A Guide to Wurzburg
After a great stay in this city, in this travel guide we share experiences you can't miss and the best places in Wurzburg to see.
Nestled in the Lower Franconia region, Wurzburg is one of the most beautiful cities you can visit in Bavaria.
This charming city set on the banks of the Main River is known for its Baroque architecture, UNESCO-listed royal palace, impressive fortress, and beautifully restored Old Town.
Wurzburg also has an interesting history, as it was home to powerful Prince-Bishops for centuries who held significant religious and political power in the Holy Roman Empire.
The city was later heavily bombed during WW2, and much of the city was damaged. Fortunately, it was again restored and travelers from all over the world can imagine its former grandeur.
If you're looking for a classic German city experience, you've just found it.
Plenty of attractions make Wurzburg worth a visit, so we compiled everything you need to know about Wurzburg before you go together with must-see attractions.
What to See and Do
As the city offers a wealth of history, Baroque architecture, cobblestone streets, and river setting, we certainly discovered there are actually many lovely things to do in Wurzburg.
Obviously, it's the Wurzburg Residence, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, that draws visitors from all over the world, but the city offers so much more.
Wurzburg Residence
This 18th-century palace and a former seat of Prince-Bishops is one of Wurzburg's top attractions.
Wurzburg Residence was inscribed to the UNESCO World Heritage Site list for its stunning Baroque architecture, Tiepolo's frescoes, unique interior design, and cultural and political importance.
Another interesting fact is that while most of the palace was badly damaged during WW2, the ceiling frescoes created by Giovanni Battista Tiepolo miraculously survived, so you can see the original during your visit.
You can explore Wurzburg Residence on your own or with an English-speaking guided tour, which we highly recommend as it's included in the ticket price.
We did this tour, and while it was relatively short (about 40 minutes), it was really interesting to hear about the history, frescoes, and all the details we would have otherwise missed.
Just be prepared that the English tour runs only twice a day (11 AM and 3 PM).
Marienberg Fortress
Perched on a hill above Wurzburg on the true left side of River Main, the Marienberg Fortress is a must-see.
Before the Wurzburg Residence was built, the Marienberg Fortress was used by the Prince-Bishops as their seat.
The fortress you can see today proudly towering above the town was built between the 16th and the 18th centuries, though, as hinted above, its history goes back to the 13th century.
Even though the fortress was undergoing renovations at the time of our visit, we could still walk around the complex.
Even though it's located just across the river from the Altstadt, it's a relatively steep climb to get to it. Don't worry, it's fairly short, so any moderately fit person can do it.
No matter whether you come for the history or the views, Marienberg Fortress is a must-see.
Altstadt
The Old Town, or Altstadt in German, is the main tourist area featured in every Wurzburg itinerary.
This is the pulsing heart of the city, where you'll find accommodation, restaurants, and all the major sights.
Among the top attractions in Wurzburg's Old Town are Wurzburg Cathedral, Old Main Bridge, Market Square, Old Town Hall, Wurzburg Residence, and St. Mary's Chapel.
The Old Town is fairly compact and easily explored on foot, but you will need at least a few hours to see it all (especially if you plan to go inside the palace).
Another reason to thoroughly explore Wurzburg's Altstadt is the splendor of Baroque architecture. If you see all the beauty around you, it's hard to imagine that Wurzburg was almost completely destroyed during WW2 bombing raids.
We have already seen something similar in Dresden and Nuremberg, but it still never ceases to amaze us how these cities were rebuilt.
Old Main Bridge
Like every other German city built on a river, Wurzburg has several bridges.
The Old Main Bridge, or Alte Mainbrucke in German, is the one you can't miss.
This old bridge spanning 185 meters over the Main River connects the Old Town with the Marienberg Fortress.
It's from the 15th century, though it has been rebuilt several times throughout the time.
The oldest bridge in Wurzburg is pedestrian-only, like Regensburg's Old Stone Bridge or Prague's Charles Bridge.
The cars are not allowed here, so it's a very enjoyable place to visit.
As this is not just a historical landmark but a place where locals and tourists socialize (there are some wine bars, cafes, and stalls on each side of the bridge), it gets pretty busy.
Other than that, you can discover the twelve statues of saints or enjoy the views of the fortress, Altstadt, and Main River.
Day Trips
If you base yourself in Wurzburg for a few days, we do recommend including a day trip or two in your itinerary.
