Franconia

The medieval fortified town of Bad Königshofen lies in the charming Haßberge Nature Park. The town’s main landmark is the 62-metre-high tower belonging to Church of the Assumption of Mary.

The German Brush and Paintbrush Museum in Bechhofen an der Heide provides insight into the long tradition of brush and paintbrush manufacturing.

The Margravial Opera House in Bayreuth has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2012 and is one of the finest Baroque theatres in the world. It’s the best preserved example of a free-standing Baroque court theatre.

With around 30,000 fruit trees, the interconnecting orchard landscape around the small town of Burgbernheim is one of the largest and prettiest of its kind in Europe.

The town of Schesslitz is the gateway to Franconian Switzerland. Visible from afar, the Giechburg castle towers over the town. From the towers of the castle ruins, you have a panoramic view over the Regnitz Valley.

The Franconian royal town of Forchheim is one of the oldest settlements in Franconia. More than 1200 years of history can be experienced firsthand in the cobblestone lanes.

The oak woodlands of the Hochspessart Hills are some of the oldest forested areas in Central Europe. For centuries these woodlands were used as hunting grounds by the prince bishops of Mainz.

The Sanspareil rock garden is a unique garden from the time of Bayreuth’s margravial couple Friedrich and Wilhelmine. Bizarre rock formations in the centuries-old beech grove define the garden’s appearance.

The town of Helmbrechts is famous far and wide for its historical association with the textiles industry, which is showcased in the textiles museum

Münsterschwarzach Abbey was founded in 780 by the wife of Charles the Great as a nunnery and is today one of the most important of all Benedictine abbeys.

Historical buildings and a fascinating past await in the fortress town of Abendberg. Towering majestically above the small town, the castle’s importance is plain to see.

The gardens of Hohenstein Castle in the municipality of Ahorn are a historic gem and are unique in North Bavaria. Originally laid out as a park of the late Romantic period, today’s appearance bears witness to its eventful history.

Listed buildings, medieval charm and magnificent Baroque structures – Bamberg’s old town has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1993.

The Industrial Museum in the old town of Lauf lets you delve into the living and working environment of the town’s labourers and craftsmen of centuries past.

Bad Neustadt an der Saale unites health and history in its own special way. A witness to its long and eventful past is its heart-shaped town wall that is still fully intact.

Known locally as the Bäderland Bayerische Rhön, this district unites five neighbouring spa towns: Bad Bocklet, Bad Kissingen, Bad Brückenau, Bad Königshofen and Bad Neustadt.

The small, idyllic spa town of Bad Berneck lies in the picturesque Ölschnitz Valley. Here you can discover more about Kneipp’s traditional teachings either during the renowned water treading exercise or along the Kneipp educational trail.

The earliest record of the small Baroque town of Allersberg dates from 1254. The market square with its impressive buildings has to this day maintained its Baroque character.

Werneck Palace was built as a summer residence for the prince-bishop by the famous master builder and architect Balthasar Neumann. It is considered a real gem among the palaces of southern Germany.

When the sound of music wafts through the evening air in the court garden in Ansbach, then one thing is certain: the festival season has begun.

The baroque town of Wiesentheid is a real treasure trove. Reflections of a grand past are chronicled by numerous townhouses and the impressive Baroque ensemble comprising Schönborn Palace, the town hall and the Church of St. Mauritius.

In Bad Brückenau with its Staatsbad or ‘State Spa’ destination, you can walk in the footsteps of the Bavarian king Ludwig I who once had his summer residence here.

Bad Steben with its casino and Staatsbad or ‘State Spa’ destination has had a long and distinguished past. Features in the town’s modern spa include a Wellness Dome and a sauna complex that features a natural pond for bathing in.

In Ansbach you can find out more about the mysterious life of the foundling Kaspar Hauser, who lived here from 1830 until his violent death in 1833. Every two years, a Kaspar Hauser Festival is held in the town.

Alzenau Castle is one of the finest late Gothic buildings in Franconia and is the town of Alzenau’s dominant landmark that can be seen from afar. It once served as the seat of administration for the Electors of Mainz.

The changing landscape and the numerous regional specialities bring together the very best of Franconia and Thuringia in the holiday region of Coburg.Rennsteig.

The monument town of Fürth certainly lives up to its name. It emerged from the Second World War relatively unscathed and today features more than 2000 preserved historical monuments.

