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

Imagine wandering through the charming streets of Erfurt, not just as a tourist but as a character in a story, guided by a novel based on real historical events. The Mystery Backpack 2p offers just that—an engaging, literary-inspired tour that invites you to see the city differently. Designed for small groups, this experience pairs storytelling, local sights, and sensory engagement, making it one of the more interactive ways to discover this historic German city.

What we love about this tour is how it combines literature and location in a seamless way, making history feel immediate and personal. Plus, you don’t need a guide hovering over you—this is a self-guided adventure crafted by the author herself, giving you freedom to explore at your own pace.

One thing to keep in mind is that this tour isn’t a quick stroll; some groups have found they extended their time exploring more deeply, which can be a plus if you love to linger and soak in details. It’s best suited for those who enjoy reading, walking, and a bit of mystery, especially couples, friends, or small groups seeking an authentic, interactive experience rather than a traditional guided tour.

Key Points

• Interactive storytelling combines literature with sightseeing, making history come alive.
• Flexible pacing allows you to explore at your own speed, perfect for curious travelers.
• Includes local surprises and custom-designed routes by the author herself.
• Ideal for small groups up to two people, offering a personalized experience.
• Cost-effective at $65 per group, providing excellent value considering the personalized content.
• Accessible and straightforward with options for early booking and flexible cancellation.

What Is the Mystery Backpack 2p?

This experience is a self-guided tour in Erfurt that involves reading passages from a historic novel while exploring the city’s main sights. It’s designed for small groups—up to two people—for a two-hour adventure. The idea is simple but captivating: pick up a backpack filled with literary and practical materials, then follow the clues, read the story, and let the city’s ambiance bring history to life.

Perfectly suited for travelers who prefer hands-on exploration over traditional guided tours, this experience emphasizes active engagement—forget your cell phone, use your senses, and learn about Erfurt’s streets through the lens of a story.

What’s in the Backpack?

When you pick up your backpack in the city center, you get everything needed for a well-rounded experience: a historic novel (based on factual events), two seat pads for comfort during reading stops, a city map, and a tour plan. There’s also a local surprise (~15 euros worth) and a letter guiding your route and what passages to read at each stop.

This setup encourages you to step out of passive sightseeing and into an active, story-driven exploration. The inclusion of local surprises adds an authentic touch, possibly a small souvenir or a taste of Erfurt’s culture—details that enrich the experience without breaking the bank.

Tour Themes and Books

One of the tour’s strengths is its variety. You can choose from five different themes:

• Blaues Gold – centers on the 17th-century woad trade
• Der Bierrufer – explores brewing history in the same period
• Amor Vincit Omnia (The Lost Treasure) – delves into 14th-century Jewish life and UNESCO World Heritage sites
• Der Abt vom Petersberg – highlights monastery crimes from the 15th century
• Die Pfaffenhure – focuses on Martin Luther’s time in Erfurt, the 16th century

Each theme offers a different lens through which to view the city, making the experience personal and educational. You might find that certain themes resonate more than others, depending on your interests—history, religion, trade, or local legends.

Itinerary and Highlights

The tour begins at Am Anger 11, a central spot in Erfurt’s old town, and then proceeds on foot through the city’s historic streets. The route is thoughtfully drafted by the author herself, ensuring you see key sights while following the story.

Though the specifics of the route aren’t detailed in the official info, reviews suggest the stops include notable landmarks like the Synagogue (with a mention of the treasure in the cellar) and the house of Johann Nase. One reviewer noted they struggled slightly to locate certain sites, like the house of Johann Nase, suggesting that future editions might benefit from more explicit directions in the letter or map.

Walking at your own pace, you’ll read passages that relate directly to your surroundings, making the history tangible and more memorable. One traveler remarked, “It’s a wonderful way to feel more connected to the city,” highlighting how reading passages in situ enhances the sense of place.

Authenticity and Engagement

The best part? The authenticity of the experience. Without a guide talking at you, you can linger or skip sections, absorbing the atmosphere of Erfurt at your own rhythm. Reviewers appreciated the relaxed pace—one mentioned they took longer than two hours but enjoyed delving deeper into the sights.

