Vandalism in Erfurt's old town: flowers destroyed and bicycle thrown into the Gera!

Vandalism in Erfurt's old town: flowers destroyed and bicycle thrown into the Gera!

Anyone who thought that the idyllic old town of Erfurt was a place of peace and beauty will now be proven wrong. Because on July 4th, 2025 there was an unfortunate incident on the popular street “Lange Brücke”. Not only were the flower boxes that adorn the street destroyed, but even a bicycle was thrown into the Gera. Such vandalism is a sad reality, especially in a neighborhood known for its historic architecture and charming cafes. Thuringia24 reports on the destruction, which residents and social media users noted with horror.

The Long Bridge itself has a long history. It crosses the Walkstrom and the Bergstrom, tributaries of the Gera, and connects the Domplatz in the northwest with the Löbervorstadt in the southeast. The first documented mention of this bridge dates back to 1293. Over the centuries it has been rebuilt several times and has changed from a simple wooden bridge to an important natural stone arch bridge. Even though the middle area is now a pedestrian zone, the bridge's historical charm remains intact. Wikimedia gives a good overview of the development and architectural features of the Long Bridge.

Community is looking for witnesses

The residents of the “Lange Brücke” street are very concerned about the incidents and have asked for help in identifying the perpetrators. The emotional Facebook post from “Quartier Lange Brücke” was shared by many people who expressed both their sadness and horror at these acts. The community wants to hold the perpetrators accountable and hopes to replant the flowers that were destroyed by the vandalism.

However, it is currently unclear whether and when the flowers will be replanted, as the garden and cemetery office has not yet made any comment on the matter. In a city known for its lively atmosphere and historical wealth, such incidents are not only disgraceful, but they also destroy the sense of community that binds citizens together.

Infrastructure in view

At the same time, investments are being made in many places in Erfurt to further improve the quality of life. In April 2023, the expansion of the B 247 federal highway was impressively advanced. This large infrastructure project is intended to optimize the connection to the A 4 and A 71 motorways and creates the opportunity for numerous new connections. The residents of the Unstrut-Hainich district and Thuringia can be pleased about the progress that is helping to make the region even more attractive. Historic bridges documents the structural measures, which include, among other things, 14.2 km of secondary network and numerous structures.

The mixture of new developments and the preservation of the historical substance makes Erfurt a special place, even if vandalism mars the harmonious facade. However, the city community shows a lot of cohesion and the will to fight together for a beautiful and welcoming city.