Franconia

Travel Guide

Bamberg showing street scenes, heritage architecture and a city
Bamberg which includes a bridge and street scenes
Franconia
Bamberg featuring a city and a river or creek
Bamberg showing a bridge, a small town or village and a river or creek
Journey along the Romantic Road in this region to see vineyard-checkered hills, fairytale-like castles, ancient forests and cities bursting with history and culture.

With a rich cultural heritage of beer brewing, hearty gastronomy and folk tradition, it’s no wonder Franconia has helped to shape the perception of Germany worldwide. Medieval identity is evident in the region’s landscape, with historic townships hemmed in by ancient city walls and magical forests. Explore Franconia’s exciting cities, where modern metropolises have emerged from the cobbled streets of the Altstadt (Old Town). Hike through dramatic uplands, relax by pristine lakes and see breathtaking performances of opera and classical music.

Lower Franconia, to the region’s north, is presided over by the wine-loving city of WürzburgOpens in a new window. Visit the city’s 8th-century church and World Heritage-Listed palace, the Würzburg ResidenceOpens in a new window. Go on a wine-tasting tour of the surrounding area, known as Franconian Wineland, and hike or bike through the vineyard-clad hills.

The region’s largest city, NurembergOpens in a new window, is situated in Middle Franconia. Stroll through the city’s historic Old Town and visit the commanding hilltop Nuremberg CastleOpens in a new window. Nuremberg was a significant hub during Germany’s Nazi reign and today contains plenty of interesting museums and historical landmarks about this time. You can also find out about German toy-making traditions and the famous national railway in this city.

Heading south, you’ll pass though Franconian Switzerland, so-named for its dramatic natural beauty. This region of limestone uplands carved by pristine waterways is perfect for exploring on a kayaking, hiking or rock-climbing trip. It’s also home to some of Franconia’s most notable breweries. Check out Pottenstein, Aufsess and Bayreuth to sample some delicious local beers. Bayreuth is an important stopover for opera fans, who can attend the annual Wagner Festival or see a performance at the Margravial Opera House.

Continue your journey on to Coburg, where you can pick up one of the town’s acclaimed sausages freshly grilled over a pinecone fire in the local marketplace. Nearby BambergOpens in a new window, known as a beer drinker’s Eden, has a pretty riverbank neighborhood known as Little Venice.

Reach Franconia by flying into its major airport in Nuremberg or making use of the country’s convenient railway network. The Romantic Road is a popular tourist route that connects the north and south of the region. Visit in summer to enjoy the region’s beautiful parklands or experience the magic of the traditional Christmas markets in winter.

Where to stay in Franconia

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Nuremberg Old Town

4.5/5(58 area reviews)

Historical sites, museums and shopping highlight some notable features of Nuremberg Old Town. Make a stop by Main Market Square or Frauenkirche while you're visiting, and jump aboard the metro at Lawrence Church U-Bahn or White Tower U-Bahn to get around town.

Nuremberg Old Town
Wuerzburg Cathedral which includes heritage elements and a city

Würzburg City Centre

4.5/5(13 area reviews)

Würzburg City Centre is noteworthy for its historical sites, and you can make a stop at top attractions like Würzburg Cathedral and Neumünster.

Würzburg City Centre
Nuremberg featuring heritage elements

Mitte

4/5(87 area reviews)

Noted for its historical sites and museums, there's plenty to explore in Mitte. Top attractions like Old City Hall and St. Sebaldus Church are major draws, and you can hop on the metro at Lawrence Church U-Bahn or Woehrder Wiese U-Bahn to see more of the city.

Mitte
Nuremberg featuring heritage elements, a bridge and a river or creek

Altstadt - Sankt Lorenz

If you're spending time in Altstadt - Sankt Lorenz, check out sights like City Point Nuremberg or German National Museum and hop on the metro to see more of the city at White Tower U-Bahn or Lawrence Church U-Bahn.

Altstadt - Sankt Lorenz
Wuerzburg Residence featuring flowers, a garden and heritage architecture

Altstadt Würzburg

Altstadt Würzburg is noteworthy for its restaurants, and you can make a stop at top attractions like Staatlicher Hofkeller Würzburg and Würzburg Residence.

Altstadt Würzburg
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Südstadt

Get to know Südstadt and its many features like its coffee shops and live music. You might want to explore sights like Meistersinger Hall and Zeppelin and March Fields, and you can jump on the metro at Maffeiplatz U-Bahn or Aufsessplatz U-Bahn to get around the city.

Südstadt
Scandic Nürnberg Central
Scandic Nürnberg Central
Frauentorgraben 11, Nuremberg, BY
The price is €80 per night from 2 Mar to 3 Mar
€80
includes taxes & fees
2 Mar - 3 Mar
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Nuremberg. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a fitness center. Our guests praise the helpful staff in ...
9/10 Wonderful! (325 reviews)
"Enjoy staying in this place. The room was great for my family we were happily surprise on how much space we had. Great location! Walking distance from the Christmas market and a lot of nice little shops. The kids were happy to use the nice and clean pool. Breakfast was great, the little make your ..."

Reviewed on 3 Feb 2025

Scandic Nürnberg Central
NOVINA HOTEL Südwestpark Nürnberg
NOVINA HOTEL Südwestpark Nürnberg
4 out of 5
Suedwestpark 5, Nuremberg, BY
The price is €77 per night from 23 Feb to 24 Feb
€77
includes taxes & fees
23 Feb - 24 Feb
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Nuremberg. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (850 reviews)
"Sehr sauberes, ruhiges und freundliche Hotel"

Reviewed on 26 Jan 2025

NOVINA HOTEL Südwestpark Nürnberg
GHOTEL hotel & living Würzburg
GHOTEL hotel & living Würzburg
Schweinfurter Straße 3, Würzburg, BY
The price is €89 per night from 23 Feb to 24 Feb
€89
includes taxes & fees
23 Feb - 24 Feb
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Würzburg. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and parking (surcharge). Popular attractions St. Johannis and ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (998 reviews)
"A tall modern hotel near the train station - it is one stop more or less on a tram from the train station, and close enough to walk unless you have oppressive amounts of baggage. Nice breakfast, but not much in the way of dining around that I saw. There was a Lidl across the street where you can ..."

Reviewed on 24 Jan 2025

GHOTEL hotel & living Würzburg
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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