Independent travel and view of the city of Erlangen! History of Erlangen Early Mentions and the Middle Ages Th...
Early Mentions and the Middle Ages
The first mention of Erlangen occurs in 1002, when Emperor Henry II granted land to the monastery of Fulda.
In the Middle Ages Erlangen remained a small settlement with fortress walls and a market. Its economy was based on agriculture, viticulture and crafts.
In the XIII-XIV centuries, the city repeatedly passed into the possession of various noble houses, including the margraves of Brandenburg-Kulmbach.
XVII century - resettlement of Huguenots
The turning point in Erlangen’s history was in 1686, when Margrave Christian Ernst of Brandenburg-Bayreuth granted refuge to French Huguenots fleeing religious persecution.
For them, a new district was founded - the New Town (Neustadt), built according to a regular plan with wide streets and rectangular quarters.
The Huguenots brought with them new crafts and knowledge: weaving, leatherwork, watchmaking, and paper production. This accelerated the economic development of Erlangen.
XVIII century - Baroque era
In the 1700-1740s, Baroque buildings were actively built in Erlangen, which have survived to this day.
In 1742, Friedrich-Alexandrov University was moved from Bayreuth to Erlangen, which became the main cultural and educational center of the city.
The university attracted scholars, students and contributed to the transformation of Erlangen into an important intellectual center of Franconia.
XIX century – industrialization
In the XIX century Erlangen became a city of industrialists and scientists.
There were factories for the production of textiles, beer and tools.
In 1844, a railway passed through the city, linking Erlangen with Nuremberg and Fürt.
At the same time, the development of the university intensified, and the city became a center of medicine and pharmaceuticals.
Twentieth Century: War and Reconstruction
During World War II, Erlangen suffered less than many German cities. A significant part of the Baroque building has been preserved.
After the war, the city actively developed as a university and scientific center.
In the 1960s, the presence of Siemens strengthened in Erlangen, making the city an important center of high technology and medicine.
Modernity
Today Erlangen is known as the "city of Siemens", where the company's major research centers and enterprises are located.
Friedrich-Alexander University continues to be one of the largest and most prestigious in Germany, with over 40,000 students.
The city combines the cosiness of the old Baroque center, the cultural life of the university city and the modern atmosphere of the scientific and technological hub.
Erlangen is one of the most cozy and unusual cities in Bavaria, located just 20 kilometers from Nuremberg. This place is ideal for travelers who want to feel the real rhythm of Germany - without the rush of metropolises, but with a rich history, culture and modern comfort.
The city is famous for its Baroque architecture, created in the XVII century by the French Huguenots. Straight streets, neat squares and exquisite facades make a walk in the center similar to time travel.
Erlangen is also called the city of students - here is the Friedrich-Alexander University, one of the largest in Germany. Thanks to this, the atmosphere in the city is always lively: concerts, festivals, exhibitions and street performances are held all year round.
Beer lovers will find a real pleasure in Erlangen: traditional Bavarian varieties, beer gardens and the famous Berchkerwa holiday - one of the largest folk festivals in the region.
The modern appearance of the city is formed by Siemens research centers, which make Erlangen an important scientific and technological center in Europe. This creates a unique combination of ancient baroque and future innovations.
Erlangen attracts tourists with its harmony: here you can enjoy architecture and history, taste Bavarian cuisine, plunge into the student atmosphere and just feel the cosiness of a real German city.
In the town of Erlangen, you will be met.private guidesThey will offer individual, individual tours.
Comfort/medium level (3-4 stars)
Hotels with good location, quality service, often with breakfast, facilities such as Wi-Fi, possibly parking, sometimes business facilities. Suitable for those who want a decent level of comfort without overpaying for luxury.
Guest houses / apartments / serviced apartments
A more homely atmosphere, small housing, amenities for independent living (mini kitchen, common area, sometimes washing machine). Good for longer stays or if a little more privacy is important.
Budget/basic options
Simple hotels, guest houses, hostels, rooms on the outskirts. Fewer services, furniture may be easier, but often enough to eat, especially if you plan to spend most of your time away from the hotel.
