Introduction to Würzburg:
Würzburg is an ancient episcopal seat and a vibrant university town with a baroque, distinctly southern feel. It is in an idyllic setting surrounded by vineyards and is defined by its architectural splendours that reflect a range of epochs. Art, culture and Franconian wine are a way of life in Würzburg – they impart a Mediterranean joie de vivre.Würzburg Location:
Würzburg is approximately 80 minutes train journey from Frankfurt, and almost an hour from Nuremberg. Distances to the nearest cities by motorway: Frankfurt 115 km, Nuremberg 115 km, Stuttgart 150 km, Kassel 215 km. Würzburg is in the Franconia region which lies in the northern tip of Bavaria, Germany. Located on the Main River, the city has long been a major transport center because of the causeways to the Baltic Sea and the Black Sea.Würzburg - Getting There and Getting Around in Würzburg:
The town is located on the intersection of the Autobahns A3 and A7. The city has good connections by train and offers frequent connections to most major German cities.You can fly into the Frankfurt Airport (110km) or the Stuttgart Stuttgart Airport(150km)and rent a car or take a train into Würzburg. I recommend renting a car, especially if you are planning on touring the Romantic Road.
Würzburg has a good public transportation system and there are plenty of taxis.
Würzburg - Where to Stay - Hotels:
Regardless of what type of hotel you are looking for, Würzburg has offerings. It is a main tourist destination so you can choose anything between below budget and luxury. I have never stayed in Würzburg so cannot personally recommend a hotel but friends say the Maritim is good.Würzburg Food and Drink - Restaurants:
Traditional wine taverns and quaint bars serving hearty Bavarian fare are not in short supply in Würtzburg. Visit the Bürgerspital zum Heiligen Geist winery in the heart of Würzburg for a snack and a glass of wine. Le Clochard is always warm and welcoming with its Breton-style decor, and a menu with more than a little French influence.Würzburg Nightlife:
Head to the Juliuspromenade to check out the bars and nightclubs in the neighborhood. If you are a jazz fan, Omnibus has been offering up great jazz for over 30 years in its cellar bar. You can head to Kult Statt Kneipe for partying or if you want a nice evening sipping wines from the region try out the Weinstuben Juliusspital.Würzburg - Shopping:
Würzburg is the main shopping town for the Main-Franconia region. Domstrasse and Schönbornstrasse in Würzburg's extensive pedestrian zone offer a myriad of department and chain stores. Smaller shops with exclusive ranges are located on Juliuspromenade. Pick up some bottles of Franconian wine to bring home as souveneirs or to stock your wine cellar.Würzburg Festivals and Events:
The Würzburg Wine Festival is held for the last week of May and the 1st week of June. Time your visit so you can take in part of the Mozart Festival which runs every year for the month of June. The Bürgerspital Hofschoppenfest takes place the 3rd week of June. For 2 weeks in July, the Hoffest am Stein in the vineyards over the Main River provides a beautiful venue. In August, visit the Wineparade am dom and the last week in November, attend the Bach Music Festival and Jazz Festival.Tips on Visiting Würzburg:
If you want to tour Würzburg at your leisure, you can rent a Walkman or a cassette from the Würzburg Tourist Office - it's a great way to learn about the city without having to take an organized tour. While you are at the tourism office, pick up a Welcome Card for public transportation and discounts in the city. Tourist offices are located at Falkenhaus on Market Square.Würzburg-Things to Do:
- The parks of Würtzburg harken back to a different time. The late-baroque Hofgarten Palace Garden is part of the Residenz Palace gardens and the locale for the Mozart Festival. The Ringpark takes you around the old quarter and along the borders of the old town fortifications and the Regional Garden Show Park is situated in a picturesque setting between the banks of the Main and Marienberg Citadel. The Veitshöchheim Rococo Garden is one of the loveliest rococo gardens in Europe. Wander through hedge lined pathways, arbors and pavilions with statuary throughout the park and the Great Lake with its fountain representing Mt. Parnassus.
- Take the Stein Wine Trail, a four kilometre circular walk with panoramic views of one of Franconia. The self-guided tour provides information on the wine making in the region.
- The Marienberg Citadel, is the town's most important landmark, dating back to 1000. The Main-Franconian Museum and the Fürstenbau Municipal History Museum are located in the Citadel.
- The Cathedral Museum exhibits modern and contemporary works as well as works from the 11th to 18th century. The displays are contemporary artwork is displayed side by side with old masters. Go figure!
- The Kuturspeicher Museum may be of interest if you are into the concrete art movement - don't ask me to explain it.
- Definitely visit the Residenz Palace, an impressive example of Mediterranean baroque architecture and a UNESCO World Heritage site. It was designed to be the "palace of palaces" and has the largest ceiling fresco in the world with all the continents represented from that time period. I think they should give out mats so you can lay on the floor for a few hours to take it in.
- Take a tour of the Franconian Wine Country along the river Main and through picturesque villages where medieval fortifications still exist,to Münsterschwarzach Abbey and Volkach, the center of the wine country.
- Take the Romantic Road. Würzburg is the gateway to the Romantic Road, need I say more?