Impressions of Erlangen

Neustaedter Kirche (New City Church)

It had been two years since I last visited the city of Erlangen, but a couple of impressions are sinking in. First, after visiting Munich and Passau, I am struck by the number of young people in Erlangen  as  compared to the latter two cities. This should not be surprising as Erlangen is the second seat of Siemens as well as the site of a large university.

Former Military Police station on Artilleriestrasse (where I worked 1966-68)

Second, Erlangen has truly become international. The number of foreign residents and students is impressive. Yes, impressive because the ones you see are studying, working, running businesses (largely restaurants) and speaking fluent German. They appear to be assimilating well.

Formerly Ferris Barracks-US Army caserne

Montessori School on Artilleriestrasse- My former barracks were on ground floor.



This may be a superficial impression, but it appears that immigration is working, at least in Erlangen. Here you don't see idle foreigners standing around. There are no street riots and burning cars as in Sweden or France.

Above: Kitzmann brewery beer garden

Above: Criminal courthouse. The eagle remains. Removed was the swastika in the globe held in the eagle's talons.


Last night, I attended the Sukkah dinner of the local Jewish community to celebrate the Jewish new year. This community consists largely of Russian émigrés, mostly older and numbering over 100, though the active members could be counted in the dozens. The community seems to be doing well, with community and city support.  Anti-Semitism, at least in Erlangen, doesn't seem to be a problem.

11 Raumerstrasse- One of 4 designated Jewish houses in World War Two where multiple Jewish families were forced to co-locate until they were rounded up and deported to the East for extermination.