Examples of hotels and budget places in Erlangen
B&B Hotel Erlangen-Tennenlohe (Ibis Budget Nürnberg Tennenlohe Erlangen) is a budget/medium option. Price is about 49 €/night. Conveniently located, a good choice if you do not need to be right in the historic center
Old Town Guesthouse Erlangen is a guest house in the old town, very good location, comfort, clean, pleasant atmosphere. Price from about 56 €/night. It is suitable for those who want to be closer to the center and are not afraid of small rooms.
Holiday Inn Express Erlangen is a higher level, amenities, brand, often additional services. Suitable if standards, confident quality and a little more convenience are important.
Erlangen is a cozy Bavarian city with a rich historical heritage, an atmosphere of university life and an amazing combination of ancient architecture and modern dynamics. Here every traveler will find something special: majestic palaces and well-groomed gardens, colorful Huguenot quarters, famous beer hills and lively pedestrian streets with cafes and shops. Thanks to the compactness of the city and developed transport, acquaintance with its sights turns into an easy and exciting walk.
1. Margrave Palace (Schloss Erlangen)
Built in the XVIII century in the Baroque style, for a long time was the residence of margraves.
Today it is part of Friedrich-Alexandrov University.
Nearby is the beautiful Palace Garden (Schlossgarten) with fountains and alleys. In summer concerts and festivals are often held here.
Walk from the central station in 10-15 minutes.
2. New Huguenot City (Hugenottenstadt)
A unique quarter, built in the XVII century for French Huguenot settlers.
It has straight streets, symmetrical layout and strict Baroque architecture.
It is pleasant to walk here, viewing old buildings and cozy courtyards.
Downtown, convenient for walking.
3. Huguenott Tower (Hugenottenturm)
The symbol of Erlangen, built by the Huguenots in the XVII century.
It offers a panorama of the city and surroundings.
Walk from the city center about 20 minutes or 5-7 minutes by bus.
4. University Botanical Garden
One of the oldest botanical gardens in Germany, founded in 1747.
There are more than 4000 species of plants, greenhouses with tropical flora.
It is located next to the palace and the Palace Garden, convenient for a joint visit.
5. Beer Cellars and Festival Bergkirchweih (Berch)
The most famous attraction for lovers of Bavarian culture.
Annual national holiday with beer tents, attractions and concerts.
Takes place in early June and gathers hundreds of thousands of guests.
The venue is the Berg Beer Hills, about 15-20 minutes walk from the station or 5-7 minutes by bus.
6. Evangelical City Church (Evangelische Stadtkirche)
Beautiful temple in the city center, made in the style of classicism.
Organ music concerts are held inside.
Easily accessible on foot while walking through the old centre.
7. Old neighborhoods and pedestrian streets
The center of Erlangen is pleasant streets with shops, cafes and restaurants.
Especially interesting is the area around Hugenottenplatz and Marktplatz, where markets and fairs take place.
Everything is comfortable for hiking.
Transport accessibility
On foot: most of the attractions are located in the center and are within a 15-20 minute walk from the station.
Buses: The city has a convenient bus network that connects the station, university, residential areas and beer hills.
Bicycle: Erlangen is the “city of bicycles”, there are many bike paths and rental stations.
From Nuremberg: regular trains (S-Bahn) will take you to Erlangen in 15-20 minutes, which is convenient for tourists living in a big city.
Erlangen is not only a city with a rich history and cozy atmosphere, but also a place where bright events take place all year round that can interest a variety of travelers. Ancient traditions come to life here, music sounds in the open air, lovers of literature and art gather, and during the festive months the city turns into a real fairy tale. The cultural calendar of Erlangen is filled with festivals, fairs and concerts, and every tourist can choose the right time to visit to see the city in its festive appearance.
March to April:
Frühjahrsmarkt (Spring Fair) - shopping arcades in the central square, handicrafts, sweets and street food.
First classical music concerts in Stadtkirche and university halls.
June:
Bergkirchweih (Bergkirchwai) is the most famous festival of the city, an ancient beer festival that lasts almost 2 weeks and attracts thousands of guests. The atmosphere resembles Oktoberfest, but more chambered and cozy.
Klassik am Berg - open-air summer concerts on the beer hills.
August to September:
Erlanger Poetenfest is a literary festival with readings, discussions and meetings with writers. One of the most famous literary forums in Germany.
Herbstmarkt (Autumn Fair) - handicraft and farm products, traditional Bavarian cuisine.
December:
Erlanger Weihnachtsmarkt is the main winter holiday. Marktplatz opens holiday houses with mulled wine, sweets, jewelry and souvenirs.