Perched atop a rocky outcrop, the restored ruins of Thierstein Castle with its impressive tower offers wonderful views of the village of Thierstein and the Fichtel Mountains Nature Park.

Colmberg Castle is perched on top of a hill overlooking the village of the same name. It’s one of the best preserved medieval structures in Franconia. The castle has been in private hands since 1880.

The German Steam Locomotive Museum in Neuenmarkt provides an exciting insight into the history and the technology of steam engines and the history of the railways in Upper Franconia.

In the German Automobile Museum in Fichtelberg you will be able to immerse yourself into Germany’s automobile history. From classic cars to modern vehicles, here you will find exhibits from every era.

In the German-German Museum in Mödlareuth you will experience a first-hand account of the tragic history of the division of Germany.

The most world-renowned UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in Germany is the Rhön. The Rhön’s cultural offer is extremely diverse – from the Franconian Open-Air Museum to the impressive Kirchenburg, a fortified church in Ostheim.

Dinkelsbühl lies on the Romantic Road and is one of Germany’s best preserved medieval towns and features one of the most beautiful wide-aisled, late Gothic churches in southern Germany – St George’s Minster.

Wertheim Castle in the charming Tauber Valley rises high above the old town. Originally owned by the Hohenstaufen dynasty, today it’s one of the most impressive castle ruins in southern Germany.

The hiking hub in Untereichenstein/Blankenstein is unique in Germany. It’s where five, long-distance footpaths wind their way through the varied landscape and converge.

The Franconian Switzerland upland area offers unique natural scenery comprising bizarre rock formations and idyllic river valleys. Hardly any other German holiday region has so much for you to discover.

Awaiting you in Altdorf, renowned for its Wallenstein Festival, is a wealth of history and countless sights. The fully preserved Renaissance building of the historic University of Altdorf forms part of the medieval town centre.

Initiated as a peace project, the wanderlust park entitled Signs of Fame in Oberkotzau is unprecedented worldwide and is the town’s tourist highlight.

Erlangen, renowned for its university and medical expertise, is considered to be one of the best preserved Baroque towns in Germany.

The Rothenberg Fortress is Europe’s largest Baroque stronghold with walls and bastions in excess of 22-metres-high. It towers majestically over the Schnaittach Valley from a hill of the same name.

Marienberg Fortress is a prominent Würzburg landmark visible from almost everywhere in the city. Previously it was a substantial fortification and seat of the Würzburg prince bishops.

Franconia’s tri-border region is where the provinces of Lower, Middle and Upper Franconia converge. Here there are many appealing natural spectacles to explore.

The impressive view of the Lichtenau Fortress is dominated by its mighty ramparts and corner towers. In what was formerly a fortification owned by the lords of Nuremberg, is today a branch office of the Nuremberg state archives.

In the Franconian Open-Air Museum in Fladungen you can find out how rural communities lived their lives from the 17th century to the 1970s.

With its vineyards and river landscape, the Frankens Saalestück region offers the perfect retreat from daily life. In the Terra Triassica Museum an impressive collection of fossils from the Triassic period can be found.

The festival town of Feuchtwangen located on the Romantic Road tourist route is renowned for its Cloister Festival and casino. The market square is widely known as “Franconia’s Festival Hall”.

Every year, the enchanting Luisenburg Festival is held on Germany’s oldest and most beautiful natural stage in the festival town of Wunsiedel. The Katharinenberg Park is the oldest park in Bavaria that was laid out by local citizens.

The German National Museum in Nuremberg is the largest museum of German history, culture and art in the German-speaking world. Here you can embark on a journey through the centuries.

With its seven lakes, the Franconian Lake District is Franconia’s centre for water sports. But it also has many historical and cultural offers ranging from a historic hammer mill to the Wolfram von Eschenbach Museum.

Bayreuth is famed for its music festival and university as well as for being a flourishing centre of culture. Its Festival Opera House has one of the largest stages in the world.

With its seven lakes, the Franconian Lake District is Franconia’s centre for water sports. But it also has many historical and cultural offers ranging from a historic hammer mill to the Wolfram von Eschenbach Museum.

The former mining village of Goldkronach is renowned today for its ties with Alexander von Humboldt. The famous natural scientist who lived for a while in Goldkronach helped mining operations here reach new heights.

A wonderful medieval ambience and delightful timber-frame houses await in Kronach, the birthplace of famous Renaissance artist Lucas Cranach. High above the old town is the Rosenberg Fortress.

