Bad Mergentheim

Why visit

The Teutonic Order, founded during the Crusades, made Mergentheim its headquarters in the 16th century, and the Grand Masters ruled from here until the order’s lands were dissolved in 1809. Their palace, with its towers, courtyards and an elegant Baroque palace church, is the heart of the old town. Then, in 1826, a shepherd found mineral springs here, and the town grew into a spa, which is why it is now called Bad Mergentheim.

What to see

• The palace and the Teutonic Order Museum: the history of the knights, the Grand Masters’ rooms and the town’s past.
• The palace church: a light, richly decorated Baroque church.
• The market square: lined with gabled houses, with the town hall and the parish church nearby.
• The spa park: lawns, flower beds, old trees and the drinking hall of the mineral springs.
• The wildlife park: a large park in the woods outside town, known for its wolves and other native animals, and good with children.
• The Stuppach Madonna: a famous painting by Matthias Grünewald in the parish church of Stuppach, a few kilometres south.

Getting there

Regional trains on the Tauber valley line run between Weikersheim and Bad Mergentheim in about 10 minutes. By car it is about 15 minutes, and by bike it is an easy ride along the Tauber Valley Cycle Path.

Tips

• Museums in Germany often close on Mondays. Check opening times before you go.
• Bring swimwear if you want to try the thermal baths.
• Read about cycling the Tauber valley.