There are three must-see towns - Bad Kissingen, Bamberg, and Rothenburg ob der Tauber - within an hour's drive from Wurzburg, which we believe are worth visiting.
The best part is that all three towns are easily reached by train, which is great if you don't want to rent a car.
Bad Kissingen
Bad Kissingen is a classic German spa town that's sought for its healing mineral springs, spa treatments, great thermal baths, and peaceful atmosphere.
It's listed on the UNESCO World Heritage Site as one of the Great Spa Towns of Europe (together with places like Baden Baden or Karlovy Vary).
Bamberg
Bamberg is also a former seat of Prince-Bishops and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The main difference is that Bamberg's whole Old Town is a UNESCO site, so you can be sure the town is incredibly beautiful.
Rothenburg ob der Tauber
Rothenburg ob der Tauber is one of the most picturesque towns in Germany.
This well-preserved medieval old town with intact city walls is very touristy but definitely worth seeing.
The Red Castle (as it translates to German) is about 50 minutes from Wurzburg.
Where to Stay
Wurzburg is the third largest city in Lower Franconia, and due to its size and popularity, it has a great range of hotels for all budgets.
Altstadt is the best area to stay in Wurzburg for those who want to stay as close to everything as possible.
This area spreads between Old Main Bridge, Wurzburg Residence, and the main train station (Wurzburg Hauptbahnhof), making it extremely convenient for all travelers.
Modern hotels (some of them we included on this list) are also located about a 15-20 minute walk from the town center.
The main advantage is that these hotels have a contemporary feel and available on-site parking.
If you're arriving in Wurzburg by train or bus, there's a nice hostel and a few good hotels near the Wurzburg Hauptbahnhof.
Here, you will find our tips on the best hotels in Wurzburg.
Budget | ibis Hotel Wurzburg City - Situated about a 15-minute walk from the city center, ibis Hotel Wurzburg City is one of the best places for budget travelers to stay. It offers air-conditioned rooms overlooking River Main, a buffet breakfast, and affordable rates.
Mid-range | Motel One Wurzburg - If you want to stay in the city center, Motel One Wurzburg is a great choice. This 3-star hotel with contemporary, air-conditioned, and affordable rooms is perfect for couples.
Luxury | AC Hotel by Marriott Wurzburg - This hotel offers a bit more luxurious experience, so it's perfect fit for those willing to spend more on hotels. It has comfortable rooms, great food, and private parking. It's a 10-minute walk from Wurzburg Residence.
Hostel | Babelfish Hostel - Babelfish is the best hostel in Wurzburg for backpackers who want a traditional hostel experience. It offers both dormitories and private rooms, a well-equipped kitchen, and a lively bar if you want to socialize. It's conveniently located next to the train station, which is ideal for those relying on public transport.
How Much Time Do I Need
A full day in Wurzburg is generally more than enough for most travelers, though you can see a lot in less time. That's what we did.
We arrived super early in the morning and left late in the afternoon so we could still walk around the Rothenburg ob der Tauber during daylight.
The sun sets after 8 PM during mid-April, so we had plenty of time to do this (including a 50-minute drive and quick check-in).
We thought about staying in Wurzburg overnight but later decided against it as we wanted to experience Rothenburg after dusk when most of the day-trippers leave.
We believe two or three days in Wurzburg are simply too much - it's not a Vienna or Prague - but it really depends on your preferences and itinerary.
Remember that there are some lovely towns like Bad Kissingen, Rothenburg, or Bamberg you can easily visit on a day trip from Wurzburg.
When to Go
The good news is that you can explore Wurzburg all year round. We visited Wurzburg in April on a partly cloudy but fairly cold day.
Weather-wise, the best months for visiting Wurzburg are April, May, June, September, and October.
Summer is the main travel season, so be prepared for higher accommodation prices and bigger crowds.
Spring and autumn are often hailed as an ideal time to visit Wurzburg for travelers seeking a more relaxing experience and lower prices.
The weather is usually pretty changeable during these seasons, so you need to be prepared for every type of weather.
On the other hand, this is the ideal time for indoor activities, so make sure to take advantage of it and explore some of Wurzburg's museums.
Winter, specifically the month of December, is perfect for those who want to discover the Christmas Markets.
Just be prepared when planning your itinerary that traveling in the off-season around Central Europe might not be as enjoyable due to cold and short days.
What to Pack
As a trip to Wurzburg promised a regular city experience, we packed comfortable and practical clothes. It was mid-April, and the weather was truly changeable.