Winter organ concerts and festive productions at Stadtkirche.
Erlangen is located in northern Bavaria and has a temperate climate: winter is mild, summer is warm, and autumn and spring are quite comfortable for walking. The city is not located near the sea, so the water temperature concerns primarily the lakes and rivers of the region (for example, canals and small bathing areas around Nuremberg).
Spring (March-May)
Air temperature:
March: +7 ... +12 °C during the day, at night about +2 °C,
April: +12...+17 °C
May: +17 ... +22 °C.
The weather is changeable: rain is possible, but by May it becomes sunny and warm.
The water in the nearby lakes and canals warms up only by the end of May - up to +16. +18°C.
A good time for walking around the city, parks and botanical gardens.
Summer (June-August)
Air temperature:
June: +22...+25 °C,
July: +24...+28 °C (warmest month)
August: +23 ... +27 °C.
Nights remain cool (+13...+16 °C), so the air is fresh.
Water in lakes and rivers warms up to +20. +23 °C, on hot days can reach +25 °C.
Great season for festivals, walks and bicycle tours.
Autumn (September-November)
Air temperature:
September: +18...+22 °C,
October: +12... +16 °C,
November: +6 ... +10 °C.
Autumn is soft and golden, especially beautiful in parks and palace gardens.
The water gradually cools: in September another +18 ° C, by November it falls to +8 ° C. +10°C.
Good time for cultural events (literary festival, fairs).
Winter (December – February)
Air temperature:
December: +2...+5 °C during the day, at night about 0 °C,
January: 0...+3 °C,
February: +2...+6 °C.
Snow falls rarely and usually for a short time, often rains.
The water in the reservoirs is cold: +2 ... +4 ° C.
A great time for the Christmas market and the winter atmosphere, but not for walking on the water.
In Erlangen, as in the whole of Germany, there are peculiarities of communication, cultural traditions and laws that should be taken into account by tourists. This will help you feel comfortable and avoid embarrassing situations.
Language of communication
The main language is German.
Erlangen is a university city, so many young people and service workers speak English.
Politeness is very important: strangers are better addressed with “Sie” (respectful “you”) rather than “du”.
Traditions and customs
Punctuality is one of the main rules. A delay of 5-10 minutes is considered impolite.
Greetings: It is customary to shake hands when meeting and saying goodbye. Companies often welcome everyone in person.
Tipping: usually leave 5-10% of the bill or round it.
Behavior at festivals (e.g. Bergkirchweih): fun is welcome, but it is important not to overdo it with alcohol and respect others.
Waste sorting is mandatory, even tourists in apartments can be reminded of this.
Laws and regulations
Documents: You need to have a passport. Hotels are usually asked to fill out a registration card.
Alcohol: Beer and wine can be bought from the age of 16, strong drinks from the age of 18. Drinking beer on the street is allowed, but it is important to behave culturally.
Smoking: prohibited in public spaces, restaurants and transport. There are special areas for smokers.
Road rules:
Pedestrians should cross the road only on a “zebra” or a green signal.
For switching to a red light, even with an empty road, you can be fined (a fine of about 5-10 €).
Transport: Ticket controls are in place on buses and trains. Ticketless travel is a fine of 60 €.
Useful advice to tourists
A few German phrases (for example, "Guten Tag" - "Good day", "Danke" - "Thank you") will help to win over the locals.
Smile and respectful treatment make communication much easier.
Keep an eye on shop opening times: most close at 20:00, and on Sundays almost everything does not work.
A trip to Erlangen will become even more pleasant and comfortable if you master a few simple German words and expressions in advance. Even basic phrases will make it easy to navigate the city, order food at a restaurant, buy tickets or seek help. Germans appreciate the respectful treatment and efforts of guests to speak their language, so such knowledge will not only facilitate communication, but also make your stay in Erlangen warmer and more friendly.
Greetings and courtesy
Hallo! - Hello!
Guten Tag! - Good afternoon!
Guten Morgen! - Good morning!
Guten Abend! - Good evening!
Tschüss! - Bye!
Auf Wiedersehen! - Goodbye!
Bitte. - Please. (Bite)
Danke. - Thank you. (Danke)
Entschuldigung. - Excuse me/ Excuse me. (Entschuldigung)
At the hotel.
