Würzburg, Germany

Where is Würzburg, Germany located?

Würzburg is situated about 90 minutes southeast of Frankfurt and 90 minutes northwest of Nuremberg (driving times). This charming city, with its Baroque and Rococo architecture, is nestled between some of Germany’s larger cities, making it the perfect stop on any German road trip!

What is there to see/do in Würzburg?

1. Eat along the Main River
   The Main River, a major tributary of the Rhine, runs through Würzburg’s city center, making it a picturesque place to grab a bite. The riverbanks are lined with various food options, so you’ll always find a spot to relax and enjoy a meal. Whether it's breakfast, lunch, or dinner, it's a perfect place to unwind, enjoy the river, and take a moment to appreciate a charming city in central Germany.

   Pro Tip: Dinner along the river is an especially great choice. The soft dusk lighting as the sun sets creates a beautiful ambiance, and with more restaurants opening for the dinner rush, you’ll have more options to suit yours and your groups taste preferences.

   Here are a few places with great reviews near the river:

   • Alte Mainmühle (German)

   • Locanda Würzburg GMBH (Italian)

   • Enchilada (Mexican)

   • Unicafé (A little of Everything)

2. Visit the Würzburg Residence
   The Würzburg Residence, a Baroque palace built between 1720 and 1744. This massive residence was originally used by the prince-bishops of Würzburg. The interior, finally was completed in 1780, showcases a stunning blend of French and Italian styles. From the grand rooms to the beautiful gardens, this is a must-see when visiting Würzburg.

   You can buy tickets on-site when you arrive. 😊

3. Explore the Marienberg Fortress
   Overlooking the city, the Marienberg Fortress was built in the 13th century and offers breathtaking views of the Main River, rolling vineyards, and the city's historical landmarks. This medieval fortress is a fascinating mix of old-world charm and modern views, and it’s definitely worth the visit.

   View more information about Marienberg Fortress here.

4. Peek into St. Mary’s Chapel
   Located in the city’s Market Square, St. Mary’s Chapel is a Roman Catholic church filled with stunning stained glass windows and beautifully crafted sculptures and paintings. It’s small but packed with charm, and it only takes a few minutes to visit. The best part? It’s completely free to enter, making it a quick yet enriching stop in your Würzburg itinerary. 😊

5. Browse, Shop & Snack at the Market Square
   Würzburg’s Market Square is a delightful spot for shopping, with stores selling everything from jewelry to local gifts. As you shop, treat yourself to some delicious snacks—from pretzels to cinnamon rolls to gelato. It’s the perfect spot to refuel during your sightseeing adventure!

Here's What We Did

• Our first stop was the Würzburg Residence, located on the eastern side of the city. The palace is massive, with stunning gardens to explore. To buy tickets, simply head to the ticket office inside the main entrance. If you're traveling with kids or students, be sure to check for discounts—they’ll save you some money (we did this for our group and got discounted tickets for the kids and students). The palace itself is amazing, especially the ceiling murals- hand crafted, painted, and stuccoed so beautifully —truly a highlight of the visit. I also appreciated the historical plaques in each room, which provide insight into the history and significance of the space. The tour also touches on the damage caused during World War II, which added an educational layer to the experience with glimpses how much was impacted on the residence during that major war. It’s definitely worth a visit.

• After exploring the Würzburg Residence, we grabbed lunch at Wirtshaus am Dom, a cozy German/Bavarian restaurant located just down the street. After a couple of hours of touring the historical residence, we were starving! The food was hearty and flavorful, but be prepared for large portions—you might want to share. The menu has plenty of options for meat lovers, vegetarians, vegans, and even kids. Here’s what we ordered:

  • My brother in-law: Original Vienna Schnitzel (veal schnitzel with potato salad, cucumber salad, and cranberries)

  • My Older Sister: Baked Napkin Dumplings (with a noble mushroom cream sauce)

  • Baby-Nephew: Kartäuser Klösschen (a “scrambled” pancake with vanilla cream sauce)

  • Mom: Hand-Rolled Kräuterknödel (with beetroot-chickpea sauce & vegetable chips)

  • Dad: Baked Napkin Dumplings (with a noble mushroom cream sauce)

  • Me: Hand-Rolled Kräuterknödel (with beetroot-chickpea sauce & vegetable chips)

  • Little Sister: Cheese Spaetzle (cheese & potatoes with roasted onions)

• After lunch, we visited St. Mary’s Chapel in the Market Square. Though it’s modest compared to some of Europe’s grand cathedrals, the chapel's size and intricate stained glass windows were impressive for a smaller city like Würzburg. The sunlight pouring through the glass created a magical atmosphere inside, and the stucco walls combined beautifully with the painted and carved art. I love seeing really any cathedrals when traveling, and this one was no exception, the interior was beautiful. It’s a peaceful stop for anyone visiting Würzburg.

• To end our tour of Würzburg, we grabbed gelato at Cico Gelateria Artigianale, near the Vierrohrenbrunnen fountain in the Market Square. This gelato is amazing—the shop itself is clean, cute, and surrounded by greenery, which makes the whole experience even better. My favorite flavor? The Blood Orange—it’s a must-try - trust me!

• Our time in Würzburg was relatively short, from about 11 am to 4 pm. We arrived after leaving Frankfurt that morning, and in just a few hours, we managed to explore the Residence, enjoy a hearty lunch, visit the chapel, and indulge in gelato. While we would have loved to see more, we had to head to Rothenburg for the evening.

What We Wanted to Do (and Still Want to Do)

• Try some Mexican food at Enchilada near the Main River—quesadilla pollo, cauliflower tacos, loaded nachos, and more!

• Shop for handmade gifts along the streets and maybe stop by Zara in the Market Square area of Würzburg.

• Have dinner at Locanda Würzburg, a pizza and pasta restaurant by the river with mouth-watering options like broccoli and spinach pizza, gorgonzola and spinach pasta, ravioli salvia, pizza bread, insalata burrata, and more!

• Grab a bagel egg sandwich or yogurt + fruit bowl for breakfast at Café Bar Lenz.

Overall, I absolutely loved visiting Würzburg, Germany, and would have liked to spend more time in this rustic, historic city in central Germany. If you’re traveling through Germany, make sure to add Würzburg to your itinerary—it’s a charming and unforgettable stop with delicious food! 😊