What to do in Würzburg, Germany? This beautiful and historic city is a real gem, offering everything from palaces to beautiful views. Here are our top tips!
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Würzburg in Germany
Würzburg was once an important episcopal diocese, with magnificent churches and palaces. During the Thirty Years' War the city was captured by Swedish troops and for four years, 1631-1635, the city was ... Swedish!
Much of the city was destroyed during World War II, but much of it has been rebuilt. We visited Würzburg last summer, during a longer motorhome trip in Germany, and this was a city we really fell in love with.
Würzburg is located in the federal state of Bavaria in Germany, about 11 miles north-west of Nuremberg.
What to do in Würzburg ?
So what can you see and do in Würzburg? There is of course a lot to discover! We've put together a list of our top tips here.
1. Experience the Unterer Markt with the Marienkapelle.
Unterer Markt (Lower Square) is a lively square in the old town of Würzburg, where you'll probably end up sooner or later.
The square includes the Marienkapelle, a beautiful red Roman Catholic church from the 14th century. The chapel was badly damaged by bombing during World War II, but was renovated in the 1950s.
2. Try the local sausage
When we read up on our visit to Würzburg, we read that you should try the local sausage in the "Unterer Markt" square. We had also read that we should look for the yellow marquise and the long Gender. The description was spot on and we headed here for a simple lunchtime sausage.
The sausage, served in a bun with plenty of mustard, was really good. Even better with a 'Würzburger Hofbräu'.
3. Visit the Residence in Würzburg
The Residence in Würzburg is a stunning baroque palace, and is considered one of the finest examples of sumptuous German baroque. Much of the palace was destroyed during World War II, but has been rebuilt to its original splendour.
The interior of the palace can be visited during guided tours, sometimes in English. Here you can see the world's largest ceiling fresco, created by Venetian artist Giovanni Battista Tiepolo in 1752-1753, which amazingly survived the war unscathed.
4. Be fascinated by the Hofkirche
Right next to the Residence in Würzburg is the "Hofkirche" church, which was inaugurated in 1743. Even though the church is small, it is a masterpiece, and incredibly impressive with all the decorations and paintings.
5. Peek into the Cathedral of St Kilian
Würzburg Cathedral (Würzburger Dom or Dom Sankt Kilian) is the seat of the Bishop of Würzburg and has been the burial place of the prince bishops for hundreds of years.
The cathedral, dedicated to St Kilian, was heavily damaged by British bombs in March 1945 but was rebuilt after World War II.
6. See art at the Museum am Dom
The Museum am Dom (Museum at the Cathedral) displays hundreds of works of art, by a wide range of artists, from a whole millennium.
7th Beundra Kollegiatstift Neumünster.
The Kollegiatstift Neumünster church was built in the 1060s and expanded in the 12th and 13th centuries. The building was damaged by bombing during the Second World War, but was subsequently restored.
8. Drink wine on the Alte Mainbrücke bridge
Alte Mainbrücke is the name of the oldest bridge over the River Main, and this beautiful bridge is today a symbol of the city. Construction began in the 15th century and it was the only river crossing until 1886. Today you can cross the bridge on foot or by bike. The sides of the bridge are adorned with large stone statues.
Many people stop on the bridge to enjoy the view. If you look closely, you will probably see that a large number of them are standing with a glass of wine in their hands. It is a tradition to buy a glass of wine in the restaurant next to the bridge, and then enjoy it on the bridge. The wine is bought in a small box, and when you have finished drinking, you return the glass. Nice!
9. Discover the Marienberg Fortress
Marienberg Fortress (Festung Marienberg) is a majestic building on the western bank of the River Main. For almost 500 years, from the 13th century, the fortress served as the home of the local prince-bishops.
During the Thirty Years' War, the fortress was captured by the Swedes, led by Gustav Adolf, and the Swedes held it between 1631-1635. It was then reconstructed as a baroque residence. Today, the fortress is a popular attraction, and the walk up offers beautiful views.
