Things to do in Wurzburg

Last Updated on October 28, 2024 by Ingrid & Alex

Wurzburg is such an underrated German destination, yet one we ended up loving. The Bavarian city is only one hour from Frankfurt and easily reached by train or car. Even though you might not expect it, there are plenty of beautiful things to do in Wurzburg.

We spent one day in Wurzburg during our month in northern Bavaria, and I would return anytime. Since we visited on a Sunday, the streets were not too lively, but we still found plenty of activities.

Due to its location, Wurzburg is a perfect day trip from Frankfurt. If you are a wine lover and want to visit, here is our guide to one of the nicest towns in Bavaria.

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Table of Contents
  1. Wonderful things to do in Würzburg
    1. Marienberg Fortress: one of the best things to do in Wurzburg
    2. Japanischer Garten (Japanese Garden)
    3. Würzburg Residence
    4. Alte Mainbrücke (Old Main Bridge): the best things to do in Wurzburg Old Town
    5. Rathaus Würzburg (City Hall)
    6. Würzburger Dom (Wurzburg Cathedral)
    7. Lusam Garden
    8. St Mary’s Chapel (Marienkapelle)
    9. Falkenhaus (Falcon House)
    10. Botanical Garden (Botanischer Garten der Universität Würzburg)
    11. Käppele Sanctuary (Wallfahrtskirche Käppele)
    12. terroir f Würzburg – Literatur und Wein
    13. Schlosshotel Steinburg
  2. How to get around in Wurzburg
    1. A potential itinerary for the best things to do in Wurzburg
  3. Other things to do in Wurzburg

Wonderful things to do in Würzburg

things to do in Wurzburg

Wurzburg is set in beautiful natural surroundings on hills covered by vineyards. The Main River splits the city into two parts, offering cruises paired with wine tasting.

We liked the city so much that we included it in our one-week in Germany itinerary.

This being said, here is our list of the most important things to do in Wurzburg, Germany.

Marienberg Fortress: one of the best things to do in Wurzburg

Marienberg Fortress

Address: Marienberg, 97012 Würzburg, Germany

One of the two main attractions in town, Marienberg Fortress, will be noticed as soon as you arrive in Wurzburg. The imposing 13th-century fortress sits atop the hill, overlooking the city.

The massive bastions stand out as the main feature of Marienberg. Another important attraction is the St Mary’s Church (Marienkirche), which dates back to AD 706.

Würzburg

You get one of the city’s best views from the gardens of the fortress. One we loved and thought was superior to the ones you get in Nuremberg, for example.

Visit the “Museum für Franken – Staatliches Museum für Kunst- und Kulturgeschichte in Würzburg” and see an impressive collection of art.

Afterward, relax in the Princes’ Garden, a 1,300 square-meter courtyard that could easily be the setting of a fairytale.

Wurzburg Fortress gardens

Japanischer Garten (Japanese Garden)

Japanese garden Wurzburg

Address: Höchberger Str. 10, 97082 Würzburg, Germany

This small hidden gem is inside the LGS Park der Landesgartenschau von 1990. The garden is roughly 20 minutes away from Marienberg, so if you are in the area, you should stop by, especially when visiting during spring.

Würzburg Residence

things to do in Wurzburg - Würzburg Residence

Address: Residenzpl. 2, 97070 Würzburg, Germany

Part of the UNESCO World Heritage, the Wirzburg Residence is the main attraction in town. It was once the residence of the Würzburg prince-bishops, and it is today an enchanting and impressive museum.

Set aside a few hours to visit the palace, where you can see over 40 palace rooms, the State Gallery, and the Court Chapel.

If you love nature, you should relax on a walk inside the Court Gardens.

Also worth knowing is that the palace is home to one of the largest frescos ever created.

You can find all the information you need about opening hours and ticket prices here. You don’t need to book in advance unless you are in a group of over 15 people.

Alte Mainbrücke (Old Main Bridge): the best things to do in Wurzburg Old Town

Alte Mainbrücke Wurzburg

The Old Main Bridge connects Wurzburg Old Town Center to the Marienberg Fortress. Because of its location in the city’s heart, you get a lovely view from the bridge.

