Würzburg: The Complete Guide

Wurzburg

Würzburg is a city in the northern region of Bavaria, Germany. It is located on the Main River and is the capital of the Lower Franconia district. Würzburg has a rich history and culture, with a number of historic buildings and landmarks that attract tourists from around the world.

One of the most famous landmarks in Würzburg is the Würzburg Residence, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This 18th-century palace was built for the Prince-Bishops of Würzburg and is renowned for its Baroque architecture, frescoes, and gardens.

Another notable landmark is the Marienberg Fortress, a castle that sits on a hill overlooking the city. It was built in the 13th century and has been used for various purposes over the years, including as a residence for the Prince-Bishops of Würzburg, a military barracks, and a prison.

Würzburg is also known for its wine, particularly its white wine made from the Müller-Thurgau grape. The city is home to several wineries and vineyards, and there are numerous wine festivals throughout the year.

In addition to its historic landmarks and wine, Würzburg is a vibrant city with a lively arts and culture scene. It is home to several museums, theaters, and music venues, and hosts a variety of festivals and events throughout the year, including the Würzburg Mozartfest, one of Europe’s most important classical music festivals.

History of Würzburg

History of Würzburg

Würzburg: Ancient Beginnings

Würzburg’s history dates back to the Bronze Age, with evidence of early settlements in the area. It became an important Franconian duchy in the early Middle Ages.

Würzburg: The Prince-Bishops Era

During the 12th century, Würzburg rose to prominence under the rule of the Prince-Bishops, who commissioned the construction of the impressive Würzburg Residence and the Marienberg Fortress.

Würzburg: The Baroque Period

The 17th and 18th centuries were marked by the Baroque period, during which many of Würzburg’s iconic buildings were constructed, including the Residenz Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Würzburg: World War II and Reconstruction

Würzburg was heavily bombed during World War II, resulting in significant destruction. The city underwent extensive reconstruction in the post-war years, restoring many of its historical landmarks.

Visiting Würzburg for the first time and wondering what are the top places to see in the city? In this complete guide, I share the best things to do in Würzburg on the first visit. To help you plan your trip, I have also included an interactive map and practical tips for visiting!

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13 Best places to See in Würzburg

This complete guide to Würzburg not only tells you about the very best sights and tourist attractions for first-time visitors to the city but also provide insights into a few of our personal favorite things to do.

This is a practical guide to visiting the best places to see in Würzburg and is filled with tips and info that should answer all your questions!

Martin von Wagner Museum

Martin Von Wagner Museum Würzburg, Germany
CC BY-SA 1.0 / Daderot
The Martin von Wagner Museum is an archaeological and art history museum located in Würzburg, Germany. The museum was founded in 1920 and is part of the University of Würzburg. The museum’s collection includes over 100,000 objects from the ancient world, including ancient Greek and Roman art and artifacts, as well as artworks from the […]
Location: Martin von Wagner Museum, Residenzplatz, Würzburg, Germany | Hours: Tuesday to Saturday Antiquities Collection: 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m Picture Gallery: 1:30 p.m. to 5 p.m Sunday from 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., alternating weekly | Price: Free Entrance | Website | Distance: 1.0km
Visiting Martin von Wagner Museum

Explore Würzburg yourself with our self-guided walking tour!

Würzburg Residenz

Würzburg Residence
CC BY-SA 4.0 / Holger Uwe Schmitt
The Würzburg Residenz is a Baroque palace located in Würzburg, Germany. It was commissioned by the Prince-Bishop of Würzburg, Johann Philipp Franz von Schönborn, and was designed by the architect Balthasar Neumann. Construction of the palace began in 1720 and was completed in 1744. The Würzburg Residenz is considered one of the finest examples of […]
Location: Residenz Würzburg, Residenzplatz, Würzburg, Germany | Hours: 9am-6pm Apr-Oct, 10am-4.30pm Nov-Mar, 45min English tours 11am & 3pm, plus 1.30pm & 4.30pm Apr-Oct | Price: adult/child €7.50/free | Website | Distance: 1.0km
Visiting Würzburg Residenz

Click here to read our blog about Romantic Road in Germany - Guide and Itinerary

Würzburg Court Gardens (Hofgarten)

