Würzburg Attractions - Top 10 Popular Attractions

The baroque palace in the heart of Würzburg can hold its own not just locally but also across Europe. It was recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site in the early 1980s, as one of the first buildings in Germany. Therefore, it is clearly our number 1 of Würzburg's attractions.

The palace was built in the mid-18th century based on plans by the successful baroque architect Balthasar Neumann. The interior design, including the rich Rococo embellishments in the state rooms, was created by various renowned artists. The result is an outstanding example of baroque architecture. For instance, the impressive staircase consists of a single, free-standing cantilever structure adorned with a giant fresco.

After a large part of the residence was destroyed, its reconstruction took over 40 years. Today, 42 of the total 340 rooms are prepared as exhibition rooms. Other areas of the residence are utilized by the University of Würzburg and the Martin Wagner Museum. Additionally, the Staatsgalerie Würzburg is also located in the residence, showcasing works from Venetian painting. The attached court church and beautifully designed courtyard gardens are also open to visitors.

Address: Residenzplatz 2 97070 Würzburg

A perfect meeting point on summer nights and balmy evenings. The bridge connects the old town on the right bank of the Main with the opposing Marienberg Fortress. It is only open to pedestrians and cyclists. So, you don't have to worry about traffic while enjoying the view of the city.

A stone bridge was already built at this location in the early 12th century, the first stone bridge in Germany. However, in the 15th century, this busy bridge was rebuilt. The stone pillars were initially connected by wooden arches, until 1512 when they switched to stone. This change was primarily due to economic reasons: they wanted to save maintenance costs for a wooden structure.

The baroque stone figures that give the Main Bridge its distinctive character also have a turbulent history. First erected in 1730, they were destroyed in 1912 to be used for road construction. Barely recovered, they were heavily damaged again at the end of World War II. Today, however, they have been completely restored and contribute to the unique atmosphere of the bridge.

Address: Alte Mainbrücke 97070 Würzburg

Its idyllic location among vineyards quickly makes one forget that Marienberg Fortress has a history of around 3000 years. In 1000 BC, a Celtic refuge stood at this site, which in the early Middle Ages became the basis for the first castle complex, constructed around the consecrated Marienkirche around 706. From the 13th century, the castle served for nearly 400 years as the seat of the Würzburg prince-bishops, among whom renovations of the main castle into a Renaissance palace and later the expansion into a baroque fortress took place.

Today, Marienberg Fortress houses the Mainfränkisches Museum, which showcases Franconian artworks, as well as a folklore department and the products of Franconian wine culture. In the eastern wing, the Fürstenbaumuseum allows visitors to view the living quarters and treasure chamber of the fortress, as well as an exhibition on the history of Würzburg. Another highlight is the Prince's Garden, which is particularly beautifully planted in the summer. From here, there is a wonderful panoramic view over the city with its many domes, towers, and bridges.

Address: Marienberg 97012 Würzburg

The construction of this Romanesque church, one of the largest in Germany, began nearly a thousand years ago. After two centuries of construction, the church was completed in 1237 with the building of the east towers. While some parts of the church had to be rebuilt after the destruction in 1945, the stucco decorations in the transept and choir remain original. The exterior painting was also refreshed during the renovations but adheres to the original color scheme.

Connected to the cathedral is the Schönborn Chapel, which, like much in the city, was designed by Balthasar Neumann. Originally, it served as the burial place for the prince-bishops from the Schönborn family. Today, this richly frescoed chapel is also eye-catching in its own right, even without a deeper purpose.

Address: Domstraße 40 97070 Würzburg

The town hall of the city is highly unusual. Unlike most town halls, it does not consist of a single building but a complex of various constructions. These were originally built at different times for various purposes. The oldest part is the Grafeneckart, which was already acquired in 1316 by the mayor and the city council. The expansions in the following centuries included the Red Building from the 17th century and the secularized monastery of the Discalced Carmelites, taken over by the city council in the 19th century.

