Merkendorf Between Town Walls and Cabbage Traditions

Merkendorf lies directly on the B 13 and is considered a gateway to the Franconian Lake District. At the same time, the town is shaped by its historic old town: around 1,100 metres of town walls, with three gates and eight towers, enclose it. If you are looking for a hotel in Merkendorf, you can use it as a starting point for planning your trip and decide whether you would mainly like to explore the historic centre, the cabbage traditions or the trails around the town.

Old Town, Church and Museum

The late Gothic Evangelical Lutheran town church of “Our Lady” was built in the last third of the 15th century. The late Gothic town hall shapes the market square. Merkendorf’s late Gothic architecture can therefore be seen both in the church and in the town’s buildings around the market square.

The Merkendorf Local History Museum is on the first and second floors of the former tithe barn at Marktplatz 4. Its 310 square metres of exhibition space offer insights into what life, homes and work were like in a small farming town in the past. During a visit, you can sit in an old schoolroom or cobbler’s workshop and look at old toys.

Next to the Steingruber House is a Baroque garden with a fountain, inviting visitors to linger.

Cabbage Traditions and Culinary Events

Cabbage has been grown in Merkendorf since the 18th century. The Cabbage Festival takes place every year on the third Sunday in September in the district of Heglau, around the Reuter cabbage farm. Merkendorf’s Cabbage Week features culinary specialities and a varied programme of events. Check the latest programme before your trip.

Walking and Cycling Trails

There are numerous marked hiking trails around Merkendorf. The “Two-Town Hiking Trail” connects the historic small towns of Merkendorf and Wolframs-Eschenbach. There are also signposted cycling routes from Merkendorf, including the Krautland Cycle Route, the Stork Cycle Route and the Carp Cycle Route. For walkers, the focus is on trails around Merkendorf and a connection between two historic small towns; for cycling, there are three named, signposted routes.

Another cultural trail in the wider Ansbach destination is the Literature Trail of Franconia in Wolframs-Eschenbach. This 2.2 km accessible circular trail runs around the town’s fortifications. Fifteen information panels feature authors from the Middle Ages to the present day whose works explore Franconia. Unlike the Two-Town Hiking Trail, this circular route does not connect two places; instead, it loops around the fortifications of Wolframs-Eschenbach and focuses on literary references to Franconia.

Courses and Experiences

Sculpting, painting and modelling courses are offered in August as part of the Merkendorf Summer Academy. At the end of each course week, an exhibition opening is held on Friday at 6 pm to present the works created. The programme is seasonal and may change, so check the latest offerings and course dates before your trip.

The “Treffpunkt Stadtgraben” adventure playground, with its sculpture trail, is an attraction for all ages.

Discover more destinations: Weihenzell, Ornbau, Rothenburg Ob Der Tauber, Dietenhofen, Lehrberg, Petersaurach, Gebsattel, Röckingen

For the wider travel overview: Ansbach.