The Upper Franconia Region of Delight certainly lives up to its name. With its 200 brewing establishments it has the highest concentration of breweries in the world.

The former mining village of Goldkronach is renowned today for its ties with Alexander von Humboldt. The famous natural scientist who lived for a while in Goldkronach helped mining operations here reach new heights.

Everything revolves around this stunning precious metal in the town of Schwabach. In the town museum, in a traditional goldbeating workshop, many interesting and bizarre facts can be discovered about this rare craft.

The Basilica in Gößweinstein is one of the most important examples of late Baroque architecture in Franconia. It’s a religious masterpiece by the great architect Balthasar Neumann.

Lake Ellertshäuser in Markt Stadtlauringen is a 33-hectare reservoir and Lower Franconia’s largest. Paddle boats, beach volleyball courts and a water adventure playground offer fun for all the family.

The Franconian town of Baunach, famous for its three rivers, is surrounded by wonderful landscapes and lakes in the Hassberge nature reserve. The town was first mentioned in written records in AD 802.

A walk around the Franconian Open-Air Museum in Bad Windsheim is like embarking on a journey through 700 years of history relating to local Franconian life.

The former imperial villages of Gochsheim and Sennfeld are renowned for their Peace Festivals. The festivals in Gochsheim and Sennfeld were awarded Intangible Cultural Heritage status by UNESCO in 2016.

Perched on a sandstone outcrop, the ruins of Hilpoltstein Castle tower over the town of Hilpoltstein and Lake Rothsee. The fortress was once one of the most important imperial castles in Middle Franconia.

The town of Hersbruck in the Pegnitz Valley has its own very special charm. Known as the gateway to the Hersbrucker Alb, the old town with its medieval flair has numerous sights to discover.

God's Garden on the Upper Main river is a showcase of picturesque villages, colourful orchards and rugged rock formations. High above Gottesgarten rises the former Benedictine abbey, Kloster Banz.

The museum in the Egerland Arts Centre in Marktredwitz is one of the finest museums in Upper Franconia. With many unique exhibits telling the history of Egerland, here you will embark on a fascinating journey through time.

Schesslitz presents a unique blend of architectural styles and architecture from different eras. The chapel on the rocky Gügel high above the surrounding forests is a feature of the Bamberg region.

God's Garden on the Upper Main river is an ideal place for exploring the beautiful natural surroundings with its hills, forests and valleys.

Hammelburg is the oldest wine town in Franconia and one of the thirty oldest towns in Germany. The history of the town has always been closely related to wine.

Awaiting you in the Haßberge Nature Park is an almost untouched landscape, colourful mixed woodlands and historic vineyards. It’s no coincidence that the region is known as the “land of castles, palaces and ruins”.

The Collegiate Basilica of St. Vitus and St. Deocar in Herrieden is adorned with outstanding architecture and artistic features. It was promoted to a basilica by Pope Benedict XVI in 2010.

Fantastic scenery and many historic gems await you in the small town of Himmelkron. In the former nunnery, you will find one of Germany’s most beautiful medieval cloisters featuring music-making angels.

The River Aisch stretches from its source near Marktbergel over a good 85 kilometres to Forchheim, where it joins the River Regnitz. With over 7,000 water meadows, it is the largest contiguous stretch of water meadows in Europe.

One of the most famous features in the town of Hof is the imposing town hall with a tower open to visitors. The Bürgerpark Theresienstein, which was well-known to Goethe, is one of the oldest and most beautiful German parks.

Right from a very early point, wine and the wine trade played a key role in Kitzingen, one of the oldest towns in Lower Franconia. In 1482, the oldest German wine law was passed here.

Mystical caves and caverns, giant granite rocks and stony viewing points await you in the Luisenburg Rock Labyrinth. A path will lead you past 25 specific points of interest.

The old Main Bridge, the fourth oldest bridge crossing the Main in Bavaria, is Marktheidenfeld’s major landmark. In the Franck Haus Germany’s first sparkling wine is said to have been created.

The Kreuzberg in the Franconian Rhön region is also called the "Holy Mountain of the Franconians". According to legend, the first pilgrimage took place as early as AD 686.

Greding, the town of 21 towers, lets you embark on a history tour from the Middle Ages to the Baroque. Its prominent landmark is the Roman Basilica of St. Martin, the largest of its kind in the bishopric of Eichstätt.

