The city of Wurzburg is located right on the water’s edge of Main River along the Lower Franconia region.
It is a city with the famous historic bridge (Alte Mainbruecke, built since 1100) and quite resembles the Charles Bridge of Prague in terms of the ancient structures and architectural importance.
This old bridge has 12 monumental statues of saints.
It is also the jump off point for a pleasant walk (approx.
30 min) through the vineyards up to the slopes of the Marienburg Fortress
and the row of old churches in the city
.
In addition to the bridge, there are nice and typical German eateries facing this popular landmark in Wurzburg.
The bridge serves as a vital connection between the old town and the Marienburg; a wonderful passage that makes it easy to access the two sides of the city.
Wurzburg is a beguiling Bavarian city
and one of the successfully rehabilitated cities in Germany
after World War II.
It is loaded with history, culture, rich cuisine, religious landmarks, and idyllic sceneries that reach out for miles.
Wurzburg is a historical city that deserves to be seen and discovered when in
Germany
.
Best time to visit Wurzburg Germany?
The city has a temperate climate all year round, which implies that the city encounters four seasons in one year.
Wurzburg can be toured all year round, but there are specific months where the atmosphere is more agreeable than the others.
The summer season is the hottest months of the year, which can be greatly felt from the months of July until August.
The mid-year months are also considered the peak season for tourism and where most outdoor activities can be greatly enjoyed.
The coldest months of the year begin in the first week of December until the last week of January.
Downpours are common and the freezing temperatures are expected towards the evening.
,
The wettest months of the year are December and January, amid which time it may rain or snow for one or two days.
While this may not be an ideal time to explore the city, tourist arrival increases because of the popular Christmas Market and the festive celebration of the holiday season.
The humid months and where there is no single chance of rain begins from August to September.
If you prefer wearing hats, sun block, and sipping cold cocktails along the Main River, plan your travel itinerary for the summer months in Wurzburg.
Best things to do in Wurzburg
Here are the premier attractions and my favorite things to do
in the city of Wurzburg…
St.
Kilian Cathedral
St.
Kilian Cathedral is the main cathedral of the Bavarian city of Wurzburg.
After the Wurzburg Residenz, this is one of the most interesting places in the city.
The cathedral is noteworthy for its very modest exterior architecture.
The Main Cathedral of Wurzburg is located in the Domstrasse, in the heart of the Old City.
The design is now a hybrid of baroque and modern architectural style.
The cathedral itself is spacious, clean and very bright.
Here, there is a place for the faithful and for those who want to spend quiet time in prayer.
It also serves as the major starting point for exploring the rest of the tourist attractions in Wurzburg City.
Another factor that draws tourists and the devotees in are the ancient paintings on the walls and the statue of the Virgin Mary.
The Cathedral of white-pink color with two tall towers and sandwiched between modern buildings is the real gem of the city.
The interior looks new and fresh and the walls at the entrance are decorated with modern paintings on religious themes.
It has an impressive openwork lattice at the entrance.
A white baroque central apse situated on the main altar is filled with light.
The modest exterior decoration is compensated by the chic interior design.
It also reinforces the impression of a large number of bishops’ tombstones located within the premises of the church.
Do not miss the right side of the entrance, where you can find a small room with archaeological artifacts testifying to the long history of the symbolic cathedral of the city.
My favorite stuff to do in Wurzburg
Hofkirche
The architect Balthasar Neumann was able to create this religious structure in a small space inside the Residenz.
Hofkirche or the Court Church is dedicated to the Holy Trinity.
The major interior works that can be seen here are done by Tiepolo (“The Fall of Angels “and” The Assumption ” artworks), Antonio Bossi and a lot of architects, painters, and artisans from the city of Würzburg.
This church is now used for concerts, weddings, and Sunday worship services.
The Hofkirche has a separate entrance and has been renovated (2010-2012) and changed the entrance, which is now located on the side.
Wurzburg has many churches, but this is by far the most beautiful.
The style is baroque and was built from 1735 to 1743.
It was established for those who love the Baroque architecture.
If you visit the city of Wurzburg, Hofkirche is a must see.
Fun things to do in Wurzburg
St.
Mary’s Chapel
St.
Mary’s Chapel is located in the market square right in the heart of the old city.
This is one of the few Gothic buildings that remain preserved in Würzburg.
The church is well remembered for its bright contrast of colors using red and white as the external design of the church.
