Top 15 Attractions and Activities in Erlangen, Germany

Located just 15 kilometers north of Nuremberg in Middle Franconia lies the city of Erlangen. The history of this city notably commenced in the 1680s following the revocation of the Edict of Nantes, which led to the expulsion of the Huguenots from France. Many of these refugees were welcomed into Erlangen, prompting the construction of a planned Baroque city to accommodate the rapidly growing population.

Erlangen is therefore characterized not by quaint timber-framed houses but by expansive streets, opulent palaces, and formal gardens from the 1600s and 1700s. The Margraves of Brandenburg-Bayreuth were instrumental in this development, with their former residence currently housing the administration of the University of Erlangen-Nuremberg, which also oversees several attractions within the city. For over 85 years, Erlangen has hosted the medical technology division of the renowned multinational company Siemens, which features a small museum dedicated to its innovations.

Let’s delve into the best attractions to explore in Erlangen:

1. Schlossgarten

One of the earliest Baroque gardens established in Franconia, the Schlossgarten was designed in this formal style at the beginning of the 1700s.

While traversing the park, you will encounter historical monuments.

Among them is the Huguenot fountain, dating back to 1706, featuring a magnificent, almost rugged monument depicting Huguenot noble families at the base, beneath ancient deities, all crowned by a statue of Margrave Christian Ernst.

Additionally, look for the incomplete equestrian statue of Christian Ernst, skillfully carved from a single massive block of sandstone in 1712. Each June, the garden hosts the Schlossgartenfest, Europe’s largest garden party, attracting 6,500 guests and organized by the University of Erlangen-Nuremberg.

2. Orangery

During your exploration of the Schlossgarten, you will come across the orangery, which was completed in 1706. This structure maintained its original purpose for approximately 40 years, sheltering the garden’s collection of bitter orange trees until the death of Christian Ernst’s widow, Elisabeth Sophie, in 1748. The facade of this horseshoe-shaped pavilion is adorned with sculptural works by Elias Räntz, the same artist responsible for the Huguenot fountain in the garden.

At its center lies a hall featuring a water feature supplied by the nearby water tower.

For the past 200 years, the orangery has served the university, and it can be rented for weddings and special occasions on weekends.

3. Erlangen Botanical Garden

Directly north of the Schlossgarten lies a beautiful botanical garden under the management of the University of Erlangen-Nuremberg.

This garden has origins dating back to 1626 and relocated to its current site in 1828. Spanning a long, rectangular area, it hosts around 4,000 species from various climate zones and ecosystems, ranging from coniferous forests to Alpine and subtropical environments.

The garden features greenhouses dedicated to arid and semi-arid cactus and succulent plants, while one of the most captivating areas is the spice garden, which includes some remarkably old and rare plants.

Although the academic aspect may not intrigue children, they will certainly appreciate the ponds, teeming with frogs, newts, and fish.

4. Huguenottenkirche

Immediately following the arrival of the Huguenots in Erlangen, a place of worship was established for them.

The church structure was completed in just seven years, culminating in 1693, while the 52-meter tower was added in the 1730s.

Located in the square of the same name within the Neustadt, this building maintains a subdued and muted architectural style, reflective of Calvinist traditions; however, it does feature several noteworthy historical elements.

Notable highlights include the clock showcasing the colors of the French tricolor and the elegant pulpit dating from 1700, as well as the Baroque organ designed by the renowned organ-maker Johann Nikolaus Ritter, finished in 1764.

5. Siemens MedMuseum

Siemens, the German multinational corporation, has had a presence in Erlangen since 1932, when it merged with Reiniger, Gebbert & Schall, a manufacturer of precision medical devices.

In 2014, Siemens inaugurated a museum showcasing a collection of medical technology that dates back 160 years, accompanied by an extensive archive of photographs, videos, and publications.

Situated within a factory built in 1893, the museum features significant pieces of equipment, including Siemens’ inaugural X-ray, CT, and MRI machines, along with in-depth insights into the technologies behind them.

Informative panels provide a look at the innovators within the field of medical engineering since the 19th century and the technological advancements achieved during that time.

6. Markgräfliches Schloss

On the western edge of the Schlossgarten stands the grand palace designed for its very purpose.

The Markgräfliches Schloss was initiated by George William, Margrave of Brandenburg-Bayreuth. Following his death in 1702, Christian Ernst oversaw the palace’s completion.

It was the first complete Baroque palace constructed in Franconia from the ground up.

Following Christian Ernst’s passing, the palace was inherited by his third wife, Elisabeth Sophie, who resided there for nearly half a century.

The original structure was destroyed by fire in 1811, leading to renovations in the 1820s to accommodate the university, which has occupied the building ever since.

7. Schloß- und Marktplatz

The focal point of Erlangen’s pedestrian area, this square boasts the Margrave’s palace and is divided by Hauptstraße.

Major events in Erlangen—including the Christmas Market, Carnival celebration, Spring Festival, and August Market—unfold within this square.

In front of the palace stands a statue of Frederick, Margrave of Brandenburg-Bayreuth, who established the University of Erlangen-Nuremberg in 1742. Complementing the scene on the west side is the Paulibrunnen, a Neo-Renaissance fountain constructed in 1889, featuring two allegorical figures representing Erlangia, denoting industry and commerce, and Alma Mater, symbolizing science.

8. Stadtmuseum

Despite its compact dimensions, Erlangen boasts a substantial municipal museum housed in the old town hall situated at Martin-Luther-Platz.

