After spending a day in Fürth and Nuremberg, Erlangen, as the last city in the triangle of cities, was a must. From historic squares and green oases to small, owner-operated shops and a traditional brewery, the city of 120,000 inhabitants has something to offer everyone. Armed with our cameras, we wandered through the city and visited some of the most beautiful sights in Erlangen. In the following article, we have written down our impressions for you. Enjoy browsing!

• Interesting facts about the city of Erlangen
• The most beautiful sights in Erlangen
• Restaurants & Cafés
• Events in Erlangen
• Our hotel in Erlangen
• Travel tips for Erlangen

Interesting facts about the city of Erlangen

Erlangen is a city with a fascinating history and vibrant culture. First mentioned in documents in 1002, it later became the residence of Margrave Christian Ernst of Brandenburg-Bayreuth in the 18th century, which led to the city’s flourishing development. Today, Erlangen is best known for its renowned Friedrich-Alexander University, which attracts many students from all over the world and gives some parts of the city a youthful flair.

Erlangen is often called the “Huguenot City” because many Protestant Huguenots fled here from France in the 17th century. These Huguenots left a lasting cultural influence on the city and its architecture. The Huguenot Church and the Huguenot Fountain in Erlangen are just two examples of the Huguenot influence on the city.

The city is also an important location for research and development in Germany. It is home to several important research institutions and companies, particularly in the fields of medical technology and information and communications technology. The global technology company Siemens has a long history in Erlangen. The city is home to one of Siemens’ largest factories and is an important location for the company’s electronics and industrial technology divisions. Erlangen has an active arts and cultural scene. The Markgrafentheater Erlangen is a renowned venue for theater performances and concerts. There are also numerous galleries and art exhibitions in the city. One of the oldest folk festivals also takes place here: the Erlangen Bergkirchweihe (Consecration of the Church of the Holy Cross), first celebrated in 1755, is known far beyond Germany’s borders. The beer gardens at the Felsenkeller, countless stalls, and rides attracted almost a million visitors in 2025.

The most beautiful sights in Erlangen

Several beautiful sights and highlights await you in Erlangen. We recommend at least a full day to explore the city, but two days are better, of course. The sights can be perfectly combined with a walk. We have marked all the important spots for you on the map below.

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1. Erlangen Castle Square & Market Square

Let’s begin our journey in the heart of the city. Together with the market square, the Castle Square forms the lively center of the city. Surrounding it are several noteworthy buildings, such as the Stutterheim Palace and the castle (now the university). You can also admire the Margrave Monument on the Castle Square and the Pauli Fountain in the middle of the market square. A visit to the Café Mengin, located in a charming half-timbered building, is also popular.

The highlight of the week is certainly the market, which takes place there every Tuesday and Friday and offers fresh local produce and specialties – a true paradise for gourmets and connoisseurs. Handmade products and artisan goods are also offered here. In addition to the weekly market, regular events take place on the market square, providing entertainment and variety throughout the year. ☞ To the event overview.

2. Erlangen Castle Garden

This extensive castle garden in Erlangen is a place of peace and relaxation for residents and visitors alike. With well-kept green spaces, tall trees, and blooming flowerbeds, the castle garden offers an idyllic setting for strolls and picnics. Every year in June, the university’s popular Castle Garden Festival takes place here.

On the western edge of the park is Erlangen Castle, once the residence of the Margraves of Brandenburg-Ansbach. Today, it houses the university administration of the Friedrich-Alexander University. Together with the impressive Huguenot Fountain and Orangery, it is a pleasant place to stroll and take photos.

• Address: Schlossplatz 4, 91054 Erlangen
• Opening hours: From May to September, from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m.; October – April from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m.
• Restaurants outside the garden: e.g. Amir Der KaffeeMann
• Admission: free

3. Botanical Garden

For nature lovers, the Botanical Garden in Erlangen is an absolute must. It is home to a fascinating variety of plants from all over the world. You can stroll for free through the exotic greenhouses, which are home to tropical plants from faraway lands. We love gardens like these because it’s always like a little trip around the world. We particularly liked the lovingly designed themed gardens and the tropical greenhouses.

The Botanical Garden not only serves as an oasis of peace but also has important scientific significance. The University of Erlangen-Nuremberg uses the garden for research and teaching in the fields of botany and ecology. Exhibitions and themed tours also take place regularly. For more information about the various tours, please visit the university’s website.

