Mystery Backpack 2p: explore the city with an Erfurt novel

Explore Erfurt with a Unique Novel-Based Experience for Two

The Mystery Backpack 2p tour offers a distinctive way to discover the highlights of Erfurt, Thuringia, at your own pace. With a price of $65 per group, this two-hour activity is perfect for couples, friends, or small groups seeking an active, sensory exploration of the city’s main sights. The tour’s charm lies in its blend of literature and local history, designed by the author herself, making it a truly authentic experience.

This tour departs from a bookstore in Erfurt’s city centre, where you pick up a carefully curated backpack. Inside, you’ll find a historic novel based on real facts, along with seating pads, a city map, a surprise gift, and a letter guiding your route. While it’s suitable for all ages and wheelchair accessible, it requires active participation, including walking and reading passages aloud. It’s especially appealing for those who enjoy literature, history, and interactive exploration, although some reviewers note that it may take a bit longer than the planned two hours.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points

• Self-guided, novel-inspired city tour designed by the author of the included historic novel.
• Two-hour pace with the option to take longer, depending on interest and reading speed.
• Group size is limited to two people, making it intimate and personalized.
• Price of $65 covers everything needed for the adventure: backpack, map, novel, and surprises.
• Multiple themes available, including 17th-century trade, Jewish life, monastery crimes, and Martin Luther’s Erfurt period.
• Starts at the bookshop on Am Anger or Stapp in the Marktstraße, allowing for flexible meeting arrangements.

Starting at the Heart of Erfurt: The Meeting Point and Setup

The tour begins at either Peterknecht bookstore on the Anger or Stapp in the Marktstraße. A key feature is that the meeting point is flexible if booked via email, providing convenience for visitors. After receiving your backpack, you’re ready to explore, with no need for external transportation—just your curiosity and senses.

The included items are thoughtfully selected: a light backpack, two seat pads for resting or reading, a city map, and the tour plan drafted by the author to ensure you cover key historic sites. The surprise worth approximately €15 adds a fun element, making the experience more memorable.

Discovering Erfurt’s Main Sights with a Literary Twist

As you walk through Erfurt’s city centre, the route takes you past its most notable locations, each linked to passages from the novel, which bring the history and atmosphere to life. The itinerary includes historical sites and locations associated with the chosen theme, whether that’s 17th-century trade routes, Jewish life from the 14th century, or Martin Luther’s influence in the 16th century.

The storytelling is integrated into each stop, with the passages you read making the surroundings feel more tangible. This method encourages active engagement and sensory awareness, making the city’s architecture, streets, and history more vivid than a standard walking tour.

Themes and Books: Explore Different Erfurt Eras

Guests can select from five thematic books, each focusing on a different aspect of Erfurt’s history:
– Blaues Gold: the 17th-century woad trade, highlighting the city’s economic history.
– Der Bierrufer: the brewing trade in the same period.
– Amor Vincit Omnia (The Lost Treasure): about 14th-century Jewish life, including UNESCO World Heritage sites.
– Der Abt vom Petersberg: centered on monastery crimes from the 15th century.
– Die Pfaffenhure: focusing on Martin Luther in Erfurt during the 16th century.

This variety allows visitors to tailor the experience to their interests, offering a deeper dive into specific historical periods and themes.

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Pacing and Flexibility During the Tour

The two-hour duration can extend if participants choose to linger at certain sites or read passages more thoroughly. Review comments indicate that some groups spend more time exploring, especially when visiting locations like the synagogue or house of Johann Nase. The tour’s design supports a relaxed pace, providing opportunities for reflection along the route.

Because the tour is self-guided, it offers flexibility to adjust timing as needed. The route is arranged to ensure a comprehensive visit of Erfurt’s medieval city centre, with the author’s tour plan guiding your route.

Accessibility and Group Size

The tour is suitable for private groups up to two people, making it ideal for couples or small friends groups. It is wheelchair accessible, ensuring that mobility limitations do not hinder the experience. The language of instruction is German, so some familiarity with the language can enhance understanding of passages and instructions.

Value for Money and Overall Experience

For $65, this tour provides a rich combination of history, literature, and city exploration. Everything needed—including the novel, map, and surprises—is included, making it good value for a personalized, active sightseeing experience. Reviews highlight that the cost reflects the quality and originality of the experience, with some noting it feels longer and more engaging than standard walks.

While some may find it slightly longer than the two-hour estimate, the overall feedback is very positive, emphasizing the feeling of being immersed in Erfurt’s past.

Who Will Enjoy This Tour Most?

This experience suits literature lovers, history enthusiasts, and curious explorers who appreciate a slower, sensory approach to city sightseeing. It’s perfect for small groups or couples seeking an intimate and personalized way to learn about Erfurt, especially if they enjoy reading and storytelling.

Visitors looking for a guided tour with a large group or wanting a quick overview might find this experience too leisurely or detailed. Still, for those wanting a more meaningful connection with the city’s history and architecture, this novel-based exploration offers something truly different.

Final Thoughts on the Mystery Backpack Tour in Erfurt

The Mystery Backpack 2p offers a distinctive and personal way to explore Erfurt’s historic centre, blending literature, local history, and active movement. The themes available provide targeted insights into different eras, making it both educational and engaging.

Its self-guided format allows for flexible pacing, while the author-designed route ensures comprehensive coverage of key sights. The inclusion of surprises and tailored content makes this a memorable experience for those seeking something beyond traditional guided tours.

While it requires active participation and may take slightly longer than two hours, the authenticity and intimacy of this experience make it well worth the price. It’s especially suited for small groups or couples who want to combine sightseeing with a literary journey through Erfurt.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the tour suitable for children?
The tour is designed for adults and older children who can read passages and walk the route comfortably. It’s primarily an active, literary exploration.

Can I do the tour if I have mobility issues?
Yes, the tour is wheelchair accessible, making it suitable for visitors with mobility limitations.

What languages are available?
The tour is conducted in German. Passages and instructions are in German, so some familiarity can enhance the experience.

Can I customize the theme or book choice?
Guests select from five different themes, but customization beyond that is not offered.

How long does the tour take if I read everything carefully?
While the planned duration is two hours, some groups find they need longer, especially when exploring sites thoroughly.

Is the tour private?
Yes, it is designed for private groups of up to two people, ensuring a personalized experience.

What should I bring?
All essentials, including the backpack, map, and novel, are provided. Comfortable walking shoes and a willingness to read aloud will enhance the experience.

How do I book?
Reservations can be made online, with the option to reserve now and pay later. You can also specify a meeting point or opt for the standard starting location.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, cancellation is free if made up to 24 hours in advance, allowing flexible planning.

What makes this tour different from other city walks?
Its literary focus, unique route designed by the author, and the interactive reading and exploration format set this experience apart from typical guided tours.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby