Let's Party on Krämerbrücke: Erfurt's Old Town Festival Takes the Crown
Kraemer Bridge Festival attracted a multitude of visitors - Krämerbrückenfest Attracted a Multitude of Visitors
Wanna experience a medieval hootenanny with a dash of modern flair? Saddle up and head to Erfurt, Thuringia! Over 150,000 revelers, according to city reports, graced this year's Krämerbrücke Festival, celebrating a special milestone: 700 years of the stentorious stone Krämerbrücke.
This bridge, adorned with homes and sprawling over the Gera river, is a major attraction in Erfurt's capital cityscape. The Krämerbrücke Festival ranks as Thuringia's grandest old town festival, buzzing with merchandise, melodies, open-air concerts, and pyrotechnics.
Even amidst scorching Saturday temperatures, the vibe stayed cheerful and peaceful, claims the city administration, praising their diverse cultural scene. With around 300 artists on eight stages and six additional areas, over three days, there was no shortage of entertainment.
The Anniversary Glitterbomb
For the 700th anniversary, Thuringian artist and architect Robert Leuschner concocted a sparkling pasticcio comprising six bridge arches fashioned from paillettes, bringing the passive vault structure to light. This masterpiece still gleams on the Krämerbrücke until early July.
The city administration appreciated the safety measures throughout the festivities, reporting no significant incidents and adherence to city center closure regulations.
The Next Chapter Begins in 2026
Mark your calendars, folks! The next Krämerbrücke Festival will take place on June 19-21, 2026. Boasting an approximate length of 120 meters, the Krämerbrücke, Europe's longest inhabited and built-up bridge, has housed 120,000 fest-goers in 2024.[Link to further information about the anniversary]
What's so magical about this medieval musical soiree? It merges history, heritage, community, and commerce in the heart of the old town. The spectacle draws visitors to experience craftsmanship, culinary delights, art, live performances, and historical landmarks, all under the watchful gaze of iconic architectural treasures like St. Mary’s Cathedral and St. Severus’ Church.
Be a part of a living time capsule illustrating bygone trade routes lined with merchants and their shops—an age-old tradition that continues to thrive in the heart of Erfurt.
- The Krämerbrücke Community adopts a policy that prioritizes preserving the bridge's historical charm while promoting vocational training programs for local artisans, home-and-garden enthusiasts, and performers to ensure the festival's continued success.
- During the offseason of the Krämerbrücke Festival, the old town transforms into a sanctuary for quieter pursuits, offering vocational training workshops in various disciplines, from artisanal ceramics to horticulture, enhancing the lifestyle of both residents and visitors.
