Würzburg

Why visit

For centuries the prince-bishops of Würzburg were among the richest rulers in Germany. In the 18th century they built the Residence, designed by Balthasar Neumann, with a staircase hall crowned by a vast ceiling fresco by the Venetian painter Giambattista Tiepolo. The palace is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Around it, the old town is full of churches, wine taverns and life.

What to see

• The Residence: the grand staircase, the Imperial Hall and the Court Garden.
• The Old Main Bridge: lined with statues of saints. Buy a glass of wine at a bar nearby and drink it on the bridge, as the locals do.
• Marienberg Fortress: the prince-bishops’ older castle on the hill, with views over the city and the vineyards.
• The cathedral and the market square: the heart of the old town.
• The wine estates: the Juliusspital, the Bürgerspital and the state wine cellar under the Residence all have wine shops and taverns.

Getting there

By car, Würzburg is about 50 minutes north. By train, take the regional train from Weikersheim and change at Lauda, about 1¼ hours in all. The station is a short walk from the old town.

Tips

• Book a Residence tour on busy days, especially at weekends.
• Try Silvaner, the classic Franconian white wine, from the round Bocksbeutel bottle.
• Read our Würzburg day trip guide.