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Erlangen: Where baroque elegance meets innovative science and ancient cellars tell new stories.

Three Ways to Rediscover Erlangen

A first taste of the best stories the city has to offer. Many more tours are waiting for you.

The Blueprint of Refuge: Erlangen's Two Planned Cities – Erlangen Audio-Tour
Tour 01
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Pic by danfuh on Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0)

The Blueprint of Refuge: Erlangen's Two Planned Cities

Erlangen is a city that shouldn't exist in its current form. It is a masterpiece of survival, a place that was entirely erased and redrawn—not once, but twice. On this immersive walking tour, you will uncover the hidden parallels between two massive waves of 'outsiders' who shaped the city's destiny. First, the 17th-century French Huguenot refugees who built a perfect, rigid Baroque grid. Then, the 20th-century corporate engineers of Siemens, fleeing a divided Berlin to construct colossal mid-century tech monoliths. Join us as we explore the tension between utopian urban planning and messy human reality, tracing the evolution from a desperate sanctuary to a global powerhouse of medical technology.

7 Stops
183 Min
The Campus City: Erlangen's Academic Alchemy – Erlangen Audio-Tour
Tour 02
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Pic by Igal Marcelo Zimmt on Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 3.0)

The Campus City: Erlangen's Academic Alchemy

Discover how a single margravial gift transformed a city into a living, breathing campus. On this immersive walk, you will explore the profound symbiosis between Friedrich-Alexander-Universität and the city of Erlangen. From a Baroque palace that burned down over a twenty-five gulden budget cut, to a former industrial power plant that now fuels student nightlife, you will see how institutional boundaries have dissolved into a shared civic landscape. Join an urban planner and a local resident as they decode the architecture, history, and daily rhythms of a city where knowledge is the ultimate currency.

6 Stops
116 Min
The Sterile Dynamism: Erlangen's Medical Valley – Erlangen Audio-Tour
Tour 03
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Image by Masteraah on Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0)

The Sterile Dynamism: Erlangen's Medical Valley

Discover how a historic Franconian baroque town transformed into a hyper-specialized, globalized open-air laboratory. On this journey, you will explore the architectural and social paradoxes of Erlangen—where 17th-century gardens meet 21st-century precision engineering, and where monolithic red-brick corporate palaces are giving way to transparent, glass-clad innovation hubs. Uncover the invisible forces of high-end health engineering that dictate the city's skyline, its demographics, and its very pulse.

6 Stops
109 Min

Discover Erlangen – Stories Worth Hearing

Red Thread is an iOS and Android app with over 1,500 guided audio tours through cities worldwide - including in Erlangen.

Erlangen embraces you with a unique blend of historic charm and forward-thinking dynamism. You'll feel the spirit of the Enlightenment alive in its magnificent streets and gardens, while the pulse of research and innovation beats strongly.

From the strictly geometric axes of the planned city to the modern research centers of the Medical Valley – Erlangen is a city of contrasts. Red Thread unveils these multifaceted aspects, whether exploring the 'Two Planned Cities', delving into the 'Campus City', or uncovering the '8-Degree Secret' of its cellar culture.

Erlangen Highlights
  • Discover baroque splendor of the planned city
  • Experience the fascination of medical technology
  • Explore the underground cellar world – for locals & visitors!
  • Feel the pulsating campus life

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Frequently Asked Questions about Erlangen

General questions about the app, pricing and features are answered in our full FAQ on the main page.

How long does it take to explore Erlangen's historic planned cities?
Our 'Blueprint for Refuge' audio walk guides you in about 183 minutes through the baroque Huguenot city and its younger expansion, past impressive buildings and gardens.
What makes Erlangen's 'Cellar Culture' so special and where can I find it?
Erlangen's cellars, an underground labyrinth, have been places for storage and conviviality for centuries. The '8-Degree Secret' tour takes you in about 90 minutes to these historic sites, such as the Bergkirchweih grounds, where the famous beer cellars are located.
Can I create my own tours in Erlangen?
Yes, with the XL or Unlimited subscription you can use our AI-powered tour creator to build your own personalized tour in Erlangen on a topic of your choice.
Can I use the Erlangen tours offline?
Yes, with an XL or Unlimited subscription you can download tours for offline use.
Can I do Erlangen tours together with friends?
Yes – with Together Mode (from XL plan) the whole group listens in sync on their own devices. Up to 4 people on XL, up to 10 on Unlimited.
In which other cities does Red Thread offer tours?
Further tours are available in nearby cities like Fürth, Nuremberg, Würzburg, or international destinations like Venice, Madrid, Paris and many more. All cities can be found here.
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