If you’re looking for an activity that combines storytelling, active exploration, and a touch of literary charm, the Mystery Backpack 2p tour in Erfurt might just be your perfect fit. Although I haven’t personally tried it, this experience is gaining attention for its inventive approach to discovering one of Germany’s most picturesque medieval towns.
What really appeals to us is how this tour encourages you to put away your phone and immerse yourself through reading, moving, and sensing the city around you. Plus, it’s designed by the author herself, which means the storytelling is tailored with care and authenticity. However, a potential consideration is that the tour might take longer than the planned two hours if you really get caught up in the passages or stop to explore.
This experience is best suited for groups of friends, couples, or anyone who enjoys literary-inspired adventures and a more active way of sightseeing. If you’re traveling with a partner or just want to see Erfurt from a different perspective without the typical guided tour format, this could be a memorable choice.
Key Points
- Themed literary experience: You choose from five different historical themes based on novels, which makes each tour feel personalized.
- Use of senses and activity: Forget your cell phone and experience the city actively by reading passages aloud and exploring on foot.
- Designed by the author: The route and passages are carefully curated for authenticity and storytelling quality.
- Flexible and private: It’s designed for private groups, and you can start either at a designated bookstore or an arranged meeting point.
- Cost-effective: At $65 for a group of up to two people, you get a tailored, literary experience that offers good value.
- Ideal for curious travelers: Perfect if you love reading, history, or want a different way to see Erfurt beyond typical tours.
The Experience in Detail: What to Expect
The tour kicks off at either the bookstore Peterknecht on the Anger or Stapp on Marktstraße, depending on what’s arranged. Once you meet your guide, you’ll pick up a light backpack containing everything you need to learn about the story and the city. Inside, you’ll find a historic novel based on facts, two seat pads, a detailed city map, and a surprise worth about 15 euros—small touches that add to the experience’s charm.
From the moment you step out into Erfurt’s streets, you’re encouraged to forget your phone and focus on your surroundings. The route is carefully drafted by the author to ensure you see the most significant sights and learn about their histories through reading passages.
The reading material is chosen based on your selected theme, such as “Blaues Gold,” about the 17th-century woad trade, or “Der Bierrufer,” focusing on brewing trade. Other themes explore Jewish life in the 14th century, monastery crimes, or Martin Luther’s influence—each offering a different lens into Erfurt’s past.
The pace of the tour is flexible, and you’re encouraged to explore at your own speed. For example, some reviewers mentioned that they took longer than the planned two hours, especially when stopping at points of interest like the synagogue or the house of Johann Nase. This slower pace can be a good thing if you’re keen to soak in details, but it’s worth being aware that it might extend your experience.
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Walking Through Erfurt with a Literary Twist
The tour’s highlight is the way it transforms historic sites into living parts of a story. As you read passages aloud and move from site to site, you feel less like a tourist and more like a character in a story. This storytelling approach brings a sense of authenticity and immediacy that standard guided walks sometimes lack.
One reviewer pointed out how “feeling the city through walking” made the experience more tangible, and that “it brought some life into the buildings.” Instead of just looking at façades or reading plaques, you get to connect emotionally with the history.
The route covers main sights in Erfurt’s medieval center, and the detailed tour plan drafted by the author ensures you won’t miss out on important landmarks or hidden gems. Plus, the inclusion of a local surprise makes the journey even more memorable.
The Cost and How It Adds Value
At $65 for up to two people, this tour is quite reasonable considering it offers a personalized and literary approach. Unlike typical guided tours in crowded groups, this private experience allows for a more relaxed and intimate exploration.
Given that the backpack contains a novel, maps, and surprises, the cost feels justifiable—especially if you’re someone who appreciates literature, history, and active exploration. It’s also flexible: you can book now and pay later, which is helpful if you’re trying to keep options open.
What We Like & What to Keep in Mind
Pros:
– The literary theme makes it stand out from regular city tours.
– The self-guided nature allows you to go at your own pace and linger when something catches your eye.
– The authentic storytelling created by the author enhances the immersion.
– The private group format offers a personalized experience.
– The value for money is good, considering the curated content and added surprises.
Cons:
– The tour might take longer than two hours if you get engrossed or stop to explore specific locations.
– Some landmarks might be hard to pinpoint precisely, as one reviewer mentioned difficulty locating the house of Johann Nase; clearer directions for certain spots could improve the experience.
– This isn’t ideal if you’re looking for a quick overview—expect a more relaxed, storytelling journey.
Who Will Love This Tour?
If you’re a literature lover, enjoy walking explorations, or crave a more engaged way to learn about Erfurt, this is a lovely choice. It resonates especially well with travelers who appreciate history told through stories and don’t mind taking their time to absorb the atmosphere.
While not explicitly family-focused, the activity’s leisurely pace and storytelling could appeal to older children or teens interested in history or stories, but it’s best suited for adults or older kids who can enjoy reading aloud.
FAQs About the Mystery Backpack 2p Tour
- Is the tour suitable for people with mobility issues?
The tour is wheelchair accessible, making it feasible for those with mobility concerns, as long as the route is navigated carefully. - Can I choose a specific theme or book?
Yes, you can select from five themes, each based on different historical periods and stories, allowing you to tailor your experience. - Where do I meet the tour?
You can meet at the bookstore Peterknecht on the Anger or Stapp on Marktstraße, depending on your booking arrangements. - How long does the tour last?
The official duration is around two hours, but some participants have reported taking longer, especially if they stop to explore or read more. - What’s included in the backpack?
The backpack contains a historic novel, two seat pads, a city map, a tour plan, and a small surprise, making it a well-rounded kit for the adventure. - Is there an option to cancel?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, providing some flexibility if your plans change.
Mystery Backpack 2p: explore the city with an Erfurt novel
“Wir haben deutlich länger gebraucht für die Tour. Wir haben uns für den Hochzeitsschatz entschieden und uns auch die Synagoge angesehen mit dem …”
Final Thoughts
The Mystery Backpack 2p experience offers a refreshing way to see and feel Erfurt, blending storytelling with active exploration. It’s a great pick if you’re looking for a personalized, literary-themed adventure that’s more engaging than a standard city tour.
While it requires a bit of patience and a relaxed pace, the added value of reading passages and discovering sights through stories can make your visit to Erfurt truly memorable. It’s particularly suited for travelers who treasure history told through words, enjoy walking at a leisurely pace, and appreciate a customized experience.
If you’re after a unique, quiet, and story-driven way to explore this charming town, this tour could be just the ticket.
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