Petersberg Citadel
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Petersberg Citadel Erfurt

4.7
·504 reviews·Erfurt, Germany

A historic baroque fortress offering stunning panoramic views of Erfurt and serene gardens, with a dramatic past.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Spring and Summer mornings

Enjoy blooming gardens and clear views

CrowdLow
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Petersberg Citadel

Petersberg Citadel Erfurt

Best Time

Spring and Summer mornings

Enjoy blooming gardens and clear views

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A historic baroque fortress offering stunning panoramic views of Erfurt and serene gardens, with a dramatic past.

4.7
(504 reviews)

"Great view all over Erfurt. It is huge and has some fine gardens."

Vertical photo
TIP

🚶‍♀️ Easy Access Path

Opt for the paved track on the left for an easier climb to the top if stairs are a concern . :athletic_shoe:

📸 Capture the Views

The panoramic views are spectacular, especially during golden hour. Don't forget your camera! :iphone:

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Panoramic Erfurt Views

Panoramic Erfurt Views

Top of the Citadel

Breathtaking 360-degree vistas of Erfurt city and its surroundings. A must-see for any visitor.

Citadel Gardens

Citadel Gardens

Various sections within the Citadel

Beautifully maintained gardens with wild flowers, offering a serene escape and picturesque scenery.

Historic Defense Barracks

Historic Defense Barracks

Defensionskaserne

Explore the architecture of this significant baroque fortress, with occasional video mapping displays .

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Planning Your Visit

Navigating the Citadel's Terrain

Be prepared for uneven paths and numerous stairs, some of which are not standardized.TikTok+1 While there's a glass lift, the paved track on the left offers an easier ascent for weary legs.Reddit

Embrace the Views and Gardens

The Petersberg Citadel offers stunning panoramic views of Erfurt.Reddit Explore its expansive grounds and enjoy the beautifully landscaped gardens, especially when wild flowers are in bloom.Reddit

Best Times

When
Spring and Summer mornings
Why
Enjoy blooming gardens and clear views
Crowd
Low
When
Late afternoons
Why
Golden hour light for photos
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

😤😤😤 #erfurt #fyp #petersberg
@didikusss
6.6K likes • 79K views

🚶‍♀️ Easy Access Path

Opt for the paved track on the left for an easier climb to the top if stairs are a concern.Reddit :athletic_shoe:

📸 Capture the Views

The panoramic views are spectacular, especially during golden hour. Don't forget your camera! :iphone:

Is Erfurt a mystic place or p diddy place? #erfurt #erfurterleben #fyp #viral #thüringen
@nachbar082
5.4K likes • 74.3K views
Erfurt is located in the heart of Thuringia and inspires with its medieval charm. Discover the city together with @life.catchers and experience places like: 📍Petersberg Citadel 📍The Bridge of the Stallholders 📍Ega Park 📍The Old Synagogue 📍The Old Town Since the reunification, Erfurt has embraced its heritage while blossoming into a vibrant cultural hub. #germanytourism #visitgermany #germany35...
germanytourism
1K likes • 28.9K views

🕰️ Check for Events

Look out for special events like video mapping shows on the barracks.Instagram :calendar:

💰 Free Admission

Enjoy the citadel's beauty and views without any entrance fee. :moneywithwings:

Letzten Freitag auf der Zitadelle Petersberg in Erfurt: Videomapping von Dirk Rauscher an der Defensionskaserne Last Friday at the Petersberg Citadel in Erfurt: Video mapping by Dirk Rauscher at the defense barracks #videomapping #fassadenkunst #festungpetersberg #facadeprojection #videokunst #videoanimation #erfurtentdecken #zitadellepetersberg
klaus.mebus
7 likes • 100 views

Tips

from all over the internet

🚶‍♀️ Easy Access Path

Opt for the paved track on the left for an easier climb to the top if stairs are a concern.Reddit :athletic_shoe:

📸 Capture the Views

The panoramic views are spectacular, especially during golden hour. Don't forget your camera! :iphone:

🕰️ Check for Events

Look out for special events like video mapping shows on the barracks.Instagram :calendar:

💰 Free Admission

Enjoy the citadel's beauty and views without any entrance fee. :moneywithwings:

What Travellers Say

4.7
(504 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise the Petersberg Citadel for its breathtaking panoramic views of Erfurt and its beautifully landscaped gardens, noting it's a wonderful place to walk and relax. The free admission is a significant plus, though some mention ongoing renovations and the challenging nature of certain staircases.

