Franconia - Europe's romantic heart

Franconia in the north of Bavaria lies at the heart of Europe, equidistant from the Mediterranean and the North Sea and Baltic coasts. Franconia consists of 15 different holiday regions and natural landscapes. Once at the centre of the Holy Roman Empire, Franconia is now the heartland of German history with three UNESCO World Cultural Heritage sites, romantic towns and architectural highlights from a number of different epochs - from Roman times and the Middle Ages through to the baroque and rococo periods.

Rothenburg ob der Tauber - experience the Middle Ages
You'll need to allow plenty of time for exploring Rothenburg. It has a wealth of attractions and art treasures that will give you an insight into what the town was like in days gone by. Together, the market square and town hall form a remarkable medieval ensemble. Around the town is a defensive wall with battlements and mighty bastions, forming a protective circle around the precious relics of bygone ages. The town gate is an impressive sight to behold with its seven arches, drawbridge and double casemate. Franconia also has a number of other attractions that are popular with international visitors. From Nuremberg to the former royal seats of Ansbach, Bayreuth, Eichstätt and Kulmbach with their palaces and historical parks - a visit to the home of Martin Luther is guaranteed to hold some great moments for history lovers.

From the Fichtelgebirge mountains to the Rhine - the Main Cycle Route
Following the varied stretch of the River Main from Aschaffenburg to Bamberg is a remarkable experience for keen cyclists. The scenery along this route, which is particularly wellsuited to families, is ever-changing with forests and meadows giving way to vineyards. The picturesque small towns off er a wealth of cultural and culinary treasures.

A pearl of a town - Bamberg
Bamberg, a university town with a history going back more than 1,000 years, is home to a remarkable UNESCO World Heritage site: the largest fully intact old quarter in Germany. Other striking attractions include the imposing cathedral and the old town hall built on one end of a bridge. For a more in-depth insight, you can visit the town's 15 museums or some of the many cultural events throughout the year.

Unspoilt countryside - charming holiday regions
Spread across around 30,000 square kilometres, the region is full of contrasting landscapes where you can relax and enjoy various sports: from the unspoilt, densely wooded areas in the Fichtelgebirge mountains, the Franconian Forest and Spessart-Main-Odenwald region, and the sunny vineyards in the Franconian wine country and Steigerwald forest, to the picturesque rock formations in Franconian Switzerland and glittering waters of the Franconian Lakes - Franconia is the place to experience nature at its best.

Musical culture in Franconia
The world-famous Richard Wagner Festival in Bayreuth attracts large numbers of international visitors, while the "BR Music Magic of Franconia" has become a coveted hallmark for top-quality musical events. Explore musical culture in typical Franconian style and enjoy some magical evenings full of classical music and light entertainment.

"Franconia - a land of wine and beauty!"
The Franconian wine-growing region has proven a great source of inspiration for architects down the ages. The Franks are therefore able to celebrate their wine festivals amidst large baroque buildings, centuries-old timber-framed houses and state-of-the-art wine shops in romantic lanes and tranquil squares. Almost every wine-growing village has a set weekend in the year when the local wine-growers come to serve their wines.

Limes UNESCO World Heritage site - scenic routes par excellence
Five wonderful scenic routes run right through the heart of Franconia. One of the main highlights is the Limes Route, which follows the old boundary of the Roman empire for 400 kilometres from the Main to the Danube. You can still visit thermal baths, fortifications, forts and ramparts that date back thousands of years. The Beer and Castle Route which stops off in the famous brewing town of Kulmbach is also well worth a trip.

 

Bocksbeutel, bratwurst and more - Franconia's culinary delights
Renowned for its wine and beer. Franconia has been producing excellent wines for more than 1,200 years. The typical, squat bocksbeutel bottle is the region's hallmark. You'll have plenty of chance to sample the outstanding local beer too at more than 270 traditional Franconian private breweries. The hearty Franconian specialities include bratwurst served in a variety of ways and crispy pork on the bone, rounded off with a tasty fruit schnapps. And, of course, that most Franconian of desserts, apple cake spiced with cinnamon.