Ochsenfurt: Old Town, Hiking and Wine

In Ochsenfurt, you can shape your stay around different interests: the historic old town is defined by an almost complete fortification, there are two routes to choose from in the Ochsenfurter Forst, and a tour near Kleinochsenfurt leads to distinctive rock formations. Organised options for wine tastings and guided walks through the vineyards are available by prior arrangement. When choosing your destination, you can therefore consider whether to focus on urban history, nature or wine.

Old Town, Towers and Figurine Clock

The historic old town is surrounded by an almost complete fortification with numerous town gates and towers. This fortification frames views of Ochsenfurt’s historic urban layout. One of the town hall’s special details is the figurine clock on the Lanzentürmchen: it displays Ochsenfurt’s coat of arms, the days of the month and the phase of the moon. The figures represent youth, old age and death—alongside calendar and lunar information, the clock also tells a symbolic story.

There are also figures with their own stories on the Old Main Bridge. Since 2012, a figure named Thekla has stood on the right bank of the Main. Opposite is a figure of St John of Nepomuk created by Willi Grimm; on the town side, there is also a second depiction of Nepomuk by Wilhelm Ax. The different figures and their precisely specified locations provide several tangible points of interest on the bridge.

Routes in the Ochsenfurter Forst and Geology

In the Ochsenfurter Forst, at the junction towards Ochsensee, you can choose between a shortened loop and a longer route. The shorter option follows the edge of the forest and then returns through the forest; the longer one goes around Ochsensee. The options therefore differ both in route and length, although no walking time is given for either.

The “Experience Geology” tour near Kleinochsenfurt offers a different focus. It leads to the “Würzburger Quaderkalk” quarry, where visitors can explore interesting rock formations. The quarry was designated a National Geotope in 2019. While the routes in the forest offer a choice between two different paths, this tour focuses on exploring the rock formations.

Wine Tastings and Vineyard Walks

Wine tastings at the individual winemakers’ premises or at the wine shop are possible following prior telephone contact. The Ochsenfurt Tourist Information Office also organises wine tastings for individuals or groups. It also arranges guided vineyard walks for individuals or groups. Confirm the specific arrangements for these activities with the Tourist Information Office before planning. This makes it possible to plan a tasting and a guided walk as separate activities while keeping in mind that prior arrangements are required.

In the Wider Würzburg Destination

The wider Würzburg destination offers additional themes, each rooted in a different place. Würzburg district is set in an intact cultural landscape of vineyards, forests, expansive Gau plains and the Main Valley. In Röttingen, the oldest buildings of Brattenstein Castle date from the 12th and 13th centuries; the castle was home to various noble families, including the Lords of Hohenlohe. Since 21 July 1984, its courtyard has been the venue for the Röttingen FRANKENFESTSPIELE. Also in Röttingen, the approximately 2-kilometre-long Sundial Trail passes 25 different sundials within and around the town walls. In Rottendorf, the former moated castle was renovated and converted into a library with a reading café and a multipurpose hall for community events and weddings after its foundation stone was laid in 2012.

Discover more destinations: Gaukönigshofen, Aub, Zell Am Main, Kist, Veitshöchheim, Röttingen, Rimpar, Reichenberg

Back to the wider travel overview: Würzburg.