Cross the Krämerbrücke when you get there

Krämerbrücke — or the Merchant’s Bridge, to those not fluent in German — is in Erfurt, the capital of Thuringia in Central Germany. Unlike other bridges, it’s not just a mere passageway to get from Points A to B. Krämerbrücke is lined with dozens of houses, shops, and cafes, some of which are hundreds of years old. In fact, it’s the largest bridge of its kind in all of Europe!

We sat down with Dominik Kalies from 360° WORLD -  NEW DIMENSIONS to discuss why he chose this architectural marvel for a digital rendering.

What inspired the 3D capture of this space?

We were motivated by a desire to create a mega reference for my first project with Matterport. The Krämerbrücke is a landmark in my hometown of Erfurt, and I wanted to showcase its beauty and significance in a unique way. Using 3D technology allowed me to capture every detail and angle, creating an immersive and interactive experience for viewers. I'm thrilled with the end result and can't wait to use this technology on future projects.

What are the “must-sees” you want visitors to explore and why?

Our virtual tourists should definitely visit the various shops and businesses on the Krämerbrücke. Not only do guests get a glimpse into what each shop has to offer, but they also get the chance to virtually climb to the top of the tower and enjoy the breathtaking views over Erfurt. Additionally, the tour allows them to explore all the bridge’s nooks and crannies, giving them a truly immersive and interactive experience. We want visitors to feel like they’re really there, discovering everything that the Krämerbrücke has to offer.

What’s the one thing you want visitors to take away after exploring your 3D tour?

I’d like guests to leave the tour with a new-found appreciation of Erfurt’s beauty. As an ambassador for Erfurt, it brings me great joy to showcase our wonderful city to the world. I hope that the tour will give visitors a deeper understanding of and respect for all that Erfurt has to offer and encourage them to visit in person.

What are the benefits of Matterport digital twins?

The advantages are numerous and varied! The technology is simply fantastic, allowing users to explore spaces easily from any angle. The dollhouse view and AR function are particularly impressive, giving users a unique and interactive experience.Additionally, digital twins can be accessed remotely, making them an excellent marketing tool for property management, real estate, and virtual events. Overall, Matterport digital twins provide an immersive and convenient way to experience a place or building without the need for physical travel.

Do you have any plans to capture more 3D experiences?

Yes! I’ve had the opportunity to create many other beautiful scans in Thuringia. Some examples include the Volkshaus Jena, Steigerwaldstadion Erfurt, numerous art galleries in Erfurt, Jena, Koblenz, Berlin, the Stadtmuseum Saalfeld, Buchhandlung Peterknecht, and the Stadtinformation Erfurt, among others. I’m always on the lookout for new and interesting spaces to use for digital renderings, and I’m excited to see what other experiences I’ll be able to share with the world through this technology.

Anything else you would like to add?

I have one big wish that I would like to share: I would love for my beautiful Krämerbrücke tour to be featured in the New York Times. It would be amazing to see my little dream come true, and I appreciate any help you can give me in making it a reality!