The German Carnival Museum in Kitzingen is the official museum of the German Carnival Federation. A selection of masks, costumes and cult objects will guide you through the realms of the local carnival tradition.

The Ruffenhofen Roman Park is part of the Roman Limes frontier system, which is inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. The hilltop viewing point offers a wonderful view of the entire site.

The fortress church at Ostheim stands out because of its almost completely preserved infrastructure. It is one of the largest and best preserved fortified churches in Germany.

The town of Herzogenaurach is characterised by its unique blend of history, technology and sport. Due to the Schaeffler Group and sports firms adidas and PUMA, the town is internationally renowned.

With its location in the Altmühl Valley Nature Park and its vicinity to the Franconian Lake District, Thalmässing is the perfect starting point for a variety of excursions.

The garlic region between Nuremberg and Erlangen is one of the largest contiguous vegetable growing areas in Germany. On a tour of one of the farms you can discover more about vegetable growing and the produce.

Set in idyllic surroundings, the Lohengrin Spa in Bayreuth is one of the leading mineral spring spas in Germany. With around 1000 square metres of water space, you will find everything your wellness heart desires.

Lichtenfels is known far beyond Franconia as the German wicker basket city. The "Path of Basket-making Culture" adventure trail leads you on a journey through time into the world of basket-making.

Lohr am Main, with its picturesque setting, is also renowned for being the home town of Snow White. More about the town’s connection with the fairy-tale princess can be discovered in the Spessart Museum.

In the Middle Ages, the market town of Feucht was a centre for beekeeping and honey production. The medieval court building and the town’s three patrician castles can all be found along a pretty footpath.

The romantic town of Marktbreit is renowned for its picturesque old town with its Renaissance town hall, striking Baroque houses and the impressive former noble residence – the Seinsheimscher Schloss.

Neuendettelsau was first mentioned in written records in AD 1298. Through the work of the pastor Wilhelm Löhe, the town underwent a profound change from 1837 onwards.

Mellrichstadt in the Rhön Nature Park is one of the oldest cultural sites in Franconia. The town’s core is surrounded by six suburbs. Each one is a pretty Franconian village with special character.

The market town of Heroldsberg is renowned for its four castles and a vibrant cultural history. The names of the four former patrician castles are said to relate to the original colours of the castles’ shutters.

Buttenheim in the Pegnitz Valley is nestled between foot and cycle paths at the gateway to the Franconian Switzerland uplands. Levi Strauss, the jeans’ pioneer, came from here.

In the heart of the tourist region of Churfranken is Miltenberg, one of the prettiest medieval towns in Germany. It’s also referred to as the ‘Franconian pearl on the River Main’.

The Rivers Main and Regnitz are at the heart of Franconia’s river paradise – an area of European natural heritage. The Mainaue leisure area close to Kulmbach, known locally as the Kieswäsch, is a real gem.

Münchberg is one of the oldest towns in the Hof area. The Historic Münchberg Way features 44 stations and will lead you past historic buildings and squares.

The historic town of Merkendorf renowned for cabbage farming lies at the gateway to the Franconian Lake District. The ‘cabbage fountain’ in the square in front of the town hall is a reminder of this old tradition.

The Sömmersdorf passion play, or Easter pageant, can look back on a long tradition, as the first passion play was performed here as early as 1933.

Since 1917, the town has been named after Wolfram von Eschenbach, the famous minstrel and poet who was born and buried here. The Liebfrauenmünster church is one of the oldest wide-aisle Gothic churches in southern Germany.

The state-recognised resort of Oberelsbach at the foot of the Lange Rhön and nestled in the Elsbach Valley is a paradise for hikers and cyclists.

The German Aviation Pioneer Museum in Leutershausen commemorates the aviation pioneer Gustav Weißkopf. The museum is housed in the historic setting of the former Bavarian district court.

The Knights' Chapel in Hassfurt is one of the oldest pilgrimage churches in the diocese of Würzburg dedicated to the Virgin Mary and one of the most important Gothic sacral spaces in the diocese.

The Fichtel Mountains Nature Park is an enchanting, highly romantic landscape of rocky terrain and sprawling forests. The Schneeberg and the Ochsenkopf are the two highest mountains in Franconia.

As one of the sunniest parts of southern Germany, the Frankenhöhe Nature Park offers a variety of landscapes. Woodlands, rolling hills, rough grasslands and numerous orchards characterise the scenery.

