Erfurt, Thuringia's state capital, lies in the Thuringian Basin at an average elevation of 200 meters above sea level – between the Thuringian Forest to the southwest and the Kyffhäuser to the northeast. The Gera River flows through the city at 190 m; the Cathedral Hill with Erfurt Cathedral and Severikirche rises to 240 m.
That works out to roughly 656 feet above sea level. The nearby cities compared on this page average 162 m, putting Erfurt about 38 m higher.
Quick Facts
| Elevation (above sea level) | 200 m |
|---|---|
| Coordinates | 50.9787° N, 11.0328° E |
| Country | Germany |
| Continent | Europe |
Compare elevations – nearby cities
| City | Elevation (m) | Country |
|---|---|---|
| Chemnitz | 300 | Germany |
| Leipzig | 113 | Germany |
| Kassel | 175 | Germany |
| Hanover | 58 | Germany |
Cities with a similar elevation
The following cities sit at an elevation similar to Erfurt (200 m above sea level):
| City | Elevation (m) | Country |
|---|---|---|
| Saarbrücken | 197 | Germany |
| Lyon | 182 | France |
| Würzburg | 179 | Germany |
| Aachen | 174 | Germany |
| Vienna | 171 | Austria |
Frequently Asked Questions
How high is Erfurt above sea level?
Erfurt averages 200 m above sea level. The Gera flows at 190 m; the Cathedral Hill rises to 240 m; the Petersberg to 245 m.
What is the Thuringian Basin?
The Thuringian Basin is a geological depression of limestone and sandstone with fertile soils that made it Thuringia's breadbasket. Erfurt was the center of vegetable and flower seed cultivation until the 20th century.
Why is Erfurt called the 'Flower City'?
Erfurt was the center of European garden and flower seed trading for centuries. Ernst Benary founded the world's first modern plant breeding company here in 1843. The International Horticultural Exhibition (iga) regularly takes place in Erfurt.