Ich habe ein Zimmer reserviert. - I have a reservation. (their hub ain zimmer reservirt)
Wie viel kostet das Zimmer pro Nacht? - How much does a room cost per night?
Können Sie mir bitte den Schlüssel geben? Can you give me the key, please?
Gibt es WLAN? - Is there Wi-Fi?
Cafe and restaurant
Ich möchte bitte die Speisekarte. - I'd like a menu. (their mechte beate di spaisekarte)
Ein Bier, bitte. - One beer, please. (ain bir, beate)
Ein Glas Wasser, bitte. - A glass of water, please. (in voice vasser, beate)
Die Rechnung, bitte. - Check, please. (di rehnung, bite)
Stimmt so. No change is required (most often with a tip). (stimt zo)
Transportation.
Wo ist der Bahnhof? - Where's the station?
Wie komme ich zum Zentrum? - How do you get to the center?
Eine Fahrkarte nach Nürnberg, bitte. - One ticket to Nuremberg, please. (Ainé Farkarte nah Nuremberg, bité)
Wie viel kostet das Ticket? - How much is the ticket?
In the store.
Wie viel kostet das? - How much does it cost?
Haben Sie das in einer anderen Größe? Do you have it in a different size?
Ich nehme das. - I'll take it. (their neme das)
Emergency situations
Hilfe! - Help me!
Rufen Sie bitte die Polizei! - Call the police, please!
Rufen Sie einen Krankenwagen! - Call an ambulance!
Ich habe mich verlaufen. - I'm lost. (their habe mih farlaufen)
Erlangen, as a typical Bavarian city, offers tourists not only interesting experiences, but also many unique things to take home - from delicious delicacies to traditional souvenirs.
Unique dishes and products
Bavarian sausages (Bratwurst, Weißwurst) are fresh and smoked sausages that are cooked directly at markets and festivals. Great gastronomic gift.
Gingerbread from Nuremberg (Lebkuchen) - near Erlangen is Nuremberg, famous for its honey gingerbread with nuts and spices.
Bavarian beer is especially popular seasonal varieties that are brewed for festivals, for example, for Bergkirchweih. Small breweries in the city offer unique bottles with local labels.
Regional cheeses and smoked meats are sold at farmers’ markets, often in holiday packaging.
Medicinal and useful remedies
Herbal teas (Kräutertee) are mixtures from local pharmacies and shops based on traditional recipes.
Natural cosmetics and care products (Weleda, Kneipp) are brands with Bavarian roots, widely represented in pharmacies.
Essential oils and balms on herbs, which are often brought as a “pharmacy souvenir” from Germany.
Souvenirs and gifts
Beer mugs (Bierkrug) are traditional, with a lid or painted, often with the coat of arms of Bavaria or the symbols of Erlangen.
Porcelain and ceramics – there are workshops in the region offering handmade utensils.
Wooden toys and figurines are a tradition of German artisans, especially popular during the Christmas season.
Attribute of the University (Friedrich-Alexander University) - T-shirts, mugs and souvenirs with symbols in memory of the academic atmosphere of the city.
The safety of holidays in Erlangen, as in Germany as a whole, is at a high level. The city is clean, comfortable, with a well-organized infrastructure, but the tourist should still prepare in advance for the rest to pass calmly.
Documents required
Passport or ID-card – you always need to have an ID card.
Visa – for citizens of countries outside the Schengen area, a Schengen visa is required. EU citizens can enter with an ID card.
Registration at the hotel - when checking in, you need to fill out a registration form with passport data.
Insurance
Medical insurance is mandatory, it is desirable to obtain insurance covering emergency medical care, hospitalization and transportation.
Travel insurance – recommended for baggage loss, travel cancellation or other unforeseen situations.
Emergency services phones
Police - 110
Ambulance and Fire Service - 112
Tourist information and on-site assistance can be checked at hotels or city information centers.
Mobile communications
All major German mobile operators (Telekom, Vodafone, O2) operate in Erlangen.
Tourists can connect a local SIM card or use roaming.
Wi-Fi is available in many hotels, cafes and public places.
Term of stay
For citizens of the Schengen area: free movement without visa and registration.
Citizens of visa-free countries are usually allowed to stay in Germany and other Schengen countries for up to 90 days in a 180-day period.
For long-term stay, a visa or residence permit is required.
Create a query and local guides will offer you the best options