Würzburg Court Gardens (Hofgarten)
Public Domain / Daderot
The Court Garden, also known as Hofgarten, is a stunning French-style garden located within the grounds of the Würzburg Residenz. It was created between 1703 and 1774 and is widely regarded as the best-preserved Rococo garden in Germany. A visit to the garden offers many highlights, including the main feature, a large artificial lake with […]
Location: Hofgarten, Residenzplatz, Würzburg, Germany | Hours: Open until dusk | Price: Free entry | Distance: 1.1km
Visiting Würzburg Court Gardens (Hofgarten)

Würzburg Cathedral

St. Kilian’s Cathedral (Würzburg)
CC BY-SA 3.0 / sailko
Würzburg Cathedral, also known as St. Kilian’s Cathedral, is a Roman Catholic cathedral located in Würzburg, a city in the Franconia region of Germany. The cathedral is dedicated to Saint Kilian, a missionary who was martyred in the area in the 7th century. The cathedral’s construction began in the 11th century and continued over several […]
Location: Würzburg Cathedral, Am Bruderhof, Würzburg, Germany | Hours: Monday – Saturday: 10 am – 5 pm, Sundays and holidays 1 pm – 6 pm | Price: Daily guided tours (in German only) from April 11 to October 31, 2023 at 12:30 pm. Fee: € 5 per person, reduced € 4 | Website | Distance: 1.5km
Visiting Würzburg Cathedral

Neumünster Würzburg

Neumünster Würzburg
CC BY-SA 3.0 / waveschik
The Neumünster is a historic church located in Würzburg, Germany. Its name translates to “New Monastery” in English. The church holds great significance in the city’s history and is renowned for its impressive architectural features and cultural importance. Originally founded as a Benedictine monastery in the 11th century, the Neumünster has undergone several transformations over […]
Location: Neumünster, Würzburg, Germany | Hours: 6am-6:30pm Mon-Sat, from 8am Sun | Distance: 1.6km
Visiting Neumünster Würzburg

Weingut Juliusspital

Weingut Juliusspital Würzburg
CC BY-SA 4.0 / Henry Waiter
Weingut Juliusspital is a renowned winery located in Würzburg, Germany. It holds a rich history dating back to its founding in 1576 as a hospital and charitable institution. The winery’s name is derived from Julius Echter von Mespelbrunn, the Prince-Bishop of Würzburg at the time, who played a significant role in establishing the charitable foundation. […]
Location: Juliusspital Weingut Würzburg, Klinikstraße, Würzburg, Germany | Hours: Tasting & shopping Vinothek Weineck Julius Echter Monday - Wednesday: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Thursday - Friday: 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m | Website | Distance: 1.7km
Visiting Weingut Juliusspital

Rathaus Würzburg

Rathaus Würzburg
CC BY-SA 3.0 / Calips
The Rathaus Würzburg, or Würzburg City Hall, is a historic building located in the city center of Würzburg, Germany. It was built in the early 14th century and has undergone a number of renovations and additions over the centuries. The building is notable for its distinctive Gothic-style architecture, including its impressive tower and intricate stonework. […]
Location: Rathaus Würzburg, Rückermainstraße, Würzburg, Germany | Website | Distance: 1.8km
Visiting Rathaus Würzburg

Marienkapelle, Würzburg

Marienkapelle
CC BY-SA 4.0 / Bärwinkel,Klaus
Marienkapelle, or the Chapel of Our Lady, is a Gothic-style chapel located in the heart of Würzburg, Germany. It was built in the 14th century and is one of the oldest and most significant religious buildings in the city. The chapel is located in the middle of the market square, and its façade is decorated […]
Location: Marienkapelle, Marktplatz, Würzburg, Germany | Distance: 1.8km
Visiting Marienkapelle, Würzburg

Alte Mainbrücke

Alte Mainbrücke
The Alte Mainbrücke, or Old Main Bridge, is a historic bridge spanning the Main River in Würzburg. It is one of the city’s most iconic landmarks and a popular spot for both locals and visitors. The bridge dates back to the 15th century and has played a significant role in connecting the city’s Old Town […]
Location: Alte Mainbrücke, Alte Mainbrücke, Würzburg, Germany | Hours: 24 hours | Price: Free | Distance: 2.0km
Visiting Alte Mainbrücke

