Top Things to do in Franconia
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The 10 Best Things to do Good for a Rainy Day in Franconia, Bavaria
Discover the best top things to do in Franconia, Germany including Weingut Rainer Sauer, Brauhaus Faust, The Residenz, Frauenkirche, Germanisches Nationalmuseum, Festspielhaus, Markgrafliches Opera House, Toy Museum, St. Lorenz Church, St. Sebaldus Church.
Restaurants in Franconia
1. Weingut Rainer Sauer
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 11 reviews
2. Brauhaus Faust
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 44 reviews
3. The Residenz
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,636 reviews
This palace served as the home for Würzburg's powerful prince-bishops during the Enlightenment and is known for its extravagant artistic design and Baroque architecture.
Reviewed By monideepad - Bangalore District, India
We walked ahead and reached the Würzburg Residence with the Courtyard Gardens and the Residence Square. A very strong representation of the 18th-century Baroque palace architecture, the Würzburg Residence has been listed has World Heritage Site since 1981. As soon as we had stepped in through one of the three monumental gates, we realised that we had indeed saved the best for the last... Once within the Courtyard Gardens, we were appalled by its beauty and wonderstruck to see how thoughtfully it had been planned within the fortifications. Known to be one of the finest Baroque Gardens that Germany can boast of, the Courtyard Garden is made up of three sections, South Garden inside the gate, the East Garden, the and the Nursery The part of the Courtyard Garden or ‘Hofgarten’ close to the Residence or ‘Residenz’ comprises the east part. It is grand and in formal Baroque style with the terraces that create an illusion of spaciousness. As we moved further towards the south end, we noticed a transition in its style towards an English garden, with perfectly trimmed sharply conical 18th Century Yew trees, with sculptures at their base, with mini forests and meadows and an orangery at the far back. Monumental sculptures, statues of Greek Gods, figures, vases, urns decorate the park which has cute white benches. I was particularly smitten by the fountain because of the frozen water around. A small branch was lying on top of the frozen water and it was a spectacular sight. The Nursery is like a rough park. I could not help wondering how lush green and colourful the Courtyard Garden would look when in full bloom. The Courtyard Gardens could be visited free of charge, but for visiting the Residence, one has to take a guided tour. The baroque palace, Würzburg Residence, was built in 1720 at the request of Bishop Johann. The palace is made of yellow sandstone and hence emits a golden glow. I am very fond of palace tours as I am invariably intrigued about its interiors. Photographs were not permitted but I brought back memories of this Franconian Versailles which boasts of grand rooms, more than three hundred in number, spread over three wings; the central main, the north and the south wings. I was mesmerised by the ornately elegant golden and marble church ‘Hofkirche’, which was built for the exclusive use of the prince bishop, the grand, wide staircase, the ceiling decorated with frescoes, the alter decorated with paintings of Tiepolo, the chapel and the Imperial Hall; all of which bear the impressions of Baroque, Rococo or Neoclassical architecture and art. It goes without saying that Residence too was very badly damaged during the World War II, but thankfully, it was eventually restored.
4. Frauenkirche
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 928 reviews
Reviewed By 476jael - Long Island, United States
When I visited Frauenkirche last September, I was impressed with the church’s unique and elegant front façade facing the Old Town market square. Its triangle shaped roofline had over a dozen mini-spires symmetrically lined up leading to the tall main tower in the middle, and the center of the front façade had a mechanical clock right above the ceremonial balcony which was used by Holly Roman Emperor Charles IV. I would recommend the visitors to stand at least 80 meters away from the front façade of the church to appreciate the church’s unique and elegant appearance before slowly approaching to the main church entrance On the archway above the entrance were elaborately carved figures related to Christianity and Holy Roman Empire. Once inside the naïve, I saw similarities among the 3 medieval churches (Sebaldukirche, St. Lorenz Kirche, and Frauenkirche). All 3 churches had Gothic style high ceilings, beautiful stained glass windows, and rather austere altar settings. But austerity of the altars of all the 3 churches did not diminish the air of holiness or piety at all. In 1928, inadvertently or deliberatly, Frauenkirche with Holy Roman Empire heritage became the looming backdrop of Hitler’s Nazis Rally in Nuremberg. Interested readers can bring up the archive photo of this rally scene by doing a simple internet search with keywords “Hitler 1928 jpg Nuremberg”. This church with its elegance combined with its historical significance is a must visit landmark of Nuremberg. [P.S. Following the midday bell ringing, the clock’s glockenspiel starts with a procession of the electors around the Holy Roman Emperor. Unfortunately I missed the glockenspiel because of my tight schedule]
5. Germanisches Nationalmuseum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 805 reviews
The Germanisches Nationalmuseum is the largest museum of cultural history in the German-speaking region. Setting nation-wide standards through its scientific and scholarly achievements, it carries the reputation of a dependable reference point in the museum landscape. The museum investigates art and culture in German-speaking areas in an internationally integrated and innovative way, offering educational experiences in dialogue form. Insights and results are situated within their historical contexts. The exhibition captivates visitors by the aura and presence of the original, awakening curiosity in art and culture through the narrative around it.
