Introduction
The lifestyle of a digital nomad has never been more appealing. Working from anywhere in the world while exploring new cultures is now a reality for thousands of professionals. Germany, with its strong infrastructure and international business hubs, has become one of Europe’s most attractive destinations. While big cities like Berlin or Munich often receive the spotlight, Erlangen offers a unique balance between small-town tranquility and global connectivity.
For digital nomads who need reliable internet, affordable living, and a safe community, Erlangen is an excellent base. In this article, we explore why the city is so well suited for remote workers, how fully furnished apartments provide the best lifestyle, and what day-to-day life looks like for nomads in Franconia.
1. Why Erlangen Is Perfect for Digital Nomads
A city with international character
Although Erlangen has a modest population of around 110,000, it is home to Friedrich-Alexander University (FAU) and global companies such as Siemens Healthineers and Siemens Energy. This creates an international atmosphere where English is widely spoken and foreign professionals feel at home.
Calm but well connected
Unlike overcrowded capitals, Erlangen offers a calm environment with short distances: most places can be reached within 10 – 15 minutes by bike or bus. At the same time, it is only 20 minutes by train from Nuremberg, one of Bavaria’s major transport hubs with direct connections to Berlin, Munich, and Frankfurt Airport.
A green and safe environment
Erlangen is famous for its green parks such as the Schlossgarten and extensive bike paths. Safety is another big advantage: the city consistently ranks as one of the safest in Bavaria, making it an ideal choice for solo travelers or young professionals.
2. Apartments vs. Hotels for Remote Work
The problem with hotels
Hotels in Germany are usually designed for tourists or short business trips. For digital nomads, they come with several disadvantages:
- small rooms without work-friendly desks,
- unreliable Wi-Fi in many cases,
- no kitchen to cook meals,
- higher costs for long-term stays,
- interruptions from daily housekeeping.
Why furnished apartments win
In contrast, fully equipped apartments – such as those at BOOK-IT Erlangen – are tailored to long-term living:
- High-speed Wi-Fi included in the price,
- dedicated workspace with a proper desk and chair,
- a fully equipped kitchen for independent dining,
- laundry facilities to keep life practical,
- flexible contracts that allow stays from one week to several months.
This combination creates the ideal environment for productivity and comfort.
3. The Workday of a Digital Nomad in Erlangen
Morning routine
Start your day with a run or yoga in the Schlossgarten, just minutes from the city center. Grab fresh coffee and pastries from a local bakery – Germany is famous for its bread culture. Then head back to your apartment, connect to fast Wi-Fi, and set up for your work sessions.
Productive hours
Most nomads follow deep-work sessions in the morning. Thanks to quiet surroundings and soundproof apartments, concentration is easy. Calls with international teams are smooth, supported by stable internet speeds averaging 100 – 250 Mbps in central Erlangen.
Lunch breaks and leisure
Instead of eating at overpriced restaurants, you can cook your own meals in the kitchen or grab quick Franconian dishes at nearby cafes. Many nomads love the variety of weekly markets where fresh fruit, vegetables, and local specialties are affordable and delicious.
Evening relaxation
After work, take advantage of Erlangen’s bike-friendly infrastructure. With BOOK-IT Bikes, you can cycle along the Regnitz river or explore forest paths around the city. Alternatively, join international meetups organized by FAU or Siemens communities.
4. Affordability Compared to Big Cities
Digital nomads often look for destinations that balance quality of life with cost. Here’s how Erlangen compares:
- Rent and living costs: Apartments in Erlangen are significantly cheaper than in Munich, Frankfurt, or Berlin.
- Food: Cooking at home cuts costs by 40 – 50% compared to eating out daily.
- Transport: Most nomads use bikes or public transport; no need for a car.
- Safety and healthcare: Germany’s healthcare system is excellent, and Erlangen hosts one of the country’s top university hospitals.
Overall, living in Erlangen allows digital workers to save money while maintaining a very high standard of living.
5. Community and Networking
International circles
Thanks to FAU’s international students and Siemens’ global workforce, there are always communities for foreigners. Meetups in English are common, and co-working events take place in cafés or university facilities.
Work-life balance
Digital nomads often struggle with loneliness. In Erlangen, you can easily join sports clubs, music societies, or volunteer groups. The city’s size makes networking easy: after a few weeks, you’ll start recognizing familiar faces.
6. Long-Term Stay Options at BOOK-IT
BOOK-IT offers a range of apartments designed for remote professionals:
- Studios and one-bedroom apartments with modern design, smart TVs, and ergonomic furniture.
- Family-friendly apartments if you travel with a partner or children.
- Eco-conscious living with solar-powered energy systems and e-bike rentals.
Weekly cleaning, digital check-in, and responsive customer service ensure a smooth experience. For stays longer than one month, discounted rates apply, making BOOK-IT one of the most cost-efficient solutions in Franconia.
7. Weekend and Travel Opportunities
When it’s time to log off, Erlangen’s location offers endless opportunities:
- Nuremberg (20 min): medieval castle, Christmas market, vibrant old town.
- Bamberg (40 min): UNESCO World Heritage Site, famous for its smoked beer.
- Franconian Switzerland: a paradise for hikers and climbers with unique rock formations.
- Munich (90 min by train): perfect for weekend trips and Oktoberfest.
This central location allows nomads to balance focused workweeks with cultural weekends.
Conclusion
Erlangen may not be as famous as Berlin or Munich, but for digital nomads, that is exactly its strength. It combines safety, affordability, and a vibrant international community with the calmness of a smaller city. Furnished apartments, especially those by BOOK-IT, provide everything a remote worker needs: fast Wi-Fi, quiet workspaces, modern kitchens, and flexible contracts.
Whether you’re staying for a few weeks or several months, Erlangen allows you to be productive, live comfortably, and enjoy the best of Franconia. For digital nomads searching for their next destination in Germany, Erlangen is a hidden gem worth discovering.