Würzburg: Historic Sites, the Main River and Wine Country

The Würzburg district is nestled in an unspoilt cultural landscape of vineyards, forests, expansive open countryside and the Main Valley. Historic townscapes, gardens, wine experiences and boat trips on the Main offer a variety of reasons to explore the region. If you are looking for a hotel in Würzburg, it helps to think ahead about which of these themes you would like to shape your stay.

Town history and distinctive buildings

In Ochsenfurt, an almost complete fortification encircles the historic old town; numerous town gates and towers are part of its townscape. The New Town Hall also dates from the 15th century. Its small lance-shaped tower houses a unique clock featuring figures and a moon dial—a special detail to look out for as you admire the architecture.

In Röttingen, the oldest buildings of Brattenstein Castle date back to 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 served as a theatrical venue for the Röttingen FRANKENFESTSPIELE; check the current performance schedule before visiting.

Rottendorf also has a historic building that connects the past with present-day use: Together with the Fronhof, the former moated castle is one of the oldest buildings in the town and was built before 1500. As part of the renovation and conversion carried out after the foundation stone was laid in 2012, the moated castle became a library with a reading café and a multipurpose hall for community events and weddings. There are a total of 19 museums in the Würzburg district devoted to local history, traditions, art and culture. The Trias Museum in Kleinochsenfurt offers a glimpse into the region’s geological history 200 million years ago.

Gardens, trails and nature experiences

In Röttingen, the Paracelsus herb garden is one of the stops on the Kneipp Vital Trail, which is laid out around Kneipp’s five pillars of health. Around 70 different culinary and medicinal herbs grow there, some cultivated and others growing wild. The Sundial Trail explores a different theme: It is about two kilometres long and passes 25 sundials within and around the town walls. The stated distance and number of stops provide a practical guide for planning your time.

The Eternal Garden in Erlabrunn is planted exclusively with regional species from the dry habitats of the Main-Franconian shell limestone landscape. It is located on the Main Cycle Route, north of the tennis courts, and can be reached on foot or by bicycle. Those interested in the relationship between forest conservation and forest use will find another topic at the Gramschatzer Wald Forest Experience Centre, where guided tours present these functions in an informative and engaging way.

The Main, wine and outdoor activities

The riverside promenade in Veitshöchheim features sculptures by various sculptors in its green spaces. Other attractions mentioned there include a large adventure playground with equipment for all age groups, including a trampoline and climbing wall, as well as a barefoot trail and a Kneipp wading pool. From April to October, excursion boats operated by the “Weiße Flotte” run between Veitshöchheim and Würzburg several times a day. Check the current timetable before making plans. The Ochsenfurt old-town ferry Nixe also offers regular round trips and ferry crossings on the Main from May to October; seasonal operating details may change.

Wine is presented in different ways in several places. At Kapellenberg in Frickenhausen, three massive shell limestone blocks form an “altar” where, among other things, wine tastings are held outdoors. The terroir f site at Eibelstadt’s Kapellenberg offers views of the historic old town and Main Valley, as well as impressive architecture. At Johannisberg in Thüngersheim, a terroir f site explores the theme “Wine and mythology – wine is divine!” In Randersacker, the Franconian Triassic—comprising Buntsandstein, Muschelkalk and Keuper—is considered probably the most significant geological period for Franconian winegrowing. The options range from landscapes and architectural history to herbs, sundials and wine.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Helmstadt, Höchberg, Margetshöchheim, Randersacker, Rottendorf, Veitshöchheim, Würzburg, Tauberrettersheim, Röttingen, Aub, Thüngersheim, Giebelstadt, Hausen Bei Würzburg, Theilheim, Reichenberg, Kist, Eibelstadt, Rimpar, Ochsenfurt, Bergtheim, Gaukönigshofen, Eisenheim, Zell Am Main, Gerbrunn.

To the regional travel overview: Bavaria.