A Bavarian city on the Main River, known for its baroque Würzburg Residence palace. Home to Marienberg Fortress and the Käppele church, with a history dating back to 704.
Würzburg, a city in Bavaria's Franconia region, sits along the Main River amid rolling hills and vineyards. This university town is known for its Baroque architecture and cultural scene. You can explore the UNESCO-listed Würzburg Residence palace, climb to the hilltop Marienberg Fortress, or taste local wines on the Old Main Bridge. With its grand churches, museums, and wine taverns, Würzburg offers many experiences for visitors.
Exploring the Würzburg Residence
The Würzburg Residence is a central landmark in the city center. Built in the 18th century, this massive Baroque palace reflects the wealth and power of the prince-bishops who once ruled the region. As you tour the interiors, you'll walk up the grand staircase with its massive unsupported vaulted ceiling. Look up to see the world's largest ceiling fresco, painted by Venetian master Tiepolo. The White Hall and Imperial Hall feature ornate stucco work and frescoes. Make sure to visit the Court Chapel, with its oval shape and rich decorations. After exploring inside, you can take a stroll through the formal Court Gardens behind the palace.
Visiting Marienberg Fortress
Marienberg Fortress sits on a hill overlooking the city. The fortress began as a Celtic refuge over 3,000 years ago. It later served as the residence of the prince-bishops before they moved to the Residence palace. You can walk up to the fortress or take a bus. Once there, you'll find various courtyards to explore, views over the city and river, and the Mainfränkisches Museum. This museum houses a collection of works by the medieval sculptor Tilman Riemenschneider.
Experiencing Würzburg's Wine Culture
Würzburg lies at the heart of Franconia's wine country. The region is known for its dry white wines, especially Silvaner. The distinctive round, flattened bottles called Bocksbeutel are common in shops and restaurants around town. For a local experience, head to the Old Main Bridge in the evening. You can join residents in sipping wine while taking in views of the river and Marienberg Fortress. You can also visit some of the wineries in and around the city to taste wines and tour the vineyards. The Bürgerspital Weingut, founded in 1316, offers tours and tastings right in the city center.
Discovering Würzburg's Churches
Despite heavy damage in World War II, Würzburg has several well-preserved churches. The massive Würzburg Cathedral dates back to the 11th century and contains elements of Romanesque and Gothic styles. Inside, you'll find tombs of former prince-bishops and works by Tilman Riemenschneider. The Marienkapelle on the market square has a delicate spire and red-and-white exterior. For Baroque architecture, visit the Käppele pilgrimage church on a hill across the river. Its ornate interior and hilltop location provide views over the city.
Getting to and Around Würzburg
You can reach Würzburg easily by train, with frequent services to major cities like Frankfurt, Munich, and Nuremberg. The main train station sits just north of the city center. Once in Würzburg, you can explore the compact old town on foot. For longer distances, use the city's tram and bus network. Renting a bike is another good option, especially if you want to explore the surrounding wine country.