Despite its striking presence in the central part of the city, the Chapel of St.
Mary has a pretty grim story.
This place was located along the Jewish quarter, which was burned in 1349 where all the inhabitants of the quarter were killed.
If the exterior is already captivating, a tour of the interior is equally impressive.
The largest German sculptor of the late Gothic Tilman Riemenschneider created the figures of the Apostles and the famous sculptured pair of “Adam and Eve” at the southern portal.
And on the west portal, the Last Judgement is depicted with Jesus Christ as the supreme judge and Mary as the patroness of the people.
The tower of the chapel is decorated with an image of the Virgin Mary.
Popular Wurzburg tourist attractions
Neumuenster Church
is one of the oldest churches in Wurzburg.
It was built many centuries ago, on the exact site where St.
Kilian (the patron saint of Wurzburg) and his companions were martyred.
The
church was completely devastated during the bombing of World
War II where it lost sculptures of the great German master Riemenschneider.
After the war, the church was restored and modern artisans and restorers conducted the rehabilitation works to restore its glory.
The facade is sandwiched between residential buildings and it is not immediately evident, but it looks very monumental with the red on the outside facade that contrasts sharply with the all white interior decoration of Neumuenster.
It is a luxurious temple with good acoustics inside.
What else to do in Wurzburg?
The Residenz
is the main attraction of Wurzburg and an absolute must see because it is the most important architectural work of the South German Baroque architectural style.
The construction of this beautiful baroque palace begun in 1719.
The construction dragged on for many years and was carried out on a large scale.
On the surface, it seems the usual straightforward German palace, but inside it reveals such elegance!
The main staircase and the ceiling above looks brilliant, especially the marble hall with its magnificent columns, where even on the hottest day visitors can take refuge from the rising humidity.
You will admire the grand staircase with its ceiling.
It is an incredibly beautiful place; however, photography is strictly prohibited.
The residence of the Bavarian bishops is a well-kept park with shaped topiary trees and shrubs and a home church.
Each year, it has become a tradition here at the beginning of the summer season (July) to celebrate the Mozartfest, which sometimes coincides with the feast and a tasting of the finest selection of Rhine wines that are sold in odd shaped wine bottles.
When you walk through a suite of rooms it gives the impression of being transported to another time.
If you love the mix of elegance, history, and remarkable architecture; a visit to the Residenz is truly mandatory when in Wurzburg.
Is Wurzburg worth visiting?
Yes Wurzburg is worth visiting, because it is such a beautiful city.
Don’t forget to visit this place:
Frankonia Brunnen
The Frankonia Brunnen is located in the middle of
Wurzburg and it is the most famous fountain in Franconia- Bavaria
that was originally designed by the German architect Von Miller.
The place is mostly used for parking and also a promenade area, but the middle part is kept free.
It is the forecourt and main entrance of the Bishops Residences.
Anyone who wants to see the Residenz must cross this spacious square in Wurzburg.
The Frankoni that gives the fountain the name is the personification of the Swiss franc and that reason alone is worth a visit.
The fountain shows in typical fashion, several important figures of the Franconian history.
Its size and prominent position reflects the old and the contemporary ideals of Wurzburg.
It is a nice place for a photo souvenir of the city.
What else to see in Wurzburg?
Alte Mainbruecke (Old Bridge)
The Old Bridge or the Alte Mainbruecke over the Main River is probably the most recognizable place in Würzburg and the official emblem of the city.
It was built by the Romans and on the bridge there are statues of local bishops and saints.
It has excellent views of the Main, the city and the Fortress of Marienburg.
In the evening you can stroll on the bridge in the cafe at the old mill (Alte Mainmühle) and buy a glass of local wine and socialize with the many locals and tourists.
In summer it is common to see the presence of musicians and people enjoying the view, chatting and drinking wine.
The statues of the 12 apostles in Baroque style yield beautiful photos.
The Old Bridge is an obligatory stop for anyone who is in the town of Wurzburg.
Popular places to visit in Wurzburg
Marienberg Fortress
The Marienberg Fortress is located on top of the Pekah Hill and overlooking the Main River in Wurzburg.
It was built by Gone deo in XIII century.
It was the residence of bishops at the time and subsequently occupied in the Thirty Years War by the Swedish government and World War II by the Americans.
It has very unique characteristics and presents the authentic German architecture starting from; the walls, central tower, the chapel, and the arms rooms.
