Germany · City Guide
Erlangen
Erlangen is a beautiful Baroque university town in Bavaria near Nuremberg, founded by Huguenot refugees in the 17th century and known for its elegant planned old town, Siemens technology heritage, the historic Erlangen Castle and gardens, and the largest beer festival in Franconia, the Bergkirchweih. With its compact and elegant centre and proximity to Nuremberg's heritage, Erlangen provides a charming and less visited Bavarian university city experience.
Elect's take
"Erlangen has an elegance that comes from its planned Huguenot origins, and the combination of the beautiful Schlossgarten, the university atmosphere and the famous Bergkirchweih beer festival creates a destination with genuine character."
Erlangen's old town was largely planned and built by Huguenot refugees who settled here in the late 17th century, giving the centre an unusually orderly and elegant Baroque character compared to many German towns. The Erlangen Castle and its Schlossgarten provide a beautiful formal garden in the heart of the city. The Bergkirchweih, held each spring, is the largest beer festival in Franconia and one of the most traditional in Bavaria, with beer cellars carved into the hillside used for centuries. Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg is one of Germany's leading research universities. Nuremberg, with its Imperial Castle and Christmas market heritage, is approximately 20 minutes by rail.
Best time to visit
How to get there
What to expect
Huguenot Old Town
An elegant planned Baroque centre built by 17th century Huguenot refugees.
Schlossgarten
A beautiful formal garden surrounding Erlangen Castle in the heart of the city.
Bergkirchweih
The largest and most traditional beer festival in Franconia, held in historic hillside cellars.
University City
A leading German research university creating a vibrant academic atmosphere.
Nuremberg Access
The Imperial Castle and Christmas market heritage approximately 20 minutes away.
Technology Heritage
A significant centre of German technology and engineering innovation.
