Würzburg
GermanyCfa
© OpenStreetMap, CARTO
Die Stadt mit dem Bocksbeutel | The city with the Bocksbeutel (Franconian wine bottle)
Why visit
The Würzburg Residence (1720 to 1780) is the obvious draw, designed by Balthasar Neumann with Tiepolo's vast staircase fresco (the largest ceiling painting in the world). Cross the Old Main Bridge (Alte Mainbrücke) lined with statues of saints, locals come at sunset for a glass of Brückenschoppen wine in the river breeze. Climb to the Marienberg Fortress for views, then walk the Käppele pilgrimage church on the opposite hill. Surrounding vineyards make for excellent day trips, the Stein vineyard slopes are spitting distance from downtown. Try Frankenwein from a Bocksbeutel (the flat round Franconian bottle) and Maultaschen pasta.
When to avoid
Sundays bring near-total shop closures. The Würzburg Residence requires advance booking in summer, don't expect walk-up tickets. Wine festival weekends (May to September) and Christmas markets get very crowded. Book hotels well ahead. Heat waves can make the river valley uncomfortable in July to August. Steep stairs to Marienberg, wear good shoes or take the city bus.
