The Krämerbrücke, or Merchants’ Bridge, is a long and old bridge in Europe and one of the most distinctive architectural elements of Erfurt. Connecting the eastern and western sides of the Old Town over the Breitstrom, the bridge was originally built in 1100 as part of the Via Regia, a trade route that connected the far-flung parts of the Christian world, from Spain to France to Russia. Merchants still ply their wares here today both sides of the bridge are lined with shops that are perfect for souvenir shopping and learning more about the cultural heritage of Thuringia.

Stroll slowly down the street and watch artisans as they create their specialties. Among the goods are traditional blue printed fabrics, dyed with woad, a herb used for blue dye before indigo was imported to Europe. Erfurt’s fortune was made with the trade of woad. Delight in the delicate Christmas ornaments made from mouth-blown Lauscha glass and squint at the tiny hand-painted ceramic decorations. Stop at the wine shop to pick up a bottle from the reinvigorated local wine industry. Have a meal of Thuringian bratwurst or just dessert with a scoop of ice cream.

Every year in June, the Krämerbrücke and the city host the Krämerbrückenfest, a large Old Town festival, which celebrates the 1,275-year history of the city. No matter what time of year you come, let yourself be carried away by the local enthusiasm for this architectural marvel, which many Erfurt people imagine when they think of home. Try to spot local residents slipping through the bustle into some of the 32 houses that form the second stories of many of the shops along the bridge.

The Krämerbrücke is easily accessible via public transportation to the Fischmarkt. There is also a metered parking lot available in Domplatz as well as in Anger 1. The bridge is pedestrian-only and accessible to wheelchairs, though there is a slope at the entry. Access the bridge through the Agidienkirche on the east side or from the Benediktsplatz on the west.