Erfurt

Erfurt

General Information
Name	Erfurt
Native Name
Other Names
Settlement Type
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Language 1
Type 1
Info 1
Location
Coordinates	50°58 N°11
Map
Population
Total
Density	per km²
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Government
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Leader
Time Zone
Standard	UTC
DST	UTC

Erfurt is the capital city of the state of Thuringia in Germany. It is located in the central part of the country and serves as an important cultural and economic hub.

History

Erfurt has a rich history that dates back to the Middle Ages. It was first mentioned in 742 AD and became an important trading town in the Holy Roman Empire. The city was a member of the Hanseatic League and played a significant role in the Reformation.

Geography

Erfurt is situated in the southern part of the Thuringian Basin, a fertile agricultural region. The city is traversed by the Gera River, which has historically provided water and transportation routes for the area.

Economy

The economy of Erfurt is diverse, with key industries including manufacturing, agriculture, and services. The city is known for its production of optical instruments, electrical equipment, and food products.

Education

Erfurt is home to the University of Erfurt, one of the oldest universities in Germany, originally founded in 1379. The university was re-established in 1994 and offers a wide range of programs in the humanities, social sciences, and education.

Culture

Erfurt boasts a vibrant cultural scene with numerous museums, theaters, and festivals. The city is famous for its well-preserved medieval architecture, including the Erfurt Cathedral and the Krämerbrücke, a unique bridge lined with shops.

Transportation

Erfurt is a major transportation hub in central Germany. It is served by the Erfurt-Weimar Airport and has excellent rail connections, including high-speed trains to major cities such as Berlin, Frankfurt, and Munich.

Notable People

• Martin Luther, the Protestant Reformer, studied at the University of Erfurt.
• Johann Sebastian Bach, the famous composer, had family ties to the city.

See Also

• Thuringia
• German cities

External Links

• Official website of Erfurt
• University of Erfurt