided experiences. Its charming medieval streets, iconic landmarks like the Krämerbrücke, and its unique blend of history and modernity make it a top choice for city tours. We particularly love the historic tram ride, which offers a nostalgic glimpse into the city’s past, and the literary-themed exploration that turns sightseeing into a storytelling adventure. With options ranging from traditional guided walks to immersive, activity-based tours, Erfurt invites you to see its sights in ways that resonate personally.
In this guide, we highlight the three best city tours in Erfurt. Whether you prefer riding a vintage tram, following an author-designed literary route, or discovering the city’s past through a guided walk in French, we’ve got something for every type of traveler. Each offers a different perspective—some nostalgic, some cultural, and others educational—ensuring you’ll find a tour that matches your interests and style.
Quick Overview
Our top picks include a historic tram tour that takes you through Erfurt’s most important sights on a vintage electric tram, a mystery backpack literary adventure designed by an author herself to bring Erfurt’s stories to life, and a comprehensive French-guided city walk that covers the city’s medieval core, GDR past, and must-see landmarks. For more detailed info on each, check the links below.
1. Erfurt Tour – City tour with the historic tram
At number 1 on our list, the Erfurt Tour – City tour with the historic tram offers a charming way to see the city’s highlights. This tour uses Erfurt’s electric tram, which has been running since 1894—talk about a vintage ride! For about $26 per person, you’ll hop aboard a tram that travels at a relaxed pace, echoing the 1980s, giving you time to soak in the sights without rushing.
What makes this tour stand out is the personal guidance from experienced city guides who share stories about Erfurt’s landmarks, from the medieval old town to the modern parts. The 1.5-hour ride covers key sights like the Krämerbrücke, Erfurt Cathedral, and the town hall, providing a balanced mix of history and local flavor. Guests appreciate the nostalgic feeling of riding a historic tram and the stories shared along the way. With a high rating of 4.7/5 from 144 reviews, this tour offers excellent value and a relaxed way to orient yourself in the city.
Bottom Line: If you want a fun, easy introduction to Erfurt with a sense of stepping back in time, this tram tour is a charming choice.
2. Mystery Backpack 2p: explore the city with an Erfurt novel
At number 2, the Mystery Backpack 2p offers a different kind of experience—one that combines literature, discovery, and active engagement. Designed by the author herself, this tour turns sightseeing into a story-reading adventure. For around $65 for up to 2 people, you’ll follow a route through Erfurt’s main sights, reading passages from a specially selected novel, making history feel alive.
The tour begins at Am Anger 11 and takes you through streets connected to the novel’s plot, encouraging you to use your senses and actively participate. The experience emphasizes forgetting your phone and enjoying the moment. Reviewers mention that the tour is “foul longer than expected,” which suggests it’s a leisurely, in-depth exploration rather than a rushed walk. The customized approach makes it perfect for friends, couples, or groups who enjoy storytelling, reading, and discovering the city through a literary lens.
Key highlights include the chance to visit the Hochzeitsschatz, the synagogue, and learn about Erfurt’s past through a novel-based perspective. It’s rated 4.3/5 from 7 reviews and is a fantastic choice for those who want a personal, story-driven way to explore.
Bottom Line: If you’re a reader or love thematic, active experiences, this literary adventure offers a memorable way to connect with Erfurt’s sights and stories.
3. Erfurt city tour (in French)
For around $21, the Erfurt city tour in French delivers a comprehensive 2-hour guided walk perfect for French-speaking travelers. This tour navigates the medieval city center and covers major landmarks like the Erfurt Cathedral, Krämerbrücke, and City Hall, with additional guided insights into Erfurt’s GDR past.
The itinerary is thoughtfully planned, with stops at key sights, including a 15-minute visit to the City Hall and the Krämerbrücke, followed by a longer 50-minute exploration of the cathedral. The guide shares stories about Erfurt’s imperial history and its role during the GDR era, providing context that enriches the sightseeing experience. Many reviews highlight the passionate storytelling and clarity of explanations, especially about the GDR, appealing to history enthusiasts and those wanting a thorough overview in French.
This tour is ideal for travelers wanting a culturally rich experience at a budget price. It’s well-rated at 4.6/5, and the group size ensures a personalized feel. The walk’s moderate length makes it suitable for most fitness levels.
Bottom Line: For French speakers craving a detailed, well-paced tour that combines history and city sights, this guided walk in Erfurt is an excellent choice.
$21 per person
How to Choose
When deciding between these tours, consider your interests and travel style. The historic tram is perfect if you prefer a relaxed, scenic introduction to the city. The literary mystery backpack suits those seeking an active, story-based experience, especially if you love reading or want to see the city through a novel’s lens. The French-guided tour is best for Francophone travelers wanting a comprehensive, cultural overview with historical insights.
Think about how much walking you’re comfortable with, your language needs, and whether you prefer a historical, literary, or scenic approach. Booking in advance is recommended, especially for the literary tour, which is more niche. Early spring, late summer, and early autumn provide the best weather for outdoor or walking tours.
Final Thoughts
Erfurt offers a range of engaging ways to discover its sights and stories. The historic tram ride is a nostalgic, easy way to get familiar with the city’s highlights, while the literary backpack turns sightseeing into a personal adventure that appeals to book lovers. For travelers who want a guided experience in French, the comprehensive city walk covers the city’s layers—from medieval times to the GDR era.
If you have time and interest, combining a tram ride with a walking tour could give you a well-rounded experience. For those on a budget, the French tour offers excellent value, and for those seeking a unique story-driven exploration, the mystery backpack stands out.
Whatever your choice, Erfurt’s unique mix of history, literature, and lively streets guarantees a memorable city visit. Be sure to book early if you can, and enjoy discovering this charming German city at your own pace.