The medieval old town of Münnerstadt enchants visitors with its backdrop of timber-frame houses, magnificent churches and noble townhouses.

More than half of the mystical Franconian Forest Nature Park is covered by vast woodlands. A triad of tree-covered slopes, romantic meadow valleys and cleared uplands characterise the region.

The Obermain Spa in Bad Staffelstein has Bavaria’s hottest and strongest thermal salt water. With a water area of almost 3000 square metres, it’s the perfect place to pamper your mind, body and soul.

The Bavarian town of dolls, Neustadt bei Coburg, has a long tradition in the manufacture of dolls and toys. The International Doll Festival is the largest festival of its kind in the world.

Ornbau, the small town on Europe’s Continental Divide, is one of the smallest towns in Bavaria. The historic town wall with its 15th-century Diebsturm tower is almost completely intact.

The Hirschwald Nature Park is home to a wide variety of rare plants and animals thanks to its Mediterranean-like climate. Germany’s last roosting site of greater horseshoe bats is here around Hohenburg Castle.

The Ochsenkopf adventure region is at the heart of the Fichtel Mountains and comprises the four holiday resorts of Bischofsgrün, Fichtelberg, Mehlmeisel and Warmensteinach.

Selb, the centre of the German porcelain industry, is home to Europe's largest specialist museum for porcelain – the Porzellanikon. The museum focuses on the production of porcelain, or "white gold".

The town of Pappenheim is idyllically situated in a romantic elbow of the River Altmühl. The impressive castle of the same name towers over the town.

The municipality of Pommersfelden lies in the middle of three beautiful European nature reserves: Franconian Switzerland, Steigerwald and Hassberge.

The cathedral town of Heilsbronn lies in a wooded valley in the Romantic Franconia tourist region on the Way of St. James. By touring the town, you will be tracing the footsteps of the Hohenzollern dynasty.

The history of Randersacker is closely linked to the concept of the river Main and local stone masonry. The stonemasons' guild was once the most important alongside the winegrowers' and fishermen's trades.

The Würzburg Residenz is one of the most significant Baroque palaces in Europe. In 1981, the palace building with its courtyard garden and piazza was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

At the confluence of the rivers White Main and Red Main rises the imposing Hohenzollern fortress of Plassenburg, a symbol of the town of Kulmbach.

The town of Rehau is the only urban planning model town in Bavaria. Its history goes back to a blaze in 1817 in which the whole town was destroyed within a very short time.

In the Nürnberger Land region, you will experience the diversity of Franconia in a very unique way. With four premium-grade footpaths and numerous cycle paths, the region presents itself as a true hiking and cycling paradise.

The small town of Rödental is located north-east of Coburg. Rosenau Castle, an early and significant example of neo-Gothic architecture, lies in the middle of a picturesque landscape garden.

The historic old town of Ochsenfurt, also known as the ‘town of towers’, is encircled by an almost fully intact medieval rampart with town gates and towers.

Thurnau Castle is located in the middle of the historic pottery town of Thurnau in Franconian Switzerland and it is one of the largest and most significant castle complexes in northern Bavaria.

In addition to a wild, romantic landscape garden, southern Germany's largest rhododendron park awaits you in Dennenlohe Castle Park, which is recognised as a botanical garden due to its plant diversity.

Schweinfurt, often called the ‘City of Industry and Art’, has been fashioned by industry like hardly any other town in Germany. The Industry Museum is home to a wide range of technical devices.

With over 250 animals, Tambach Castle wildlife sanctuary is the largest in northern Bavaria. Enjoy a stroll through the magnificent English castle park with its ancient trees, streams and ponds.

Thanks to such brands as Hutschenreuther and Rosenthal, Selb has become known as the porcelain town. In the Porzellanikon, you can delve deeper into the world of "white gold".

Mespelbrunn with its famous moated castle is known as the "Pearl of the Spessart". Due to its hidden location, the castle has survived all wars unscathed and is still preserved in its original form today.

Rothenburg ob der Tauber embodies the unadulterated Middle Ages with its historic old town, unique location above the Tauber Valley and half-timbered romanticism.

Röthenbach on the Pegnitz is located between the Pegnitz valley and Moritzberg. The Conradty workers' housing estate from the economic boom period called the Gründerzeit is an important monument to Franconian industrial history.