We visited Wurzburg on a cold day, so a combo of jeans, a sweater, and a rain jacket really came in handy.
Comfortable shoes are essential, no matter whether you want to walk around the Altstadt or if you want to climb the Marienberg Fortress.
Lightweight clothing is crucial in summer when the temperatures are at their highest.
For cold winter days, make sure to bring a winter coat, suitable boots, and a scarf with gloves and a hat.
How to Get There
Wurzburg is located halfway between Frankfurt and Nuremberg and is well-connected with other German cities.
Therefore, it's easy to get there by car, train, or bus.
We drove to Wurzburg from Bamberg (we initially started our road trip in Czechia) and reached the city in about an hour.
Car
Wurzburg practically sits on A3, giving the city a great connection to the rest of the country.
Wurzburg is about 90 minutes from Nuremberg, 90 minutes from Frankfurt, and three and a half hours from Munich.
Driving in Germany is super easy, especially if you stay on the highways.
Rent a Car
We use Rentalcars.com, a reliable rental website that helps you compare prices, find the best car rental deals, and make reservations for your next trip.
Parking
Wurzburg has several good parking options, though be prepared that it's not exactly cheap.
Among the most popular parking lots is Parkplatz Residenz, which is right next to the Wurzburg Residence.
If you prefer parking garages, Parkhaus am Theater, Parkhaus Mitte, and Parkhaus Marktgarage are all conveniently located within the Altstadt.
If you're looking for a great free parking lot within a 15-minute walk from Wurzburg's town center, check out Parkplatz Talavera. This is where we left our car.
Train
You can easily get to Wurzburg by train from almost every German city.
For instance, Wurzburg is only two hours from Munich, an hour from Frankfurt, or four hours from Berlin.
For current timetables, check out the DB (Deutsche Bahn) website.
Wurzburg Hauptbahnhof is only a short walk from the Altstadt, which is extremely convenient as you don't need to take a taxi or public transport.
Bus
You can easily get to Wurzburg by bus (usually by FlixBus) from German (and other European) cities.
The main FlixBus bus stop is located next to the Wurzburg Hauptbahnhof. For schedules, check the FlixBus website.
Staying Safe
With a low crime rate, Wurzburg is generally considered a very safe city to visit, no matter whether you're a solo female traveler or walk around the town after dark.
Our only advice is to watch out for the trams and cyclists when walking around the city center and stay vigilant in crowded areas to avoid petty theft.
The busiest areas we encountered were Wurzburg Residence, the Old Main Bridge, and obviously public transport.
Also, given this is a university city, some streets with bars might be a bit rowdy on weekends, especially when it comes to closing time.
Travel Insurance
We never leave home without travel insurance that was designed to cover our expenses if something goes wrong during the trip.
Travel insurance protects against theft, flight delays, injury, illness, cancellations, and much more.
World Nomads provides travel insurance for travelers to cover their trip essentials, including sports and adventure activities.
SafetyWing is affordable travel insurance for backpackers, long-term travelers, and digital nomads.
Travel smarter and safer!
Is Wurzburg Worth Visiting?
So, is Wurzburg worth visiting while road-tripping Bavaria? Well, yes! If you like visiting charming European cities, Wurzburg is a great fit.
There's plenty to see and do, the city is easy to explore on foot and has great hotels.
We especially enjoyed the baroque architecture, the UNESCO site, the Main River, the walkable Altstadt, and the university-city atmosphere.
Even if you have time just for the Marienberg Fortress and Wurzburg Residence, the city is worth incorporating into your Bavaria itinerary.
While it's true that Wurzburg doesn't get the same attention as places like Munich, Nuremberg, or the fairytale Neuschwanstein Castle, it's still one of the most visited places in Bavaria.
And it's on this list for a reason.
Travel Resources
Here you can find links to all the travel resources we use and which you might find helpful when planning your next holiday.
Accommodation: When looking for accommodation, we usually search hotels via Booking.com or Hostelworld.
Tours: Although we love to travel independently, some places are better to visit with a guided tour.
We prefer GetYourGuide for its easy-to-use interface and solid reputation. Another great alternative is Viator.
Rental Cars: When going on a road trip, we always use Rentalcars.com, a reliable site for booking a rental car in advance.
Flight Tickets: When looking for flight tickets, you can search Skyscanner to find the best price.
Travel Insurance: World Nomads and SafetyWing cover against risks of travel.
