Würzburg cruise port guide
Why go?
Located between Frankfurt and Nuremberg, Würzburg enjoys a scenic location on the banks of the Main river.
Long an important trade route, today the city is the centre of one the country’s most important wine regions, is the start of Germany’s Romantic Road route, and is home to a world-famous UNESCO World Heritage Residence.
Cruise port location
Boats dock on the eastern side of the river, mostly at Ludwigkai immediately south of Ludwigsbrücke or, to a lesser extent, at the Old Port, which lies north of the Congress Centrum Würzburg at Veitshöchheimer Straße.
Getting around
Würzburg is easily manageable on foot and public transport is generally not needed within the old town. Walking distance from the cruise ship mooring to the old town of Würzburg (Old Bridge) is about 10 minutes. For walking-impaired guests, taxis are readily available (00 49 931 19410).
Can I walk to any places of interest?
Most of the Old Town is easily accessible by foot from the port, including a wealth of gorgeous architecture, such as the Rococo Falkenhaus and the Gothic Chapel of St. Mary.
The Residenz and Fortress are a little futher; both take around half an hour from the Old Town.
What can I do with a half a day in destination?
The compact Old Town, dotted with historic architecture, is ideal for a half-day walking tour. Among the many highlights are the rococo Falkenhaus; the Gothic Marienkapelle (Chapel of St. Mary), with its dramatic red and white exterior and sandstone sculptures by Tilman Riemenschneider; and the Kiliansdom, the fourth largest Romanesque cathedral in Germany.
The picturesque statue-lined Alte Mainbrücke (Old Main River bridge), reminiscent of Prague’s romantic Charles Bridge, should also be strolled, especially for the memorable views of the Fortress Marienberg and the city’s famous vineyards.
But be sure to save at least a couple of hours for the city’s main sight, the UNESCO World Heritage Würzburg Residence, a dizzying feast of art and architecture designed by royal architect Balthasar Neumann and featuring breathtaking frescos by Venetian artist Tiepolo and stuccowork by Antonio Bossi.
Active visitors can hire a bike from Ludwig Körner (Bronnbachergasse 3, +49 931 52340) and follow a well-signposted bike path through the Old Town and along the river. For longer rides try the www.mainradweg.com
What can I do with a bit longer?
The hilltop Marienberg Fortress can be reached in around 25 minutes on foot from the Old Bridge, or taxi. Dating from the early 13th century, the complex was almost entirely destroyed during World War II, but has been lovingly restored and now houses the Franconian Museum (Museum für Franken) and has excellent views from its garden.
Eat and drink
Würzburg is synonymous with wine – specifically Franconian wine, such as Würzburger Stein, and is home to some of the largest wineries in Germany (Bürgerspital, Juliusspital, Staatlicher Hofkeller). Traditional Franconian cuisine includes Schweinshaxe (pork knuckle) or Schweinebraten (pork roast), while vegetarians might enjoy Kässpätzle, a local take on macaroni cheese.
Don’t leave without…
Don’t leave without buying a bottle of the local plonk in a special Bocksbeutel bottle. The renowned traditional vineyard estates all have tasting rooms and shops.
Need to know
Safety
The risk of crime in Würzburg is very low and independent exploration is absolutely encouraged. There are no dangerous areas to speak of.
Best time to go
Würzburg is a year-round destination, but weather-wise the best time to go is from April to October.
The Christmas Market, from late November until December 23, is also hugely popular, as is are the city’s wine festivals, which are dotted through the year.
Closures
Shops are closed on Sundays, and museums are closed on Mondays, as is the norm throughout Germany.
