It is the longest inhabited bridge in Europe.
The bridge was originally built as a wooden structure before being reconstructed in stone during the 14th century.
Thirty-two houses currently line the bridge, though historically there were up to 62 smaller structures.
The bridge is home to the 'Krämerbrückenfest', one of the largest old-town festivals in Thuringia.
Only one of the two original churches, the Aegidienkirche, survived; the Benediktikirche at the western end was demolished in the early 19th century.
Most of the houses are privately owned, but the city of Erfurt owns the shops on the ground floor to ensure a mix of traditional crafts.
The bridge is a stop on the historical Via Regia trade route that connected the Baltic Sea to the Mediterranean.
The structure rests on 15 stone arches over the Gera River.
The Krämerbrücke is a 120-meter-long inhabited bridge in Erfurt, spanning the Gera River. It is the longest bridge in Europe that is continuously lined with occupied buildings on both sides. Constructed in 1325, the bridge features 32 timber-framed houses. It originated as a river crossing for merchants on the Via Regia trade route. Today, the street-level shops house artisanal craftspeople, including ceramicists, woodcarvers, and hand-dyeing studios. Two churches originally marked the bridge ends, though only the Aegidienkirche remains at the eastern entrance. The bridge surface is paved with cobblestones and remains pedestrianized. The timber-frame architecture reflects medieval building techniques, with narrow frontages and deep floor plans.
From the riverbank path near the water level to capture the reflection of the stone arches and the timber-framed facades.
Visit the small shops to watch the artisans working directly in their storefronts.
Climb the tower of the Aegidienkirche for a high-angle view looking down the length of the bridge.
Walk down to the riverbank level for a perspective of the bridge's arched stone foundations.
Avoid eating at the first café you see; walk the entire length of the bridge to compare the unique local offerings before choosing.
The bridge is a public street and accessible at all times, though individual shop hours vary.
