Things to do in Würzburg - 12 sights and experiences

Writer: Helena Bergström

Updated: August 2026 | What to do in Würzburg, Germany? This beautiful and historic city is a real gem, offering everything from palaces to beautiful views. Here are our top tips!

Würzburg in Germany

Würzburg was once an important bishopric, with magnificent buildings in the form of churches and palaces. During the Thirty Years' War, the city was captured by Swedish troops and for four years, from 1631 to 1635, the city was ... under Swedish influence.

During World War II, a large part of the city was destroyed, but much has been rebuilt. We visited Würzburg one summer, during a longer motorhome trip in Germany, and this was a city we really fell in love with.

Würzburg is located in the federal state of Bavaria in Germany, about 11 miles north-west of Nuremberg.

What to do in Würzburg ?

So what can you see and do in Würzburg? There is of course a lot to discover! We've put together a list of our top tips here.

1. Experience the Unterer Markt with the Marienkapelle.

Unterer Markt (Lower Square) is a lively square in the old town of Würzburg, where you'll probably end up sooner or later.

The square includes the Marienkapelle, a beautiful red Roman Catholic church from the 14th century. The chapel was badly damaged by bombing during World War II, but was renovated in the 1950s.

2. Try the local sausage

When we read up on our visit to Würzburg, we read that you should try the local sausage in the "Unterer Markt" square. We had also read that we should look for the yellow marquise and the long Gender. The description was spot on and we headed here for a simple lunchtime sausage.

The sausage, served in a bun with plenty of mustard, was really good. Even better with a 'Würzburger Hofbräu'.

3. Visit the Residence in Würzburg

The Residence in Würzburg is a stunning baroque palace, and is considered one of the finest examples of sumptuous German baroque. Much of the palace was destroyed during World War II, but has been rebuilt to its original splendour.

The interior of the palace can be visited during guided tours, sometimes in English. Here you can see the world's largest ceiling fresco, created by Venetian artist Giovanni Battista Tiepolo in 1752-1753, which amazingly survived the war unscathed.

READ MORE: Residence in Würzburg - fantastic baroque palace

4. Be fascinated by the Hofkirche

Right next to the Residence in Würzburg is the "Hofkirche" church, which was inaugurated in 1743. Even though the church is small, it is a masterpiece, and incredibly impressive with all the decorations and paintings.

5. Peek into the Cathedral of St Kilian

Würzburg Cathedral (Würzburger Dom or Dom Sankt Kilian) is the seat of the Bishop of Würzburg and has been the burial place of the prince bishops for hundreds of years.

The cathedral, dedicated to St Kilian, was heavily damaged by British bombs in March 1945 but was rebuilt after World War II.

6. See art at the Museum am Dom

The Museum am Dom (Museum at the Cathedral) displays hundreds of works of art, by a wide range of artists, from a whole millennium.

7th Beundra Kollegiatstift Neumünster.

The Kollegiatstift Neumünster church was built in the 1060s and expanded in the 12th and 13th centuries. The building was damaged by bombing during the Second World War, but was subsequently restored.

8. Drink wine on the Alte Mainbrücke bridge

Alte Mainbrücke is the name of the oldest bridge over the River Main, and this beautiful bridge is today a symbol of the city. Construction began in the 15th century and it was the only river crossing until 1886. Today you can cross the bridge on foot or by bike. The sides of the bridge are adorned with large stone statues.

Many people stop on the bridge to enjoy the view. If you look closely, you will probably see that a large number of them are standing with a glass of wine in their hands. It is a tradition to buy a glass of wine in the restaurant next to the bridge, and then enjoy it on the bridge. The wine is bought in a small box, and when you have finished drinking, you return the glass. Nice!

9. Discover the Marienberg Fortress

Marienberg Fortress (Festung Marienberg) is a majestic building on the western bank of the River Main. For almost 500 years, from the 13th century, the fortress served as the home of the local prince-bishops.

During the Thirty Years' War, the fortress was captured by the Swedes, led by Gustav Adolf, and the Swedes held it between 1631-1635. It was then reconstructed as a baroque residence. Today, the fortress is a popular attraction, and the walk up offers beautiful views.

Marienberg Fortress is currently undergoing extensive renovation. Large parts of the outdoor area can still be visited, and from here you get a fantastic view of Würzburg. During the renovation, the Kärnborg can only be visited in conjunction with guided tours. Check the current information before your visit.

10. Enjoy the Fürstengarten

At Marienberg Fortress you will also find the beautiful Fürstengarten garden. In addition to the beauty of the garden, it offers a great view of the river and the city.

11. Stroll along the river Main

The Main is a 472 kilometre long river that flows right through Würzburg. When the weather is nice, it's really nice to stroll along the river.

In summer you can also cruise on the river, from the "Alter Kranen" (Old Crane) to the picturesque town of Veitshöchheim.

12. Follow the Romantic Road

The Romantic Road (Romantische Strasse) is a 35 mile long holiday route, which includes a number of beautiful castles. It starts in Würzburg and ends in Füssen in Allgäu.

More things to do in Wurzburg

If you have more time in Würzburg, there is of course even more to discover. Here are some more attractions and experiences that may be worth adding to your visit.

Visit the Käppele Pilgrimage Church

Käppele is the popular name for the pilgrimage church of the Visitation of Our Lady, beautifully situated on a hill above Würzburg. The magnificent Baroque church was designed by Balthasar Neumann and is well worth a short detour.

See art at the Martin von Wagner Museum

The Martin von Wagner Museum belongs to the University of Würzburg and is located in the Residence. The collections include art and objects from antiquity as well as paintings and sculptures from later periods.

Discover the Museum of Franconia

The Museum für Franken is located at the Marienberg Fortress and tells the story of Franconia's art and cultural history. It houses, among other things, a significant collection of works by the famous sculptor Tilman Riemenschneider. The museum is open even during the ongoing renovation of the fortress.

Check out Würzburg Town Hall

Würzburg's town hall consists of buildings from different periods and has a history that stretches back more than 700 years. The town hall is centrally located in the old town and is easy to spot during a walk through the city center.

Take a trip to Veitshöchheim

Veitshöchheim is located just outside Würzburg and is primarily known for its castle and magnificent Rococo garden. During the summer months, you can also take a boat trip from the Alter Kranen in Würzburg.

Where can you stay or park your motorhome?

There are of course many different hotels and other accommodation options in Würzburg to choose from. We visited Würzburg with a camper van and stayed at the campsite Peace Bridge, which is nicely situated on the river and within walking distance of the city centre. We found it to be a great location for exploring the city. Check current prices, policies and services before your visit.

More to see and do in the neighbourhood

Of course, there is more to see and do near Würzburg. Here you will find tips and inspiration:

• Things to do in Nuremberg
• Things to do in Bamberg
• Things to do in Bayreuth