Merchants' Bridge (Krämerbrücke)

The Krämerbrücke (Merchants' Bridge) in Erfurt is a medieval stone bridge lined on both sides with half-timbered houses, still lived in and filled with small shops. Erfurt bills it as the longest continuously built-up and inhabited bridge in Europe. Spanning the Gera River in the heart of Thuringia's capital, it is the city's signature sight and one of the most charming corners of central Germany.

A Bridge on the King's Road

The bridge stood on the Via Regia, a major medieval trade route across Europe. First recorded as a wooden bridge in 1117, it was rebuilt in stone and completed in 1325. After a great fire in 1472, the houses were rebuilt, and by 1486 there were 62 narrow homes on the bridge. Many were later merged, leaving the 32 houses you see today.

At its eastern end stands the Church of St. Aegidius, first mentioned as a bridge chapel in 1110; its counterpart at the western end was demolished long ago.

Things to Do on the Krämerbrücke

• Browse the shops: Look for Thuringian blue-print fabric, hand-painted ceramics, glass from Lauscha, jewelry, wood carvings, local delicacies and wines from the Unstrut valley.
• See it from below: From the street you hardly notice you are on a bridge. Walk down to the riverbank to see the arches and the timber-framed houses overhanging the water.
• Climb the church tower: The tower of St. Aegidius offers views over the bridge roofs and the old town. As of October 2026 it is open Tuesday to Sunday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Visit the bridge exhibition: In the Haus der Stiftungen (No. 31), a permanent exhibition with a 1:100 model explains the bridge's history.

Tips for Your Visit

The bridge is free and open at all times, while shops keep their own hours. Allow about an hour, more if you love browsing. The traditional Krämerbrückenfest takes place on the third weekend of June and draws big crowds. Come early in the morning or in the evening for quieter photos. The street is cobbled and the approach from Benediktsplatz is short but steep, so wheelchair users may need assistance; a ramp detour via Gotthardstraße is available. Prices in the shops are in euros.

How to Get to Erfurt's Krämerbrücke

Erfurt is a major hub on Germany's high-speed rail network, with ICE trains taking about two hours from Berlin and roughly two to two and a half hours from Frankfurt or Munich. From Erfurt Hauptbahnhof, take a tram toward the old town; the nearest stop is about 250 meters from the bridge, or walk there in around 20 minutes. Drivers should use one of the central parking garages, such as Domplatz or Am Hirschgarten. The city's tourist office is right at the western end of the bridge on Benediktsplatz.

Is It Worth Visiting?

Yes. The Krämerbrücke is a rare survivor: a living medieval street built on a bridge. Combine it with Erfurt's Cathedral Square, the Old Synagogue and the old town for a rewarding day trip from Leipzig, Weimar or Berlin.