The museum’s extensive collections include several artifacts belonging to the university, reflecting the area’s ancient history and prehistory.

Perhaps the most fascinating exhibits detail the transformation that followed the arrival of Huguenot refugees at the close of the 17th century.

These refugees contributed significantly to the local economy, establishing weaving manufactories; examples of their craftsmanship and the tools employed can be observed throughout the galleries.

Additionally, various treasures from the Margraves’ palace, along with the enduring legacy of Siemens in Erlangen, receive prominent attention here.

9. Aromagarten

Situated within the Botanical Garden, this unique, scent-centric attraction is a short walk from the garden, located in a conservation area adjacent to the Schwabach stream.

Established in 1981, this was the first garden of its kind globally.

Occupying just under one hectare, it showcases 120 distinct aromatic plant species, both native and exotic.

These include spices, medicinal plants, and those with cosmetic applications; examples are radish, crimson beebalm, fennel, onion, paprika, chamomile, mustard, wormwood, sage, and yarrow.

Various university institutes utilize the garden for research purposes, and although entry is complimentary, inquiries regarding guided tours can be directed to the university.

10. Kunstpalais Erlangen

Located on the southern edge of Marktplatz, Erlangen’s art museum resides within a splendid Baroque townhouse, commissioned in the late 1720s by Christian Hieronymus von Stutterheim, a member of the Margrave’s privy council.

The museum has operated from this site since 1974 and underwent a comprehensive renovation that concluded in 2010.

The imaginatively curated exhibitions draw from the city’s impressive collection of contemporary art, which features renowned artists such as Chuck Close, Cy Twombly, Emil Schumacher, Karl Otto Götz, Markus Lüpertz, and Andy Warhol.

The museum’s calendar offers a consistent range of special events, from informal discussions centered around art to performances of 20th-century avant-garde music.

11. Neustädter Kirche

The second of three principal churches in Erlangen’s city center, the Neustädter Kirche commenced construction in 1686 simultaneously with the Huguenots’ church.

This church was built for the growing Lutheran community in Erlangen, and it is notable that the fundamental design of the tower resembles that of the Hugenottenkirche, which is the tallest in the city.

The tower features pilasters on each face, with Doric capitals at the base, Ionic capitals one floor above, and Corinthian capitals at the highest level, reflecting classical architectural orders.

The interior showcases a richer design, highlighted by magnificent ceiling frescoes by Christian and Karl Georg Leinberger from the mid-1730s.

The crypt serves as the burial site for numerous Erlangen nobles, including the Margravine Sophie Caroline Marie, who passed away in 1817.

12. Heinrich-Kirchner-Skulpturengarten

Situated on the southern slope of Erlangen’s Burgberg hill lies a sculpture garden dedicated to a singular artist.

Heinrich Kirchner, active throughout the 20th century, is represented in prestigious art institutions like the Kunsthalle in Hamburg.

He created 17 large-format bronze sculptures for this park, which opened in 1982. The Burgberg setting provides a wonderful backdrop for his art, offering greater freedom of layout compared to Erlangen’s other public spaces, along with stunning views over the city.

Kirchner’s sculptures are distributed across two interconnected gardens: one within the grounds of an old villa in the lower section and the other located in an orchard further up the slope.

13. Walderlebniszentrum Tennenlohe

Erlangen borders the northwestern edge of the Tennenloher Forst, an expansive uninhabited nature reserve covering close to 1,000 hectares.

Previously an Imperial hunting ground, this sandy ecosystem was utilized as a shooting range by the German military and subsequently by Americans until 1993.

In recent years, a herd of Przewalski horses from the Eurasian steppe has been introduced to assist in maintaining the sandy environment, though it is advisable to stick to established trails while exploring the reserve due to the presence of unexploded ordnance.

The Walderlebniszentrum is located just a few kilometers from Erlangen’s center.

You can discover the intriguing history of the Imperial forest via designated trails and explore themed exhibits that provide insights into the reserve’s wildlife.

14. Erlebnispark Schloss Thurn

Additionally, nestled close to Erlangen is an amusement park with a historical theme, situated within a palace dating back to 1422. The moated castle that previously occupied the site was transformed into a Baroque pleasure palace in 1722, providing a stately setting for the park’s enjoyable activities.

The grounds, characterized by mature trees, feature a rollercoaster equipped with VR technology, a steam train, various adventure playgrounds, a log flume, and a monorail water bobsled.

This historic woodland also supports a population of 300 bats. In 2015, the Bayerische Fledermauszentrum (Bavarian Bat Centre) was established near the park’s entrance, offering insights into these creatures and conservation efforts.

15. Christmas Market

While Nuremberg’s Christmas Market attracts numerous tourists each year, Erlangen’s own nearby market presents its own unique charm.

Since 2017, three distinct markets have been held: the largest is situated in Schlossplatz, which features a Christmas forest dotted with quaint huts and provides a lively ice skating rink across from Marktplatz.

Another notable market appears below the Neustädter Kirche, characterized by a Medieval theme where stalls offer traditional crafts such as wooden toys and warm scarves, accompanied by jugglers, minstrels, and fire-breathers entertaining visitors.

Visitors can savor classic German Christmas delights, including spiced mulled wine and Feuerzangenbowle, a drink created by melting a rum-soaked sugarloaf into a cup of wine.

Lastly, the Altstädter Kirchenplatz (old town church square) includes a charming carousel and additional stalls within a delightful setting.