Through its combination of different buildings, the Würzburg Town Hall represents various epochs that have shaped the city. The Grafeneckart with its Romanesque tower and profane room from the 13th century and the Red Building in late Renaissance style are complemented by modern additions. The southern wing from the 1980s is decorated inside with frescoes on the hall walls depicting famous personalities and events from Würzburg's history.

Address: Rückermainstraße 2 97070 Würzburg

After so much architecture, do you crave a trip into the greenery? The perfect destination is the Bismarck Tower. It stands in the natural monument Bismarckwäldchen, right next to the famous vineyard 'Würzburger Stein'. The view over the city ranges from the university campus in the east across the many church towers of the old town to the Marienberg Fortress in the west.

The Bismarck Tower can be reached directly from Würzburg Central Station in just half an hour. However, if you have a bit more time, the detour via the Stein Wine Path is worthwhile. The 4 km long hiking trail takes you through some of Germany's most famous wine regions and provides information along the way through informational panels about viticulture. Moreover, the wonderful view from the panoramic path more than compensates for the detour.

This imposing building at the Lower Market immediately catches the eye with its striking red color. The hall church dates back to the late Gothic period and was built in the 14th and 15th centuries. Interestingly, it still exists today without parish rights - hence the name 'Chapel'. Surrounding the church are some old shops as well.

Many notable plasterers, fresco painters, and sculptors have left their mark on the Marien Chapel. Pay attention to the many decorations on the portals, especially the figures of Adam and Eve. However, these are now only copies - the originals are in the Mainfränkisches Museum. The panel paintings above the altars are also impressive. In the side aisles, tombs of numerous Franconian knights and citizens of the city are hidden.

Address: Marktpl. 7 97070 Würzburg

If you're looking for a truly striking facade, look no further than the marketplace. The magnificent Rococo plaster decoration on the Falcon House with its uniquely curved gables rightfully draws all eyes. This is thanks to Barbara Meißner, the widow of the innkeeper who acquired the house in the mid-18th century. She had traveling plasterers decorate the facade, making it one of the most beautiful in all of Southern Germany.

Once you've had your fill of the rich decoration of the Falcon House, you can also learn something worthwhile here. Since the 1950s, this building, which is now in city ownership, has housed the tourist information center of Würzburg. Additionally, the city library is located here.

Address: Marktpl. 9 97070 Würzburg

The pilgrimage church is located above Würzburg on Nikolausberg. After the Pieta supposedly triggered miracles and apparitions as early as the mid-17th century, more and more believers from the region began to pilgrimage to the then-existing grace chapel. In the following century, today's pilgrimage church was built onto it, based on plans by Balthasar Neumann. Especially at Pentecost, numerous faithful continue to come here to visit the Pieta, which is now part of the grace altar of the chapel.

The most beautiful way to reach the pilgrimage church is via a station path that leads past 14 chapels and life-sized figurines. Its design is also by Balthasar Neumann. The ascent provides the perfect prelude to visiting the Käppele.

Address: Spittelbergweg 21 97082 Würzburg

Another church has made it into our top 10 - but why not, if each one of them is impressive in its own way? Neumünster Church was originally a Romanesque basilica that stood here in the 11th century. Later, a tower and a choir were added, and in the 18th century, the mighty dome and baroque facade followed. The interior was also redesigned in baroque style. Despite some destruction in World War II, several original works from the Middle Ages and the baroque period remain to this day.

When visiting the church via the entrance on Martinstraße, you will find the small but idyllic Lusam Garden. It contains the grave monument of Walther von der Vogelweide, who had his retirement home in Würzburg. The stillness and tranquility in this little, unexpected retreat from the hustle and bustle of the city is particularly pleasant.

Address: Martinstraße 4 97070 Würzburg

Würzburg is especially distinguished by its history and its architecture shaped by several epochs, which can be found everywhere in the city. Additionally, there are highlights for wine lovers, cultural enthusiasts, or simply those visitors who want to soak in the beautiful atmosphere of the extraordinary old town. If you're now interested in a city trip to Würzburg, then check out more tips for the Bavaria vacation region.

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