Personalization and Surprises

The local surprise adds a delightful element of unpredictability. Whether it’s a small souvenir or a local snack, it’s a thoughtful touch that elevates the experience beyond just reading and walking.

Practical Aspects

Costing $65 for a group of two, this tour offers a lot of value. It includes all materials—a backpack, novel, map, and surprises—meaning no extra charges. The flexible cancellation policy (up to 24 hours in advance) makes it a low-risk option if your plans change.

The tour is wheelchair accessible, and the experience is conducted in German. If you’re a non-German speaker, check if the content can be enjoyed with translation or if the novelty of the story compensates for language barriers.

Timing-wise, you can typically start at any time based on availability—just check ahead to reserve your preferred slot.

Reviews in Context

With a 4.3-star rating from seven reviews, opinions are generally positive. Travelers loved the relaxed, immersive discovery. One mentioned that they appreciated how the storytelling made the buildings feel “more tangible,” while another said they felt “transported back in time” walking through the streets.

A review pointed out that they took longer than two hours, which, for some, might be a bonus if you enjoy exploring thoroughly. Others mentioned that some site locations, like the house of Johann Nase, could be marked more precisely in the instructions.

This experience is ideal for literature lovers, history buffs, or travelers seeking a more personal, authentic way to explore Erfurt. It’s perfect for couples or small groups who enjoy walking and storytelling rather than conventional guided tours. If you’re traveling with someone who loves to read or appreciates immersive, sensory experiences, this is a good pick.

It’s also a cost-effective way to see key sights without paying for a full guided tour, especially since everything is self-guided but thoughtfully curated. If you prefer a structured route with storytelling and surprises, this adventure will hit the spot.

The Mystery Backpack 2p offers a refreshing twist on city tours, blending storytelling, local history, and active exploration. For a reasonable price, you get a personalized, story-driven journey that makes Erfurt’s sights feel alive and meaningful. It’s especially suited for those who enjoy literature, history, and a little mystery—perfect for couples, friends, or solo travelers looking for an engaging yet relaxed way to discover.

While some minor improvements could be made in directions or site markers, the overall experience provides excellent value. It’s a fantastic choice if you want to go beyond the usual tourist trail and connect more deeply with Erfurt’s past and present.

Can I do this tour alone or only in pairs?
You can book the experience for up to two people per group, so it’s perfect for couples or small groups. Larger groups would need to book multiple slots or check if the provider offers larger options.

Is the tour available in languages other than German?
Currently, the experience is conducted in German. Non-German speakers might still enjoy the story if they understand the language or if translation options are available.

How long does the tour take?
The official duration is two hours, but some groups have found they take longer, especially if they linger over passages or explore sites more thoroughly.

Can I cancel or reschedule?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Rescheduling might depend on availability—check directly with the provider.

What should I bring?
Just your curiosity! The backpack includes everything you need, including seat pads for comfort, a map, and the novel. Dress comfortably for walking, and consider bringing water for hydration.

Is the experience accessible for wheelchair users?
Yes, the tour is wheelchair accessible, making it inclusive for travelers with mobility needs.

What themes are available?
You can choose from themes like 17th-century trade, Jewish life in the 14th century, or Martin Luther’s time in Erfurt—each offering a different perspective on the city.

Where do I start the tour?
The meeting point is either the Peterknecht bookstore on the Anger or Stapp in the Marktstraße. Exact details are provided upon booking.

What if I want a private experience?
The tour is designed as a private group for up to two people, perfect for a personalized visit.

How does the storytelling enhance the sightseeing?
Reading passages at specific sites makes the history feel alive, turning the city into a living storybook. Reviewers noted feeling “more connected” and “transported back in time.”

This literary-inspired tour in Erfurt offers a rich, interactive way to explore Germany’s medieval streets. Whether you’re a history enthusiast or simply looking for a memorable experience, the Mystery Backpack 2p provides a ballanced mix of storytelling, discovery, and local charm—worth considering for your next trip.