All tours in Erlangen

Erlangen

The Blueprint of Refuge: Erlangen's Two Planned Cities

7.5 km183 min7 stops

What awaits you on this Red Thread tour

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.

Itinerary

1

TOUR START

Hugenottenkirche

The spiritual anchor of the French refugees and the genesis of the planned 'Neustadt'.

Hugenottenkirche

Pic by danfuh on Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0)

0.72 km • 11 min
2

STOP 2

Stadtmuseum Erlangen

Housed in the Old Town Hall, detailing the Baroque grid and early industrialization.

Stadtmuseum Erlangen

Pic by Hannes Henn on Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0)

0.65 km • 10 min
3

STOP 3

Schlossgarten Erlangen

The Margrave's power center and the home of the University (FAU).

Schlossgarten Erlangen

Pic by Aarp65 on Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0)

1.08 km • 17 min
4

STOP 4

Himbeerpalast

The iconic 1950s former Siemens headquarters, symbolizing the corporate era.

Himbeerpalast

Pic by Janericloebe on Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 3.0)

0.89 km • 14 min
5

STOP 5

Siemens Healthineers MedMuseum

Showcases the legacy of medical technology and precision engineering in Erlangen.

Siemens Healthineers MedMuseum

Pic by Janericloebe on Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 3.0)

1.59 km • 24 min
6

STOP 6

Treffpunkt Röthelheimpark

A modern planned district highlighting the contemporary international social fabric.

2.53 km • 39 min
During your walk

Interlude

A deep dive into the psychology of the planned city and the outsider experience.

7

END

Siemens Campus Erlangen

The future of corporate urbanism, contrasting the closed past with open innovation.

Where the tour takes place

Starting point and rough tour area – the exact route unfolds in the app.

Good to know

  • Ideal for Architecture enthusiasts, history buffs, urban planners, and curious minds fascinated by the social dynamics of migration and innovation.
  • Best time Late morning or early afternoon on a weekday, when the contrast between the historic quiet and the bustling tech campuses is most apparent.
  • Footwear Comfortable walking shoes are essential; we cover several centuries of urban sprawl.
  • Pacing Take your time in the Schlossgarten. It's the perfect spot to rest and reflect.
  • Museum Hours Check the Stadtmuseum and MedMuseum opening times if you plan to go inside.
  • Photography The Himbeerpalast offers incredible wide-angle architectural shots.
  • Refreshments Röthelheimpark has excellent cafes for a mid-tour coffee break.
  • Your voucher You can redeem your voucher for two years from purchase. Once redeemed, you have 14 days of access and can enjoy the tour as often as you like during that time.

Your guide

Tom Bennett
Audio sample
0:000:00

Tom Bennett

  • Urbanism, Infrastructure & Innovation
  • Northern England

Architecture and urban planning professional. Explains the city's hidden systems – from mobility to water pipes – clearly and vividly.

Frequently asked questions

How do I get to the tour after buying?

You see your voucher code right after payment – and you also receive it at the email address you entered at checkout. Redeem that code in the Red Thread app; that's where the tour starts.

When does my access start?

Only when you redeem the code in the app, not at purchase. From redemption you have 14 days of access to the tour.

Do I need the Red Thread app?

Yes. The free Red Thread app turns your tour into a vivid experience: with audio, a map, and thoughtful prompts, it guides you from place to place in an engaging and entertaining way. It's available free for iOS and Android.

Discover more tours in Erlangen

Experience Erlangen from more surprising perspectives.

See more tours in Erlangen
Now only €3.99 incl. VAT