"Great view all over Erfurt. It is huge and has some fine gardens."

Axel Büse

"A nice place to walk, sit or relax. A beautiful view of the whole of Erfurt. No entrance fee. Wheelchair access."

Petr Sobíšek

"Always be my favourite place for a deep talk."

Arsyatria Rasaki Akbar

What People Like

Spectacular city views
Beautiful gardens
Free admission

What People Dislike

Steep, non-standardized stairs
Ongoing renovations

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The Petersberg Citadel is accessible by foot from Erfurt's city center. For those with mobility concerns, a paved track offers an easier ascent to the top, bypassing some of the steeper, non-standardized stairs.TikTokReddit+1 There's also a glass lift available.Reddit

While direct parking at the citadel itself might be limited, there are several parking garages and street parking options in the surrounding city center of Erfurt. From there, it's a pleasant walk up to the citadel.

Yes, you can take trams or buses to the city center of Erfurt and then walk up to the Petersberg Citadel. The walk is scenic and offers glimpses of the city.

The citadel grounds are generally accessible, and there are efforts to improve accessibility. The paved track is a good option for those with mobility challenges, and the gardens offer flat areas.Reddit

Many visitors enjoy walking the ramparts for the views and exploring the gardens. Consider wearing comfortable shoes due to the uneven terrain and stairs.TikTok+1

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, entry to the Petersberg Citadel and its grounds is free of charge.Reddit You can explore the ramparts, gardens, and enjoy the views without purchasing a ticket.

The citadel grounds are generally accessible throughout the day, though specific building access might vary. It's best to check for any event-specific timings if you plan to visit for a particular attraction.

Information on guided tours can often be found through Erfurt's local tourism office. These tours can provide deeper insights into the citadel's rich history and architecture.

Yes, the citadel is accessible year-round. While the gardens might be less vibrant in winter, the historical structures and city views remain impressive.

No, the gardens within the Petersberg Citadel are also free to access, allowing visitors to enjoy the landscaping and natural beauty.

📸 📸 Photography

The panoramic viewpoints overlooking Erfurt are prime photography locations. The historic architecture of the defense barracks and the blooming gardens also offer excellent photo opportunities.Instagram

Photography is generally allowed in outdoor areas. For specific exhibitions or indoor spaces, it's advisable to check signage or ask staff.

Late afternoons during the 'golden hour' provide beautiful lighting for capturing the citadel and the city. Clear mornings also offer great visibility for panoramic shots.

Drone usage is typically restricted in historical sites and urban areas due to privacy and safety regulations. It's best to check local drone laws and citadel regulations before flying.

Yes, capturing the video mapping displays on the defense barracks is encouraged, as they are a popular visual attraction.Instagram

🎫 🏛️ History & Architecture

The Petersberg Citadel is a significant baroque fortress, one of the largest and best-preserved in Europe.Instagram It has a long history, with events like a political meeting held by King Henry VI in 1184, which famously led to the 'Erfurt latrine disaster' when the floor of the hall collapsed into the latrine pit below.Instagram+2

The citadel is a prime example of baroque fortress architecture, showcasing impressive defensive structures and design elements typical of its era.Instagram

In 1184, a royal assembly at Petersberg Citadel collapsed into a medieval septic tank, resulting in the deaths of many nobles and officials. This event is a notorious piece of the citadel's history.Instagram+2

Yes, some of the old buildings are still undergoing renovation, which adds to the ongoing preservation efforts of this historic site.Reddit

The defense barracks (Defensionskaserne) are a key part of the citadel's military architecture and have been used for various purposes, including hosting impressive video mapping art installations.Instagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Petersberg Citadel offers a great outdoor space for families to explore. While some stairs can be steep,TikTok+1 the paved track provides a safer route for strollers or little legs.Reddit The expansive gardens are perfect for a picnic or a game of tag, and the panoramic views of Erfurt can spark curiosity about the city below. Keep an eye out for any special events or historical reenactments that might engage younger visitors.