In Ratibor Castle in Roth, a former margrave hunting lodge, you can experience a tour of the living quarters of the von Stieber industrialist family, who once lived here.

Schillingsfürst Castle, a feature of the town of the same name, is situated high up on a mountain spur of the Franconian Heights, visible from afar.

Callenberg Castle is a gem of neo-Gothic architecture. Formerly the ducal residence, it is still in the care of the ducal family of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha. The jewel in the crown is the romantic 400-year-old castle chapel.

Johannisburg Castle, a well-known feature of the city of Aschaffenburg, was once the second residence of the Prince Electors and archbishops of Mainz.

The history of the town of Stein is closely linked to the Faber-Castell family business. The castle of the well-known pencil manufacturer offers an enchanting medieval-looking exterior façade.

Seehof castle was built as the summer residence of the Bamberg bishop princes. Here you can visit the "White Hall" with the virtuoso ceiling painting by Giuseppe Appiani.

The Spalt hop country is the oldest hop-growing region in the world and was awarded the first German hop seal in 1538. A number of circular routes take you past hop fields and villages through the charming Spalt hills.

The medieval town of Sesslach awaits you with one of the most beautiful and significant town centres in Germany. The historic old quarter is surrounded by a completely preserved city wall.

Build in the 10th century, the Basilica is the oldest church in Aschaffenburg. All additional building phases took place in the early Gothic period, thus giving the building a unique architectural character.

Even from a distance, the Staffelberg greets you with its distinctive rocky crest. The "Mountain of the Franks" exerts a special, almost mystical fascination.

The Steigerwald region offers unique diversity in terms of landscapes, culture and cuisine. In addition to sunny vineyards, ancient forests and over 1,000 ponds, you will find Germany's oldest beech trees in the nature reserve.

The 2.5-million-year-old Devil’s Cave in Pottenstein is like a subterranean parallel world. One of the highlights on the 45-minute guided tour is the so-called ‘Bear Cave’.

Located in the Franconian Switzerland region, the Obernsees Spa or Therme Obernsees follows the ancient Roman belief of ‘health through water’. A wonderful sense of wellbeing is guaranteed from the complex’s mineral-rich water.

Romantic Franconia is the largest holiday region in Franconia and combines two holiday landscapes, the Frankenhöhe nature reserve and the area along the Romantic Road.

Romantic Prichsenstadt is one of the smallest towns in Bavaria. The narrow alleys, half-timbered houses and city walls in this, the almost completely preserved old quarter are reminiscent of the Middle Ages.

Since 1989, sports enthusiasts from around the world have descended annually on the Triathlon Region of Rothsee in the Franconian Lake District. During June’s Memmert Rothsee Triathlon, records are set.

From the KissSalis Spa to the oldest casino in Bavaria – Bad Kissingen with its Staatsbad or ’State Spa’ distinction is infused with a very special kind of magic.

The Schmerlenbach Pilgrimage Church bears testament to a long, spiritual history. Following restauration work, the site has been the home to an education and retreat centre since 1982.

Schönwald on the Porcelain Route combines the production of fine porcelain with the natural surroundings of the Fichtel mountain range. Porcelain has left its mark on the town since 1879.

The Upper Main Jura tourism region also goes by the name of “God’s Garden” due to its breathtaking natural scenery. Rolling hills, forests and vast river wetlands characterise the region.

With its picturesque half-timbered houses, old cobbled streets and historic salt market, romantic Königsberg in Bavaria is a gem straight out of a picture book.

The "Steigerwald Centre – experience sustainability" is located on the edge of the forest in Handthal. At the interactive hands-on stations, you can learn interesting facts about the Steigerwald.

A visit to the Museum of Comics and Linguistic Art in Schwarzenbach an der Saale will take you back to your childhood. Children even get the chance to dive into Scrooge McDuck’s money bin.

In the Franconian margrave town of Uffenheim im Steigerwald, the historic gate towers and the intact town wall have many a historic tale to tell. The town was first mentioned in documents in the year 1103.

The Tennenlohe Forest Adventure Centre in Erlangen takes you on an adventure with nature. The objective of the centre is to provide all sections of the community with clear information on forest habitats.

Sat majestically atop a dolomite crag is the impressive Coburg Castle or Veste Coburg. The triple ring of defensive walls forms part of one of the largest castle complexes in Germany.

Weißenstadt is renowned for its historical ties with rye cultivation, a farming activity that is deeply embedded in many places in the region.