• Address: Loschgestraße 1-3, 91054 Erlangen
• Opening hours: vary depending on the area ☞ Botanical Garden opening hours
• Admission prices: free (donations possible)
• Dates & You can find guided tours here: Botanical Garden Dates

4. Markgrafentheater in Erlangen

Another attraction in Erlangen is the Markgrafentheater. Built in the Rococo style, the theater was opened in 1719 and is one of the most beautiful historic theaters in Europe. It is also the oldest Baroque theater in southern Germany. The Markgrafentheater has been extensively restored in recent decades and returned to its original condition.

The theater is not only known for its impressive architecture, but also for its outstanding acoustics, which makes concerts and performances a special experience. So why not experience the unique atmosphere and magnificent artistic performances during a city trip? Click here for the schedule: ☞ Tickets & Schedule.

• Address of the theater box office: Theaterstraße 1, 91054 Erlangen
• Opening hours: see schedule
• Guided tours: are offered, for more information see: Theater tours

5. Schiffstraße in Erlangen

Schiffstraße is a busy and very beautiful shopping street that invites you to stroll and shop. Here you will find a variety of shops, boutiques, and cafés. But not only Schiffstrasse itself, but also the side streets are known for their individual shops, which score points with lovingly selected products and personal advice.

Throughout the entire area you can browse to your heart’s content and discover unique finds. From fashion and accessories to jewelry and home decor – you are sure to find something special here. After a successful stroll, the restaurants, (wine) bars and cafés in the area invite you to linger. The Herzstück Restaurant with Wine Bar is recommended.

Individual Shops

• Wohngerade: beautiful shop with products for the topic of living & Decorate
• Paper shop: charming stationery store with a great, carefully selected range
• Stefania’s Café: here you can get delicious breakfast, great snacks and delicious cakes
• Herzstück Restaurant & Wine Bar: stylish restaurant with a cozy outdoor area
• Coworking space Kreativlabor: great place for artists & Art lovers
• Stellabella Vintage: here you can find vintage fashion (buying and selling)

6. Around the University

We also found the area around the university really cool. There are several streets where we found cool shops and cafés. Save Friedrichstraße, Obere Karlstraße, Universitätsstraße, Fahrstraße, Bohlenplatz, and Schuhstraße. We discovered the following cafés, restaurants and shops:

• Tortuuga: Cool sustainable clothes & upcycling
• Bretterbude Skateshop: Cool clothes and accessories
• Café am Bohlenplatz: Cozy café and especially popular for breakfast
• Bummelboutique: Pretty home accessories & Gift Ideas
• Blumen Hauke: Flower shop with a pretty courtyard
• Wohlsein Weine Erlangen: Delicious wines and tastings

7. View over the city

Would you also like to see the city from above? From the church tower of the Huguenot Church, you can get very close to this dream. From the observation deck, you can let your gaze wander over the city’s rooftops and towers. Perhaps you’ll see small details from up there that you hadn’t noticed before? We were allowed to climb the tower of the Old Town Trinity Church and enjoy the view over Erlangen for photo shoots. Truly amazing! Unfortunately, this tower is not open to the public.

8. Steinbach Bräu Brewery

Franconia is known for its rich beer tradition, so a genuine Erlangen beer is a must. The Steinbach Bräu Brewery has been family-owned since 1861 and is one of Franconia’s oldest breweries. Because relatively small batches are brewed here, they are able to offer new beers seasonally.

So, in addition to the classic “Steinbach’s Stork Beer,” which, incidentally, refers to the storks on the brewery’s roof, there’s always something new to try. You can even observe the storks on the roof up close via a webcam and a screen in the entrance area. In addition to delicious beer, Franconian dishes are also served here.

• Address: Vierzigmannstraße 4, 91054 Erlangen
• Opening hours: Beer garden and restaurant open from 5 p.m.
• You can view the menu online here: www.steinbach-braeu.de
• Museum: Guided tours available by appointment

9. Felsenkeller Erlangen

The Felsenkeller Erlangen is a real hotspot for locals and visitors alike during the Erlangen Bergkirchweih (Bergkirchweih) festival. But even outside of this event, the Felsenkeller is worth a visit. These cellars are a fascinating collection of old beer cellars that were dug into the rocks centuries ago. With year-round stable temperatures of 8–12°C, they offer excellent conditions for beer storage—without the need for electricity or other technology. Today, the beer gardens surrounding the Felsenkeller are popular spots for an after-work beer with a hearty Franconian snack.