Remember to bring comfortable shoes for everyone and perhaps some snacks. The free admission makes it an excellent budget-friendly option for a family outing. The historical stories, like the 'latrine disaster,' can also be a fun and memorable way to teach kids about history in a vivid, albeit slightly gross, way.Instagram+2

🚶‍♀️ Budget Travelers

Petersberg Citadel is a fantastic destination for budget-conscious travelers as there is no entrance fee.Reddit You can spend hours exploring the vast grounds, enjoying the stunning views over Erfurt, and relaxing in the beautiful gardens without spending a dime. It's an ideal spot for a picnic lunch, saving money on dining out.

While there's a glass lift, opting for the paved walking path is free and offers a good way to experience the citadel's scale. The main draw – the breathtaking city vistas – is entirely free, making it a top recommendation for anyone looking to experience Erfurt's charm without breaking the bank.

couples

The Petersberg Citadel provides a romantic setting with its sweeping views of Erfurt, especially during sunset. The tranquil gardens offer a peaceful escape for a leisurely stroll and intimate conversation.Reddit Consider packing a small picnic to enjoy together on one of the many benches scattered throughout the grounds.

For a unique experience, check if there are any evening events, such as the video mapping shows on the defense barracks,Instagram which can add a touch of magic to your visit. The historical ambiance combined with the natural beauty makes it a perfect spot for a memorable date.

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Exploring the Citadel's Terrain and Accessibility

Visitors to Petersberg Citadel should be aware of its varied terrain. While the views are spectacular, the citadel features numerous stairs, some of which are not standardized, making them challenging to navigate.TikTok+1 For those seeking an easier ascent, a sloping paved track on the left side of the citadel provides a more accessible route to the top, leading directly to the main entrance gate.Reddit This path is particularly recommended for visitors with tired legs or mobility concerns.

Despite the challenging staircases in some areas, the citadel is a large and beautiful place to walk, sit, and relax.Reddit The grounds are expansive, and efforts have been made to ensure parts of the citadel are wheelchair accessible.Reddit The presence of a glass lift also offers an alternative way to reach higher points, though the initial steps to access it should be considered.

Overall, while some renovation is ongoing, the citadel offers a rewarding experience for those prepared for its unique landscape. The combination of historical structures, gardens, and stunning city views makes it a worthwhile destination, with accessible options available for most visitors.Reddit

A Glimpse into the Citadel's Storied Past

Petersberg Citadel boasts a rich and sometimes dramatic history. It's recognized as one of Europe's largest and best-preserved baroque fortresses.Instagram A particularly infamous event occurred in 1184 when King Henry VI of Germany held a significant political assembly within the citadel. To impress his guests, the meeting took place in a grand upper hall, which, unfortunately, was situated directly above the castle's latrine pit.

During a heated debate, the floor of the hall gave way, sending dozens of nobles and officials plummeting into the medieval septic tank below. This catastrophic event, known as the 'Erfurt latrine disaster,' resulted in numerous fatalities and became a dark chapter in the citadel's history.Instagram+2 The story serves as a stark reminder of the less glamorous aspects of medieval life and architecture.

Today, while the citadel is a place of historical interest and offers beautiful views, it also serves as a venue for cultural events. For instance, video mapping displays have been projected onto the defense barracks, transforming the historic architecture into a canvas for modern art.Instagram This blend of ancient history and contemporary cultural expression makes Petersberg Citadel a unique destination.

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