Looking around the magnificent courtyard is both free and interesting. For a fee, you can also join a guided tour. The tours are usually in German, but sometimes also in English.
10. Enjoy the Fürstengarten
At Marienberg Fortress you will also find the beautiful Fürstengarten garden. In addition to the beauty of the garden, it offers a great view of the river and the city.
11. Stroll along the river Main
The Main is a 472 kilometre long river that flows right through Würzburg. When the weather is nice, it's really nice to stroll along the river.
In summer you can also cruise on the river, from the "Alter Kranen" (Old Crane) to the picturesque town of Veitshöchheim.
12. Follow the Romantic Road
The Romantic Road (Romantische Strasse) is a 35 mile long holiday route, which includes a number of beautiful castles. It starts in Würzburg and ends in Füssen in Allgäu.
More things to do in Würzburg for culture and history lovers
Want to experience even more in this interesting city? Here you will find more suggestions for things to do in Würzburg, for those interested in culture and history.
- Beetle is another name for the hilltop pilgrimage church "Wallfahrtskirche Mariä Heimsuchung" (Spittelbergweg 21).
- Martin von Wagner Museum contains an art collection from the University of Würzburg (Residence, Residenzpl. 2A).
- Museum for Franconia is a state museum of art and cultural history. (Marienberg Fortress)
- Würzburg City Hall is the city's beautiful town hall, which you can see in the picture below (Rückermainstrasse 2).
- Veitshöchheim Castle is a beautiful castle, located 8 kilometres outside the city centre (Echterstrasse 10).
More to do in Würzburg with kids or teens
Travelling with children or teenagers? Then you'll find some more tips for things to do in Würzburg here.
- Boat trips can be done, for example to Veitshöchheim.
- City Train is a small "tourist train" that takes tourists around the old city centre, passing several points of interest.
- Cosy shops there are plenty of them in the old city centre.
Where can you stay or park your motorhome?
There are of course many different hotels and other accommodation options in Würzburg to choose from. We visited Würzburg by motorhome and stayed at the "Friedensbrücke" car park.
There is a wide range of campervan sites right on the river, with services such as electricity and black water drainage. If the sites are full, you can stay overnight in the car parks behind, but without electricity. This was an excellent site, we thought, within walking distance of the centre.
More to see and do in the neighbourhood
There is of course more to see and do in the vicinity of Würzburg. For example, you can visit the historic city Nuremberg. In addition, we can recommend visits to the charming Bamberg and beautiful Bayreuth. Even more tips for Germany can be found below.
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Even more things to see and do in Würzburg?
Have you been to Würzburg? Tell us about your experiences and your relationship with the city! Do you have any other tips for things to see and do in Würzburg?
Facts about Würzburg
- Country: Germany
- Federal Republic of Germany: Bavaria
- Residents: More than 127 000 (2019)
- River: Main
- Read more: You can find more information at the city's website.
Travelling to Würzburg
- Flight: Fly to Nuremberg, for example, and continue from there by train or car hire.
- Car: Travelling by car from Kiel in Germany to Würzburg takes 6.5 hours, counting pure mileage. For example, you can take ferry from Gothenburg to Kiel.
Mr Jean-Pierre says:
We've also been to Würzburg several times. It really is so beautiful there. Nearby is Rothenburg ob der Tauber, which is even more beautiful. It looks like the Middle Ages or a fairytale film.
10 November 2022 - 20:01
Veiken says:
There are so many nice villages and towns in Germany. Many people drive the autobahn at high speed down to Austria or to some country south of the mountains! We have done both, but prefer the slower route so we can see and experience!
Say hello to God!
11 November 2022 - 2:16
Helena says:
We can only agree! The first few years we travelled in Europe we only made a few stops in Germany. Now we have seen lots of charming places and Germany does not fail to surprise. Sooo many gems! 🙂
11 November 2022 - 20:02