Reviewed By ElleKaye73 - Chicago, United States
The first globe ever made is here! This well-laid out museum has something for everyone, from bronze age implements to medical weapons, to Durer artwork. We spent about 3 hours here, well worth the visit!
6. Festspielhaus
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 273 reviews
Reviewed By U211HOricharda - Marietta, United States
To be in the auditorium so rich in history is an unparalleled joy for any Wagner lover. The audience sits in a dreamy trance for hours sweltering and never uttering a sound or movement least it bring attention to you. Once when I coughed I was given a backward glance of disapproval. It really surprised me the large amount of formal attire but everyone was very nice in the theatre, attendees and staff. One day when I was there not attending a performance but walking the grounds observed they keep ushers posted at every entrance around the theatre whose job it is stand during each act making sure no one enters the theatre during a performance. They stand in the heat guarding the doors. It's really fascinating all the traditions of the theatre. Looking forward to returning this summer.
7. Markgrafliches Opera House
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 199 reviews
Reviewed By degtravel - Tervuren, Belgium
This theater is just AMAZING. I have never seen anything like it, it is incredibly beautiful and moving. The guide gave a great explanation about who built it, why etc etc. I have visited 241 Unesco World heritage Sites at the time of writing and I think this is the one which blew me away the most. (apart from the Houses from Horta - Art Nouveau in Belgium).. Simply outstanding and a must see for seasoned travelers.
8. Toy Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 839 reviews
Nuremberg has been a city of toys since the Middle Ages. With an abundance of extraordinary exhibits from antiquity to the present, Nuremberg's world famous Toy Museum presents the "world in miniature" in 1,400 square meters of space, featuring dolls, shops, tin figures and tin toys, wooden toys and a large model train set (Track S), as well as more recent toys, such as Lego, Barbie, Playmobil, and Matchbox. The imaginatively designed children's area in the attic is staffed with trained educational personnel. Summer attractions include a large outdoor playground and a museum cafe in the secluded inner courtyard. There are audio guides tailored for adults and children to escort you through the museum, and also a droll photographic treasure hunt.
Reviewed By MattSRob - Potsdam, Germany
A great wee museum full of toys of the past ranging from the likes of wooden toys and dolls right up to Game Boys and He-Man. Kids here were having blast running around looking at all of the old items, and some of the delicate doll houses are definitely impressive. I was pleasently surprised to find that their big model railway was based on the train lines around Omaha, Nebraska, my former home for a few years - brought back some nice memories! Good fun overall.
9. St. Lorenz Church
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,688 reviews
During services and special events St. Lorenz church is closed for sightseeing
Reviewed By 604karenm - Louisiana, United States
Beautiful architecture! Don't miss the sacrament house sculpted by Adam Kraft. The incredible art survived the Reformation because families had donated these priceless items to preserve the memory of their loved ones.
10. St. Sebaldus Church
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 750 reviews
Nuremberg's oldest city parish church was built around 1215 as a three-aisled Late Romanesque pillared basilica with two choirs. As early as 1309 the original side aisles were widened and altered in the Gothic style. Destroyed during World War II like the rest of the city, St. Sebald was reconstructed in 1957 and reconsecrated. The reliquary shrine (ca. 1397) in the tomb cast in bronze by Peter Vischer and his sons (1508-1519) is prominently located in the interior of the church. The bones of Nuremberg patron saint Sebaldus are presumed to rest in the silver embossed “casket”.
Reviewed By Lugano22 - Lausanne, Switzerland
St-Sebald church is located in Albrecht-Dürer-Platz 1, in front of the old city hall. It takes its name from Sebaldus, an 8th-century hermit and missionary and patron saint of Nuremberg. Together with St. Lorenz and the Church of Our Lady one of the three most important churches in Nuremberg. Destroyed during World War II like the rest of the city, St. Sebald was reconstructed in 1957 and reconsecrated. What impress me is the organ, very unique and huge. Very lovely church, recommend to visit.
