Augustinian Monastery Erfurt Travel Guide
Augustinian Monastery in Erfurt, place where history, spirituality, and architectural beauty converge.
For traveler Augustinian Monastery offers an unforgettable journey into the heart of Erfurt’s cultural and religious heritage.
Ready to explore one of Germany’s most captivating historical sites?
Why Visit Augustinian Monastery Erfurt?
The Augustinian Monastery offers a tangible connection to Martin Luther and the Reformation, set in Erfurt’s picturesque old town. Its medieval architecture, serene cloister, and historical exhibits appeal to history buffs, spiritual travelers, and those exploring the Luther Trail. Pair it with the nearby Old Synagogue for a deeper understanding of Erfurt’s religious heritage.
History
The Augustinian Monastery, built by Augustinian friars starting in 1277, was a prominent Catholic learning center with a theological college and library by Luther’s time. Luther joined after a near-death experience in a 1505 thunderstorm near Stotternheim, vowing to St. Anne to become a monk. His time here shaped his theological views, leading to the Reformation. After the Reformation, the monastery was secularized in 1559, used as a school, library, and orphanage, and damaged in a 1945 air raid. Restored post-war, it’s now a vibrant Lutheran site and ecumenical conference center, visited by Pope Benedict XVI in 2011.
Architectural Overview
- Gothic Style: The complex represents a significant example of medieval religious architecture.
- Church and Monastery: The church and monastery were built around 1300.
- Luther’s Cell: A reconstructed Luther’s cell is part of the monastery, attracting pilgrims.
- Stained Glass Windows: The church features notable stained glass windows, some of the oldest in Erfurt.
- Library: The monastery has an extensive library, with a new library building added in 2010.
Entrance Ticket Price
- Monastery tour (including exhibition and Luther’s cell): Adults €7.50; groups (10+ people) €6.50 each + €25 tour fee; children (12+) €4.00; family ticket (2 adults + 2 children) €21.00.
- St. Elisabeth Chapel tour: €3.50 per person (max 14 visitors).
- Library tour: €3.50 per person (on request).
- Erfurt Card: €0.50 discount.
- Photo permit: €2.00.
- Note: Visit Augustinerkloster website for current pricing.
Augustinian Monastery Opening Hours
- Opening Hours: 9 AM to 6 PM, Monday through Sunday.
- Guided Tours: Check the monastery’s website for specific tour times.
How to Get There
- Location: Augustinerstraße 10, 99084 Erfurt, Germany.
- By Train: Erfurt Hauptbahnhof connects to Berlin (2 hours), Frankfurt (2.5 hours), and Leipzig (1 hour). From the station, take tram 1 or 5 to Augustinerkloster.
- By Car: On A4/A71 motorways; park at Anger 1 or Domplatz.
- By Air: Erfurt-Weimar Airport (ERF), 15 minutes by tram. Leipzig/Halle (LEJ) or Frankfurt (FRA) airports are 2–3 hours by train.
Things to See
- Luther’s Cell (Lutherzelle): A reconstructed monastic cell furnished as it might have looked during Luther’s time, part of the “Bible-Monastery-Luther” exhibition. It offers insight into his life as a monk.
- “Bible-Monastery-Luther” Exhibition: Opened in 2002, this permanent display in the former monks’ quarters explores Luther’s early years, the monastery’s history, and the Reformation. Informational placards are in German and English.
- St. Augustine’s Church: The oldest part of the complex, built around 1300, with a wooden barrel-vaulted nave, 14th-century stained glass windows (including one inspiring the Luther Rose), and a 1938 Walcker organ. The church hosts concerts and services.
- Historical Library: A 60,000-volume collection, including Reformation-era texts, housed in a building completed in 1518. Tours are available on request.
- St. Elisabeth Chapel: Features secco murals of the Elisabeth cycle, accessible via guided tours.
- Cloister and Courtyard: The restored cloister is visually striking, with peaceful gardens and a “Place of Silence” memorial in the former library cellar, commemorating 267 people killed in a 1945 British air raid.
- Luther Stone: Located in nearby Stotternheim (10 km from Erfurt), this marks the spot where Luther, caught in a 1505 thunderstorm, vowed to become a monk.
Where to Stay
- On-Site: Monastery guest rooms for a unique, tech-free stay (~€38–45/night).
- Budget: B&B Hotels or hostels in Altstadt, ~€50/night.
- Mid-Range: Mercure Hotel Erfurt Altstadt, ~€80–120/night, a 5-minute walk.
- Luxury: Hotel Am Kaisersaal, ~€150+/night, near Krämerbrücke.
- Recommendation: Altstadt apartments (e.g., via Booking.com) for proximity and charm.
Where to Eat
- Monastery Café: Offers simple refreshments for visitors.
- Wenigemarkt: Nearby square with Thuringian restaurants like Gasthaus Moser.
- Krämerbrücke: Cafes and bakeries for quick bites.
- Zum Güldenen Krönbacken: Historic spot for German cuisine, 5 minutes away.
Augustinian Monastery Tour Tips
- Best Time to Visit: Weekdays for quieter tours; April–October for extended hours and summer concerts. Allow 1–1.5 hours for a guided tour and exhibition.
- Guided Tours: Essential for accessing the monastery’s interior, including Luther’s cell. Book English tours in advance via Erfurt Tourism (+49 361 6640 120, citytour@erfurt-tourismus.de). Some visitors report inconsistent English support, so confirm details when booking.
- What to Expect: The church interior is plain, with minimal decorations but striking medieval stained glass. The exhibition is informative but compact, best for those interested in Luther or Reformation history. The cloister and gardens offer a serene atmosphere.
- Photography: Allowed with a €2 permit; check restrictions during services or concerts.
- Cultural Sensitivity: The site is a place of worship and a memorial to both Luther and WWII victims. Dress respectfully and keep noise low during tours.
Nearby Attractions
- Krämerbrücke: The famous merchant’s bridge lined with shops.
- Erfurt Cathedral: An impressive Gothic cathedral.
- Petersberg Citadel: A Baroque fortress with city views.
- Old Synagogue: One of the oldest synagogues in Europe.