Tours and events are also offered, immersing you in the history of beer and the city. During the season (April – end of September), Entla’s Keller, for example, offers such tours. The cellar tour takes place every Sunday at 11 a.m. and lasts one hour. Reservations are not required. The tour, including a 0.5-liter cellar beverage, costs only €8 per person (children up to 12 years old are free). More about this here: Tours of Entla’s Cellar.

10. Sculpture Garden

A stroll through the Sculpture Garden in Erlangen can be perfectly combined with a visit to the Felskeller (rock cellars). So, if you’re walking toward the Felskeller or coming from there, you can easily plan a detour there. The Sculpture Garden houses an impressive collection of contemporary sculptures by Heinrich Kirchner, exhibited outdoors.

Despite their gigantic size, the sculptures never appear intimidating; on the contrary, they always have a calming, sometimes even amusing effect. The garden offers a wonderful combination of nature and art. It’s a place of inspiration and tranquility, with benches inviting you to linger. Here is the starting point towards the Felsenkeller: Google Maps Pin.

Restaurants & Cafés

Theater Café: The café is located right next to the theater and offers a great atmosphere. There is also outdoor seating on the quiet street. This place is perfect for a quiet end to the evening or for a refreshing meal before a theater performance.

Herzstück Restaurant: This cozy restaurant with a wine bar is located on the quiet Schiffstraße. The menu caters to every appetite – including vegetarian/vegan dishes! For us, it’s a great place for a glass of wine in the evening.

Entlas-Keller: Here, you can enjoy hearty regional cuisine in a typical beer garden atmosphere, such as cheese spaetzle, bratwurst, Schäuferla, roast pork, or grilled chicken. The beer garden is also very popular with locals!

Café Südliche: We almost missed this inconspicuous café near the train station. They serve delicious homemade cakes and coffee. The ambiance is simple and cozy. There are a few outdoor seats.

Armin Der KaffeeMann: This is supposedly the best coffee in town! The café with a roastery offers a small menu with select delicacies and is located right next to the university.

Sweet & Spicy: This small café is also located next to the university and is very popular with students. The atmosphere is very lively and vibrant. Here you’ll find great coffee and delicious cakes. Please note: No card payments accepted.

Restaurant Muskat: In this restaurant, you can taste the freshness of the food! The menu is relatively small, but the dishes are prepared with high standards of freshness and quality. The backyard is also very cozy and invites you to linger.

Events in Erlangen

Festival under one roof: It is THE music festival in Erlangen! The 5 indoor and outdoor stages mainly feature newcomers and regional acts. More about it here.

Erlanger Bergkirchweih: The Bergkirchweih is actually the oldest beer festival in the world. It is the annual highlight around the Felsenkeller with around one million visitors. More about it here.

International Comic Salon: At this event, the comics industry, interested parties, artists, publishers, and much more meet for a colorful supporting program. More about it here.

Schlossgartenfest: The popular Schlossgartenfest of the Friedrich-Alexander University is the largest of its kind in Europe and always takes place in the summer. Famous personalities often make an appearance here. More information here.

Festival Kulturinsel Wöhrmühle: This open-air music festival has hosted major artists such as Sportfreunde Stiller and Culcha Candela. More information here.

Our hotel in Erlangen

The small, sweet hotel “Hotelchen am Theater” particularly impresses with its original charm, great location, and delicious breakfast. It is just a stone’s throw from the Markgrafentheater and thus not far from Schiffstraße with its numerous cafés, bars, and boutiques. The hotel also lives up to its name with its number of rooms: the hotel has only twelve rooms, thus offering plenty of peace and quiet. The cozy little courtyard with garden is also very nice.

Travel tips for Erlangen

By car: Getting to Erlangen by car is relatively straightforward, as the city is well connected to the German motorway network. You can reach Erlangen via the north-south A73 Nuremberg-Erfurt and A3 Frankfurt-Passau motorways. The B4 also provides good connections to the east. From Nuremberg, it only takes 25 minutes by car, and from Bamberg, 30 minutes. Book a rental car here*.

Distances to Erlangen:

• Hamburg: 590 km
• Berlin: 440 km
• Cologne: 400 km
• Stuttgart: 240 km
• Frankfurt: 215 km
• Munich: 190 km
• Nuremberg: 22 km

By train: Erlangen has a direct ICE connection to/from Hamburg, Berlin, and Leipzig; the train connection often also goes via Nuremberg. From Berlin, for example, you can take the ICE to Erlangen in just under 3 hours.Book train tickets now*.