Wurzburg wine shop

Also, it is a vibrant place with a few wine shops where people come to enjoy local varieties. We loved walking along the Main River and listening to the street musicians.

Rathaus Würzburg (City Hall)

Wurzburg City Hall

Address: Rückermainstraße 2, 97070 Würzburg, Germany

Sure, you cannot visit the town hall because it is a local administrative office. But you should stop and admire its building and maybe take a picture or two.

I captured it from one side, but the view from next to the Four Tubes Fountain (Vierröhrenbrunnen) is much better.

Würzburger Dom (Wurzburg Cathedral)

Wurzburg Cathedral

Address: Domstraße 40, 97070 Würzburg, Germany

The fourth largest Romanesque church building in Germany, the Wurzburg Cathedral, is a Roman Catholic cathedral.

It dates back to the 8th century, and for hundreds of years, it was the burial place of the Prince-Bishops of Würzburg.

Lusam Garden

Lusam Garden

The former cloister courtyard of the Neumünster Abbey is now a quiet oasis in the middle of the city center. We discovered it by chance and had to step inside to see it closer.

The garden is accessible from Martinstraße 4.

St Mary’s Chapel (Marienkapelle)

Marienkapelle

Address: Marktpl. 7, 97070 Würzburg, Germany

The St. Mary’s Chapel is on one side of Wurzburg’s main square. It is considered the pinnacle of late Gothic architecture in Lower Franconia.

The original one was built on the site of a destroyed synagogue after a pogrom back in 1349. However, the current building dates from the 1950s.

Falkenhaus (Falcon House)

Falkenhaus Wurzburg

Address: Marktpl. 9, 97070 Würzburg, Germany

Once the residence of the cathedral priest in the Middle Ages, the Falcon House is now one of the most impressive buildings in town.

Rebuilt after the 1945 air ride over Wurzburg, the building today hosts the Tourist Information Office.

Botanical Garden (Botanischer Garten der Universität Würzburg)

Address: Julius-von-Sachs-Platz 4, 97082 Würzburg, Germany

The Botanical Garden in Wirzburg was founded over 320 years ago and is a perfect destination for nature lovers.

You can easily get there by tram line 3 or 5 and spend a few hours admiring various plants.

Käppele Sanctuary (Wallfahrtskirche Käppele)

Wallfahrtskirche Käppele

Address: Spittelbergweg 21, 97082 Würzburg, Germany

Also known as the “Little Chapel,” it dates from the 18th century and was built in Rococo architectural style.

It is located on a hill overlooking the city and is an important pilgrimage site.

terroir f Würzburg – Literatur und Wein

Address: Mittlerer Schalksbergweg, 97080 Würzburg, Germany

One of the 22 viewpoints over the Franconian wine country. Each “terroir f” is dedicated to a special wine theme and presents it in its own unique way. This particular one is dedicated to wine and literature.

Schlosshotel Steinburg

Schlosshotel Steinburg

Address: Reußenweg 2, 97080 Würzburg, Germany

This is actually a hotel set in a castle in between vineyards, overlooking Wurzburg and the Main River. I added it here because who wouldn’t like to stay in such an incredible place?

Relax at the swimming pool, go wine tasting, or rent a bike and explore the many trails around the hotel.

See more about the hotel here!

How to get around in Wurzburg

The city and its main central part are not too big, so walking should not be an issue. We visited with a 6-month-old baby and still saw most of these attractions on foot.

Another great option is to go on a guide walking tour and learn about the city from a local. The tour also includes a small bottle of local Franconian wine. See more about it and book it here!

Thirdly, you can do a city tour on the Bimmelbahn Train. The train takes you around the old town center and helps you discover its highlights. It also provides an audio guide. Book your ticket here!

A potential itinerary for the best things to do in Wurzburg

Click on the map to open it in Google Maps

We created a potential one-day in Wurzburg itinerary that we think would be easy to follow.

Other things to do in Wurzburg

If you decide to spend the night, here are a few other things to do and useful information:

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The best things to do in Wurzburg, Germany