It has a beautiful garden that offers a spectacular view of the valley and the city below.
The palace is located in the uptown area and can be reached on foot, but one must be physically fit because it is quite an exhausting climb.
The view is amazing, and spotting the city you can see the vineyards surrounding the entire territory.
The well tended gardens (Furstengarten Marienberg) are also the added attraction of this site.
The fortress is an important castle and it has a very nice museum, be sure to schedule a visit from Tuesday to Sunday (it is closed on Mondays).
Things to do in Wurzburg with kids
Furstengarten Marienberg
The Furstengarten Marienberg is a breathtaking garden that is located inside the famous fortress of Marienberg.
You can get there by going down the stairs of the fortress.
It’s a clean, well-kept garden that is especially beautiful in spring and summer.
From this point,
you can have beautiful views of the city
of Wurzburg, which is surrounded by greenery.
The neatly decorated parks, pedestrian zones, and blooming flower beds here in the garden creates the effect of a fabulous and surreal urban landscape.
Guests must spend at least half a day in Marienberg to gradually see the walls and the temple, the preserved bastions, and a garden which changes its colors all throughout the year, but fits harmoniously into the overall ensemble of the fortress.
The visit to the garden naturally follows the visit to the Fortress.
It is the place for the best panoramic pictures of the city.
Things to do around Wurzburg Germany
Veitshochheim Schloss
The Veitshochheim Palace is located seven km from Wurzburg and was once the official summer residence of the governor of Wurzburg.
It was built in the late 17th – early 18th century and is a jewel of the late Baroque era.
Near the palace, there is a beautiful garden with a variety of paths, ponds, sculptures, pavilions and benches for rest.
In summer, it is a favorite place for photo shoots and wedding pictorials, especially when everything is surrounded by colorful flowers and abundant greenery.
The ships depart from the waterfront in the center and you can go on a boat tour of the Main River for about 40 minutes.
From the water you can enjoy the views of the manicured parks, campuses, alleys, and the small town that is decorated in traditional German style, clean, neat, and at peace.
It is a pleasant experience to walk along the narrow old streets, sit in a cafe on the waterfront, and to visit the park and the museum in the manor.
Must see places in Wurzburg
Market Square
The Market Square is located in the heart of the old town of Wurzburg.
From here begins the little old streets where you can see the old brick buildings, cobble stoned pathways, and the beautiful St.
Mary’s Chapel.
In December, in addition to the cafes, restaurants and shops, it has a flourishing Christmas Market.
You can shop from the stall of antique toys located at the left side of the entrance to the church.
There you will find wooden Nutcracker, knitted plush horses, stuff toys, Christmas toys, and souvenirs about Wurzburg.
When it comes to Christmas fairs, the entire area is decorated with festive lights and everywhere there are kiosks with beer, mulled wine, bread, and Bavarian sausages.
Free things to do in Wurzburg
Rathaus Wurzburg (City Hall of Wurzburg)
The Rathaus Wurzburg or the City Hall of Würzburg is one of the
oldest buildings in Germany
.
It was constructed in the 11th century, but in the early 14th century, this building was bought by the townspeople.
The building itself is beautiful and seems to be the only sample of Romanesque style architecture in Wurzburg.
Especially interesting is the Wenceslas hall, which dates from the 13th century.
However, you can get there only with the group tour, which is held weekly on Saturdays.
In general, the City Hall is a complex of buildings of different periods where each section is beautiful in its own way.
The oldest part of the town hall is called the Grafenekkart, the only surviving secular building in Wurzburg that was built in the Romanesque style.
This residential tower and the lower floors of the extension to it were built around the year 1200 as the official residence of Bishop Foro de Eckart.
In 1316, the city council bought the building in the center of the city and designated the council meeting in the town hall.
On the ground floor of the tower there is a memorial room with informative materials that presents what happened during the bombing of Wurzburg in March 16, 1945.
It also presents the layout of the city after the bombing, which demonstrates the whole extent of the destruction.
My vacation activities in Wurzburg
Wurzburg is so serene and calm and visitors in the heart of the beautiful region of Franconia are amused by the variety of attractions to see in such a small city.
This is the place where you will have the desire to live or retire because everything is organized, no traffic, well- maintained, clean, and totally safe.
A visit to the city leaves a good impression that we can learn a lot from the Germans if we want to know the real meaning of urban life and how to enjoy the natural and cultural attractions of the city.