Heart of Franconia: Top 10 Best Things To Do In Erlangen, Germany

1. Schlossgarten

The Schlossgarten is the perfect example of a German garden during the Baroque era. In the 19th century, it was one of the first of its kind in Franconia and has been owned by the Friedrich-Alexander-Universität since 1818. It was opened to the public in 1849 and has since attracted many people to admire the beautiful flora and fauna within. It’s the perfect place for you to hang out with a special someone and have a picnic, or simply chill out during summer. Every year, the garden hosts a festival called the Gartenfest.

Schlossgarten

Address: 91054 Erlangen, Germany

Website: Schlossgarten

2. Hugenottenkirche

The Hugenottenkirche is one of the most prominent churches in Erlangen. The church was built in the late 17th century according to the plans of Johann Moritz Richter for the Erlanger Neustadt. The bell tower was built some time later and was finished in 1736. The unique baroque façade of the church tower is divided into three floors and houses three different bells that ring on a regular basis, filling the city with a rich plethora of beautiful sounds.

Hugenottenkirche

Address: Bahnhofpl. 3, 91054 Erlangen, Germany

Website: Hugenottenkirche

3. Neustädter Kirche

Located near the Hugenottenkirche is the Neustädter Kirche. It was built in the 18th century due to the influx of Evangelist Lutherian immigrants. Its church tower stands tall over the rest of buildings in the Neustadt, reaching a height of 60 metres (196 feet). It later became a university church in the early 19th century and is one of the three most important churches in the Neustadt. Friedrich Julius Stahl, a politician who became a professor at the university of Erlangen, was baptised here in November 1819.

Neustädter Kirche

Address: Neustädter Kirchenpl. 2, 91054 Erlangen, Germany

Website: Neustädter Kirche (In German)

4. Botanischer Garten

Near the Schlossgarten is the Botanical Garden of Erlangen. The botanical garden has been at its current site since 1828 and now boasts over 4,000 plant species from all around the world. They’re maintained in greenhouses to mimic the native environment of the plants and it’s a really cool place for you to explore and learn about the different greens from mother earth. Aside from the plants, they’ve also got an artificial cave and a herbarium with over 158,000 records and specimens.

Botanischer Garten

Address:Loschgestraße 1-3, 91054 Erlangen, Germany

Website: Botanischer Garten (In German)

5. Marktplatz

Like any German city, the Marktplatz is an open square where you can go to and admire the architecture of the buildings that surround it. In the weekends, there’ll be a market that sells local produce such as poultry and vegetables. You can also hang out by the cafes there and soak in the atmosphere. During the Christmas season, there’s also a beautiful Christmas market there.

Marktplatz

Address: Erlangen Schloss, Schloßplatz 1, 91054 Erlangen, Germany

6. Kunstpalais Erlangen

If you’ve got a knack for the arts, you can come to the Kunstpalais and revel in the various artworks inside. The Kunstpalais was reopened in 2010 after a two year renovation and is home to over 4,500 graphics, artist books and folders. The exhibition programmes here focus on the contemporary discourse within the art scene and its collaboration with the University of Erlangen enables it to have more artistic content on a social level.

Kunstpalais Erlangen

Address: Marktpl. 1, 91054 Erlangen, Germany

Website: Kunstpalais Erlangen

7. Stadtmuseum Erlangen

The Stadtmuseum of Erlangen is a place that you must go to when you visit this city. Located right at the heart of the old town, the Stadtmuseum Erlangen is the perfect place for you to discover more about the history and the development of the city. The city’s history is divided into five sections and a guided tour is also available. The building that houses the museum is also impressive with its unique Baroque architecture and its previous status as a Rathaus (City Hall).

Stadtmuseum Erlangen

Address: Martin-Luther-Platz 9, 91054 Erlangen, Germany

Website: Stadtmuseum Erlangen

8. Orangery

Another noteworthy place located at the Schlossgarten grounds is the magnificent Orangery. This building was erected in the early 18th century and was part of the Erlangen castle grounds. The place was used as a greenhouse and a “Maison de plaisir” at that time. The Friedrich-Alexander-Universität took over the property in 1818 and has since used this place to house the Institute of Church Music. There are classes and seminars that are still held in the rooms of the Orangery.

Orangery

Address: Orangerie, 1, 91054 Erlangen, Germany

9. Tennenloher Forst

If you’d like to have some time with nature, head over to the calming Tennenloher Forst. This former American military shooting range is now a nature reserve that covers an area of 934 hectares (2307 acres). You can go there for a nice stroll and if you’re adventurous enough, you can try out the biking trail too. The Tennenloher Forst is part of the Nuremberg Reichswald forest and is home to many different species of animals that are on the endangered red list.

Tennenloher Forst

Address: 91522, Germany

Website: Tennenloher Forst (In German)

10. Aroma garden

Another unique garden that you would not want to miss is the aroma garden. At its inception, it was the only aroma garden in the world and the garden is owned by the Friedrich-Alexander-Universität. There are over 120 different kinds of aromatic plants that are set to tickle your sense of smell. You can find many different plants that are commonly used as spices, medicines and cosmetics. A visit to the aroma garden is a must if you’d like to have a different kind of garden experience.

Aroma garden

Address: Bismarkckstraße, 91054 Erlangen, Germany

Website: Aroma Garden(In German)

Immerse in the Baroque city of Erlangen

The beautiful Baroque city of Erlangen is truly a place of many discoveries. With loads of museums and amazing gardens, you’ll have a fun time exploring this place. So what are you waiting for? Head out to visit our top 10 best places in Erlangen and be prepared to have an experience of a lifetime.