Located at the meeting point of the Main and Tauber rivers, this medieval town has a 12th-century hilltop castle and narrow streets filled with half-timbered houses.
At the meeting point of the Main and Tauber rivers in southwestern Germany, Wertheim welcomes visitors with its medieval castle ruins, 16th-century timber houses, and active glass-making workshops. Walk through the narrow streets to discover the Gothic Stiftskirche church, stop at a traditional wine tavern, or follow the riverside paths past historic flood markers that tell the story of the town's relationship with its rivers.
Exploring the Medieval Center
As you walk the cobblestone streets of Wertheim's old town, you'll pass between half-timbered buildings from the 16th century. Look up at the Gothic Stiftskirche's clock tower from 1383 - it has two faces, with the upper one showing only hours, originally designed for castle residents above. Stop at the Blue House from 1593, where you can see the original framework painted with expensive cobalt-based pigments, showing how wealthy its owner was. Many buildings in the main square have protruding upper floors - a medieval technique used when ground floor space determined the tax rate.
The Castle Above
From the 12th-century Wertheim Castle ruins, you can look down on both rivers and the surrounding wine country. Walk through the Count's Castle, Castle Chapel, defensive walls, and the Zwinger area. During summer, you can attend theater performances and concerts in the castle grounds. The castle is open daily from 9 AM to sunset.
Rivers and Floods
Stand by the flood markers on building walls throughout the old town to see how high the water has risen - up to 6 meters above normal during major floods. The town adapted over time by installing flood gates and raising street levels. Walk to the 13th-century Pointed Tower (Spitzer Turm), which now leans slightly after centuries of flood damage to its foundation.
Glass-Making Workshops
Visit the Wertheim Glass Museum in a 17th-century former hospital to see how glass-making evolved from medieval luxury items to modern industrial production. You can watch glass-blowing demonstrations at several active workshops in town. Many artisans sell their creations, from traditional vessels to contemporary art pieces, directly from their studios.
Local Food and Wine
Sample dry white wines from the Tauber Valley, where local vintners have grown grapes since 1796. The wines follow the Franconian style, typically served in distinctive Bocksbeutel bottles. Try traditional pretzels from local bakeries, each following their own family recipes. In summer, you can eat at outdoor cafes along the riverside promenade.
Seasonal Events
Join the Altstadtfest celebrations in the market square during late July, when food stalls and music fill the streets for three days. The castle hosts a medieval festival right after. In October, experience the Michaelismesse, a festival running since 1447. During December, wooden stalls selling crafts and mulled wine line the old town streets for the Christmas market.
