Leisure time in Erfurt – green thumbs and sporty vibes

If you need a break from everyday university life, the state capital of Thuringia has plenty to offer. Erfurt has a long tradition of horticulture — you can feel it everywhere, especially in the city's many parks and gardens!

A real highlight is the egapark — a popular destination for young and old. Colourful flowerbeds, the Danakil desert and jungle house and extensive green spaces await you here. And if you’re into hiking and jogging, the Steigerwald forest’s idyllic paths on the outskirts of the city beckon you.

Close to the University of Erfurt you can find the Nordpark — Erfurt's largest inner-city park. At over four kilometres, it offers plenty of space to exercise, relax or simply enjoy the sun. Whether in the popular Nordbad swimming pool, on the numerous sports fields and playgrounds or in the skate park — there's always something going on in Nordpark!

Fancy some water activities? Then head to the Nordstrand. A small recreational area in the centre of the city where you can swim, dive and even water ski. The Erfurt Lakes to the north offer even more refreshment. The waters created by gravel extraction are perfect spots for swimming, sailing, rowing, surfing or diving.

If you fancy even more action, it's worth visiting the rock wall in Kressepark or the Nordwand climbing hall. In winter, you can go ice skating in the Gunda-Niemann-Stirnemann-Halle. The speed skating rink is one of the most beautiful and modern in the world and hosts many national and international competitions.

The city's numerous sports clubs, such as the Erfurt University Sports Club (USV), offer a variety of sports such as swimming, athletics and football as well as chess, capoeira and yoga — perfect for body and mind.

Even if you don't want to get active yourself but prefer to watch, Erfurt has something for you. You can enjoy top-class football, basketball, volleyball, ice hockey and cycling.