Miltenberg cruise port guide
Why go?
Set attractively on a sweeping curve in the River Main and close to the peaks of the Odenwald mountain range, Miltenberg is a former prosperous trading town famed for its small but charming Old Town, wealth of half-timbered houses, and two top-notch museums.
Where do river cruise ships dock?
Miltenberg has two official river cruise ships docks either side of the city’s Mainbrücke bridge. One is located close to the public indoor swimming pool (Hallenfrebad), and the other close to the Jagdhotel Rose.
Where you dock depends on your specific cruise, though neither are used exclusively by one company. Note that some cruise ship companies stop in another town or village and connect passengers to Miltenberg by bus.
Can you walk to any places of interest?
Both docking piers are within 15 minutes on foot from the city centre and there are also bus stops near to both.
Most of the city’s main sights are clustered in the Old Town, and can therefore be reached within 20-30 minutes from the boat.
Getting around
Miltenberg is very easy to get around on foot, with no public transportation offered or required. Visitors can just follow the main pedestrian street (Hauptstrasse) to find most sights – there are over 100 listed half-timbered houses on the street alone, although some places outside the centre will require a little more walking.
What can I do with a half a day in Miltenberg?
Given the town’s diminutive dimensions – 1.5 miles (2.5km) long and 492ft (150m) wide to be exact – it’s easy to explore the main sights in half a day. Indeed, much of its allure – its historic timber houses, which reflect the city’s former wealthy trading post status, as well as atmospheric taverns and wine cellars – can be easily absorbed by walking on and around the main pedestrian street, Hauptstrasse, and its comely side streets. Start off at the Old Market Place, which is locally known as Schnatterloch.
One of the major buildings here is the Gasthaus zum Riesen, known as The Giant, which is not just the oldest inn in town, but in Germany, and has allegedly hosted everyone from Frederick Barbarossa and Louis IV to Martin Luther and Napoleon; beer tastings are available within its traditional interior. There are also two great museums in town.
They include the Castle Mildenburg, which houses Museum Burg Miltenberg, presenting modern art and icons and a good historic overview of Miltenberg. More local history and art, plus information about the half-timbered houses and former Jewish community can be found at the nearby Museum Stadt Miltenberg. Also interesting is the “Schwarzviertel” (Black Quarter), which is the oldest part of town just west of the centre and offers the Faust brewery.
What can I do with a bit longer?
More active passengers can go on a hiking tour or take a bike along the Main river. Hiking tours are also available to the Monastery Engelberg in neighbouring Grossheubach, a 10-minute bus ride from Miltenberg, or a pleasant two-hour trek through the Spessart forest.
Eat and Drink
Miltenberg is known for culinary delights such as Marzipan and “Churfranken Bitter” Schnapps, which can be found at shops on and around the Marktplatz. Canned sausages are also a local tradition, and available at butchers’ shops.
The Giant’s Inn is run by the same family who own the Faust brewery in the Schwarzviertel, and between them offer a great variety of local beers.
Don’t leave Miltenberg without…
The town isn’t so big on local souvenirs, but a bottle of the local wine can be picked up at the St. Kilian Keller in the Schwarzviertel, and beers can also be bought at the Faust brewery shop (also in the Schwarzviertel).
Café Sell near the Marktplatz is also famous for its home-made chocolates. For general souvenirs, try one of two Käthe Wohlfahrt shops.
Need to know
Safety
Miltenberg is very safe and ease to explore independently. There is no particular area that has to be avoided and people are friendly and helpful.
Season
The high season is between April to October (Spring, Summer and Autumn). But Christmas markets also make Miltenberg a lively and charming time to visit during November and December.
Closing
The shops are closed on Sundays and public holidays (except some souvenir shops). And museums are usually closed on Mondays throughout Germany. That said, groups can book guided tours of the museums and workshops for any day of the week.