The Parish and Pilgrim Church of Hessenthal in the village of Mespelbrunn is nestled in the romantic Elsava Valley. The church’s special charm comes from its various extensions built during different epochs of history.

Ebrach Abbey was founded in 1127 as the first Cistercian monastery on the right bank of the Rhine and is one of the order’s most important Gothic buildings in Germany.

The Main loop at Volkach is the only place along the river’s course featuring a bow-shaped meander. At the top of the bow is the wine town of Volkach.

Built from 1836 onwards, the Ludwig Canal connected the River Danube at Kelheim with the River Main at Bamberg until the middle of the 20th century. The 173-kilometre-long transportation route strengthened Bavaria‘s economic development.

Bamberg enjoys international fame thanks to the Bamberg Symphony. The orchestra has acted as a worldwide cultural ambassador for Bavaria since 1946.

The zoological garden in Hof lies in a delightful location on the edge of the town park. Besides the numerous native and exotic animals the complex offers a wealth of clear information on natural history.

In the Hundshaupten Wildlife Park, you will encounter native and exotic wild animals and pets in wonderful natural surrounds. Besides the feeding and bird of prey shows, a further attraction is the adventure playground.

Mitwitz Castle in the market town of the same name in the Franconian Forest region is nestled in wonderful green parkland and is surrounded by an idyllic moat that reaches right up to the mighty castle walls.

The witch tower in Zeil am Main tells of times of persecution in the town when local community witch hunts were rife.

For more than 40 years, the annual Franconian Festival has taken place on an open-air stage in the historic courtyard of Brattenstein Castle.

The ThermeNatur Spa in Bad Rodach offers relaxation at its very best. Its highly impressive and spacious thermal water bathing complex has a water area covering more than 1000 square metres.

The old border tower in Eisfeld provides an insight into what life was like on the former inner-German border between 1949 and 1990. A model of the former border sections can be viewed on the top floor of the tower.

Built from 1836 onwards, the Ludwig Canal connected the River Danube at Kelheim with the River Main at Bamberg until the middle of the 20th century. The 173-kilometre-long transportation route strengthened Bavaria‘s economic development.

The Marienweiher Pilgrimage Church occupies an idyllic hilltop location in the Franconian Forest.

The city of Nuremberg’s major landmark is the Kaiserburg – one of the most important imperial castles in the Holy Roman Empire during the Middle Ages.

With its rugged sandstone outcrops and centuries-old trees, Nuremberg Zoo or Tiergarten Nürnberg is one of the prettiest zoological gardens in Germany.

The village of Volkersberg lies at the heart of the UNESCO Rhön Biosphere Reserve and is renowned for its pilgrimage church and former Franciscan monastery.

In the Upper Franconian Farm Museum in Kleinlosnitz you will venture on a unique journey through the cultural history of farming. The building at the heart of the museum is a farmhouse from the late 18th century.

Schloss Aschach in Bad Bocklet, housing three museums, is one of the most beautiful architectural monuments in the Rhön region.

The border crossing on the A9, at the end of the transit route between the districts of Rudolphstein and Hirschberg, was one of the few border crossings on the former inner-German border that motor vehicles could use.

The German-German Open-Air Museum, which also features a place of remembrance and commemoration, encompasses cross-border facilities from the former inner-German border.

The enchanting region of Spessart-Main boasts dark forests and wildly romantic streams in the Spessart nature reserve as well as charming riverside landscapes along the Franconian stretch of the Main river.

In the late Middle Ages, the impressive Cadolzburg Castle near Nuremberg was the seat of the House of Hohenzollern.

From the KissSalis thermal spa to the oldest casino in Bavaria - the Bavarian State Spa Bad Kissingen is surrounded by a very special magic. The spa town has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since July 2021.

It is thanks to its healing water that Bad Windsheim is a spa resort.

Dating back more than 1,000 years, the little town of Leutershausen in the heart of the Frankenhöhe nature park boasts a typically Franconian half-timbered old town.

The Steigerwald Nature Park offers a unique variety of scenic, cultural and culinary delights. In addition to sunny vineyards, ancient forests and over 1,000 ponds, you will find Germany's oldest beech trees in the nature park.

Mainberg sits in an idyllic spot on the Main surrounded by Franconian vineyards.

The relaxation resort of Markt Ebensfeld with its pretty half-timbered old town lies in the middle of the Upper Main Valley.