Krämerbrücke Erfurt: 700 years of history and celebrations await!

Krämerbrücke Erfurt: 700 years of history and celebrations await!

The Krämerbrücke in Erfurt is celebrating a remarkable anniversary this year: 700 years. From 1325 to the present day, this impressive structure has not only made history but also served as a vibrant trading center. With a length of 125 meters, it is the longest inhabited bridge in Europe and is still an important landmark of the city today. Loud HNA, the Krämerbrücke has connected many generations of residents and visitors.

Evelyn Perleberg and her husband Lutz are an example of what life is like on the bridge. They have lived in one of the 32 bridge houses for over 40 years and have raised their children here. As active participants in the modernization, they also experienced the development of their home up close. Another highlight is the Krämerbrückenfest, which takes place from June 13th to 15th, 2025. This festival is sure to attract a large crowd and celebrate the bridge's rich heritage.

An architectural masterpiece

The bridge that leads over the Breitstrom, part of the Gera, has an eventful history. It was built as a stone structure in 1325 and replaced earlier wooden bridges that were often destroyed by fires. According to the website kraemerbruecke-erfurt.de It is considered an architectural masterpiece and a living monument, so to speak, that tells stories of merchants and craftsmen about today's art and cultural scene.

The Merchants' Bridge was once part of the Via Regia, an important trade route that connected Paris with Kiev. This historical connection has contributed to the bridge becoming the central point of trade in Erfurt. A major fire in 1472 destroyed many of the original buildings, but 62 half-timbered houses were rebuilt, of which 32 remain today.

Living and trading on the bridge

After reunification, living on the Krämerbrücke became a privilege, whereas before not many people lived here. The bridge was not a tourist destination until 1989. But a lot has changed since then: plans for hotel projects and retransfer applications for the bridge houses have greatly increased interest in this historic place. A municipal foundation has been taking care of the affairs of the Krämerbrücke since 1996, with the task of maintaining the bridge houses and revitalizing the bridge as a trading center.

• Die Krämerbrücke hat eine lange Tradition als Handelsplatz.
• Von den 32 Häusern werden ein breites Angebot an Waren verkauft, darunter Thüringer Spezialitäten, Keramiken und Antiquitäten.
• Es gibt eine lange Warteliste für Geschäfte auf der Brücke, was die Beliebtheit und hohen Besucherzahlen unterstreicht.

With its rich heritage and lively atmosphere, the Krämerbrücke will continue to be an important center for Erfurt residents and visitors from all over the world. This year's festival promises to captivate even more people and bring the stories she tells to life. All of this is also reflected in the many renovations and ongoing maintenance of the historic building, such as official website describes.