Würzburg's Old Main Bridge

Old Main Bridge, Alte Mainbrücke, Würzburg
Würzburg’s Old Main Bridge, or the Alte Mainbrücke in German, is a historic bridge that spans the Main River in Würzburg, Germany. The bridge was built in the 16th century and is one of the city’s most iconic landmarks. The bridge was designed by the Italian architect Antonio Petrini and was completed in 1543. It […]
Location: Old Main Bridge, Alte Mainbrücke, Würzburg, Germany | Hours: 24 Hours | Price: Free | Distance: 2.0km
Visiting Würzburg's Old Main Bridge

The Little Chapel: Kappele Würzburg

Würzburg Käppele
Public Domain / Tors
The Little Chapel, or Kapelle in German, is a small chapel located in the heart of Würzburg, Germany. It is also known as the “Marienkapelle,” or the Chapel of Our Lady, and is one of the city’s oldest and most significant religious buildings. The chapel was originally built in the 14th century and was dedicated […]
Location: Käppele Sanctuary, Spittelbergweg, Würzburg, Germany | Distance: 2.4km
Visiting The Little Chapel: Kappele Würzburg

Marienberg Fortress

Festung Marienberg
CC BY-SA 4.0 / Geolina163
Marienberg Fortress is a prominent castle that dominates the skyline of Würzburg. The fortress was built on a hill overlooking the city, and its construction began in the late 12th century. Over the centuries, it was expanded and modified several times, including significant additions in the Renaissance and Baroque styles. Today, the fortress is a […]
Location: Marienberg Fortress, Würzburg, Germany | Hours: tours 11am, 2pm, 3pm & 4pm Tue-Sun, plus 10am & 1pm Sat & Sun mid-Mar–Oct, 11am, 2pm & 3pm Sat & Sun Nov–mid-Mar | Price: Tour adult/child €3.50/free | Distance: 2.4km
Visiting Marienberg Fortress

Botanischer Garten der Universität Würzburg

Botanischer Garten Der Universität Würzburg
Public Domain / Daderot
The Botanischer Garten der Universität Würzburg, or the Botanic Garden of the University of Würzburg in English, is a botanical garden located in the city of Würzburg, Germany. It was established in 1696 and is one of the oldest and most important botanical gardens in Germany. The garden covers an area of approximately 10 hectares […]
Location: Botanischer Garten der Universität Würzburg, Julius-von-Sachs-Platz, Würzburg, Germany | Hours: Monday - Friday: 9.00 a.m. to 5.30 p.m. Weekends and public holidays: 9.00 a.m. to 5.30 p.m | Price: Free | Website | Distance: 3.3km
Visiting Botanischer Garten der Universität Würzburg

Best Time to Visit Würzburg

Visiting Würzburg in Spring

Spring in Würzburg offers mild temperatures and blooming gardens. It’s an ideal time to explore the city’s parks, vineyards, and historic sites.

Visiting Würzburg in Summer

Summer brings warm weather perfect for outdoor activities. Enjoy wine festivals, river cruises on the Main, and visits to historical attractions like the Würzburg Residence.

Visiting Würzburg in Autumn

Autumn in Würzburg is characterized by cooler temperatures and vibrant fall foliage. It’s a great time for wine tasting, scenic walks, and exploring the countryside.

Visiting Würzburg in Winter

Winter in Würzburg offers a cozy atmosphere with fewer tourists. Enjoy the festive Christmas markets, visit museums, and warm up in charming cafes and restaurants.

Average Temperatures in Würzburg

  • January 7°C 7
  • February 9°C 6
  • March 13°C 6
  • April 18°C 6
  • May 21°C 10
  • June 25°C 9
  • July 27°C 8
  • August 28°C 9
  • September 24°C 7
  • October 18°C 6
  • November 10°C 8
  • December 8°C 9

How to get to Würzburg

Traveling to Würzburg by Car

Driving to Würzburg is convenient via the A3 and A7 motorways. This mode of travel offers flexibility to explore the surrounding Franconian wine region.

Traveling to Würzburg by Train

Würzburg is well-connected by train, with regular services from major cities like Frankfurt, Munich, and Nuremberg. The journey from Frankfurt takes about 1.5 hours.

Traveling to Würzburg by Bus

Bus services connect Würzburg with other cities in Germany and Europe. It’s a budget-friendly and straightforward way to reach the city.

Traveling to Würzburg by Plane

The nearest airports to Würzburg are Frankfurt Airport and Nuremberg Airport. From there, you can take a train or bus to reach Würzburg.