In Ochsenfurt, the historic old town is encircled by an almost completely preserved fortification with numerous town gates and towers. The 15th-century New Town Hall adds a different note: its small lance-shaped tower houses a unique figurine and moon clock. Together, the distinctive townscape and the special feature on the town hall offer different ways to engage with the history of the town.
Town history and journeys through time
Historic buildings and a specific theme to explore also meet in Röttingen. The oldest buildings of Brattenstein Castle date from 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 been the venue for the Röttingen FRANKENFESTSPIELE. If you plan to attend a performance, it is worth checking the relevant dates.
The Sundial Trail in Röttingen offers a different way to explore time: It is around two kilometres long and passes 25 sundials inside and around the town walls. The former moated castle, together with the Fronhof, is among Rottendorf’s oldest buildings and was built before 1500. After the foundation stone was laid in 2012, the moated castle was converted into a library with a reading café and a multi-purpose hall for community events and weddings. In Tückelhausen, visitors can follow in the footsteps of monastic life.
Anyone interested in the history of the Earth can gain an insight into life 200 million years ago at the Trias Museum in Kleinochsenfurt. There are 19 museums in the district of Würzburg in total, reflecting the region’s history, traditions, art and culture. The museum in Kleinochsenfurt focuses on geology.
Wine landscapes, geology and culture
The cultural landscape of the district of Würzburg includes vineyards, forests, broad expanses of the Gau countryside and the Main Valley. The wine-growing sites each have their own themes: terroir f at Eibelstadt’s Kapellenberg offers views of the historic old town and the Main Valley, as well as impressive architecture. In Randersacker, the Franconian Triassic—Bunter Sandstone, Muschelkalk limestone and Keuper—is presented as probably the most significant period in the history of the Earth for Franconian winegrowing.
At Thüngersheim’s Johannisberg, a terroir f site takes the motto “Wine and Mythology – Wine is divine!” Another magical place in the Scharlachberg vineyard presents the theme “Wine & Science – Wine inspires.” At Kapellenberg in Frickenhausen, three massive Muschelkalk limestone blocks form an altar; wine tastings are held there, among other events, in the open air. Geology, mythology and science offer different perspectives on wine at these places.
Art in the open air adds its own distinctive touches, too. In Siegelswäldchen above the vineyards of Sommerhausen, life-size works by seven artists explore the theme of winegrowers. Sculptures by various sculptors can be seen in the landscaped grounds along Veitshöchheim’s Main river promenade.
Gardens, activities and experiences on the Main
Around 70 different culinary and medicinal herbs grow in Röttingen’s Paracelsus Herb Garden, some cultivated and some wild. The garden is also a stop on the Kneipp Vital Trail, designed around Kneipp’s five pillars of health. In Erlabrunn’s Eternal Garden, only native plants from the dry habitats of the Main-Franconian Muschelkalk region have been planted. The garden is on the Main Cycle Route, north of the tennis courts, and can be reached on foot or by bicycle.
The Main river promenade in Veitshöchheim brings together several different kinds of experiences: its landscaped grounds feature sculptures, and there is also a large adventure playground with play equipment for all ages, including a trampoline and climbing wall. There is also a barefoot trail and a Kneipp footbath for wading. Güntersleben’s Dürrbach Park has mini golf, beach volleyball, a bocce court and a Kneipp footbath, too. Guided tours at the Gramschatzer Wald Forest Experience Centre provide an informative, hands-on introduction to the forest’s conservation and resource functions.
Seasonal boat services offer another way to explore the Main. The Ochsenfurt Old Town Ferry, Nixe, runs regular circular and ferry trips from May to October. From April to October, excursion boats operated by the “White Fleet” run several times a day between Veitshöchheim and Würzburg. Operating periods vary; check the current timetable before travelling.
Discover more destinations: Eisenheim, Aub, Röttingen, Tauberrettersheim, Würzburg, Veitshöchheim, Rottendorf, Randersacker, Margetshöchheim, Höchberg, Helmstadt, Giebelstadt, Thüngersheim, Hausen bei Würzburg, Reichenberg, Kist, Eibelstadt, Ochsenfurt, Bergtheim, Gaukönigshofen, Theilheim, Rimpar, Zell am Main and Gerbrunn.
See the overarching travel guide: Bavaria.
