The major point of interest in Erfurt is the famous medieval bridge Krämerbrücke. It is famous because it is one of the few remaining bridges which has inhabited buildings on it. In fact when we first reach it we don’t even notice it is a bridge, only when you go down a side you can see that this branch of the Gera River is flowing beneath it. In fact looking from the side is likely the best view to appreciate the bridge and the half timbered houses that are lining the bridge.
We take our time enjoying the bridge from below and crossing on a separate bridge to see it from both sides of the Breitstrom, the branch of the Gera River over which it sits.
And then it is time to walk on the bridge and if you walk on the bridge it feels you are on a normal street, there is no feel that you are on a bridge as the houses are blocking all views of the creek. There are also quite some interesting shops including one for building and repairing puppets, it feels like we are back in the Middle Ages, the good ones.
Another point of interest for the bridge is that on one end sits a Church St Giles’ church. Interestingly there were two churches, on both sides, that were also the gates protecting the bridge.
We decide to explore the surviving church and it is up and up as it actually sits right above the bridge entrance. And then there is a climb into the tower but that one is for extra money and it is hot and we decide not to do it.
Now we take the bridge back to the side from which we originally came as we are getting hungry and want to find a good lunch place before leaving towards Trier.
