Top Things to do in Franconia
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Top 10 Castles in Franconia, Bavaria
Discover the best top things to do in Franconia, Germany including Burgruine Obere Veste, The Residenz, Fortress Marienberg, Schloss Rosenau, Hermitage Castle (Altes Schloss Ermitage), Veste Coburg mit Kunstsammlungen, Kaiserburg Nurnberg, Schloss Johannisburg mit Schlossanlagen, Schloss Ehrenburg, Festung Rosenberg - Deutsches Festungsmuseum.
Restaurants in Franconia
1. Burgruine Obere Veste
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 2 reviews
2. 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.
3. Fortress Marienberg
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,216 reviews
This castle, the city's most prominent symbol since the 12th century, includes a museum, restaurant and formal gardens.
Reviewed By lucianonecar - Berlin, Germany
The opportunity to walk up the hill and experience the views, touch the walls, walk through adorned entrance doors, and see other aspects of the fortress from outside was unique. A must-do for those who come to Würzburg.
4. Schloss Rosenau
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 54 reviews
Owned by the master of the mint of Rosenau from the 15th century up to 1698; as of 1806, expansion as summer residence of the Coburg dukes in an English (neo)Gothic style. Birthplace of Prince Albert, husband of Queen Victoria of Great Britain and Ireland.
5. Hermitage Castle (Altes Schloss Ermitage)
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 304 reviews
Reviewed By cmbreuer2016 - Queensland, Australia
We visited in winter, a lot of the statues and fountains were covered but it was still stunning. I imagine that in a few months the gardens and parklands would be wonderful. It is well worth a visit.
6. Veste Coburg mit Kunstsammlungen
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 416 reviews
The “Fränkische Krone” (Franconian Crown) is one of the largest medieval castle buildings in Germany. Martin Luther lived within its walls in 1530. Today, internationally significant art collections are housed there.
Reviewed By ionam558
This is the largest castle in Germany and really superb. Allow at least two hours for a visit. The route through the rooms is rather confusing but it is all very well done. The highlight is the renaissance art collection - really special. Also really good for glass, armour and cannons. And the exhibition of sledges is amazing! I recommend walking up from the park through the trees to really appreciate the castle on the hill. Nice café just outside the castle - not really a proper one inside.
7. Kaiserburg Nurnberg
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3,653 reviews
Reviewed By 999jimw - Schonaich, Germany
I took the tour of the Imperial Castle of Nuremberg for a price of 8,00 that included the well next door. Had it not been for the well, I would have only given the castle a very good rating, but I found the well to be...overwhelming. This castle, which never served as a castle in the traditional sense, but rather more the US Capitol where Congress conducts government business. Well, in the case today, where Congress gets nothing done. Still, the building is very interesting and was the center of attention for some three hundred years. There is not a lot to see in the main hall except for a quirky parade of the king and his entourage. Luckily, the tour guide had a great sense of humor. What I enjoyed was the story behind the chapel, which adjoins the great hall. This was a double chapel with the commoners worshiping below and the nobles and king on the second floor. The private chambers were also interesting with a look of royal items from the past. Once the tour is complete, make sure you visit the museum and the well, which is slightly down the hill. Yeah, I get it, it is just a well. However, the guide does an outstanding job explaining how it worked and why people learned to drink beer instead of water, thereby saving numerous lives from vermin-infested water. I definitely recommend this tour while in Nuremberg.
8. Schloss Johannisburg mit Schlossanlagen
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 296 reviews
Reviewed By micom2018 - Quedlinburg, Germany
Lovely renaissance palace and small old town, right along the banks of the river Main. There's also a replica Pompeii villa from Roman times.
9. Schloss Ehrenburg
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 110 reviews
It was the city residence of the dukes of Coburg from 1547 to 1918. Splendid chambers, the living rooms of Queen Victoria, the large hall, Gobelin room, red room, throne room, palace chapel, royal living rooms with precious furniture, and numerous portraits portray the impressive family connections of the Coburg dukes.
Reviewed By 3019882 - Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
We went to Schloss Ehrenburg on a Saturday for the 5pm tour. The young tour guide was very knowledgeable and passionate, throwing lots of jokes into the tour. (They were in German, which we don’t understand, but it was still nice). We were offered sheets with English explanations, which were very useful. The palace was beautiful and the history was fantastic, especially as someone particularly interested in Queen Victoria and Prince Albert and Ernst II. The 4 main attractions in Coburg offer ‘combi’ tickets for €13 to enter all, on any days. We visited 2 locations each day with the ticket. The palace is next to a large park where we sunbathed waiting for the tour to start (on the hour). Would recommend this tour for all!
10. Festung Rosenberg - Deutsches Festungsmuseum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 69 reviews
