Anyone who wanted to stop off at a cozy inn in the center of Erfurt in the Middle Ages already had the same destination as today's guests: the "Alter Schwan". The historic building, which was first mentioned in 1310 as the Fuhrhof, is one of Erfurt's oldest secular buildings and was constructed in the 15th century. The large entrance portal was added during the Renaissance. The building has otherwise remained virtually unchanged since the Middle Ages.  

Many famous names can be found in the guest books of the "Alter Schwan", including the famous poet and shoemaker Hans Sachs, who stayed at the inn in the 16th century. The writer Christoph Martin Wieland lived here between 1769 and 1772. In 1995, the building was renovated in close consultation with Erfurt's Office for the Preservation of Historical Monuments and a new extension was added. In the same year, the only hotel directly next to the Krämerbrücke opened, with the hotel's own restaurant "Zum Alten Schwan" also shining in new splendor. Today, guests can enjoy regional and international delicacies in the restaurant, including on the sun terrace in summer.