Road trip Bavaria & Franconia - Germany: hidden gems, Unesco sites & vineyards
- Authentic Chica
- Sep 6
- 12 min read
Updated: Sep 9
I just came back from another road trip to the Franconia region of Bavaria in Southern Germany.
This unique historic area in northern Bavaria has cities like Nuremberg, Erlangen and Bamberg, which I already got to explore on previous trips and it turned out that there is still much more to discover!
This region is one of my favourites in Germany, because it's so pure, friendly and picturesque.
Also known for its distinct cultural identity as Franconians speak Fränkisch and maintain unique traditions.
It excels in wine production, with Silvaner and Bocksbeutel bottles, and also has the world’s highest brewery density, famous for its rot- and rauchbier.
I really like the quaint atmosphere and cute towns here, with UNESCO sites like Würzburg’s Residenz highlighting its medieval and baroque heritage.
And although I had been there 3 times already, I discovered quite some new hidden gems again, which I'm happy to share with you in this blog.
Come with me on an unforgettable road trip from the Netherlands to the heart of Bavaria and Franconia, with an abundance of history, charm and stunning landscapes. While I revisited 2 of my favourite towns, I also discovered new ones during this trip.
2 of the region’s most enchanting cities: Aschaffenburg, located in the Spessart-Mainland area and Würzburg, located in the Franconian Wine Country. Both are smaller towns with a unique combination of quaint beauty and rich heritage.
In this guide I will take you on a scenic route, with many sightseeing tips, fun facts and historic details for these unique Franconian destinations, incl.a custom map for you to follow if you decide to visit too.
Road trip Bavaria & Franconia - Germany
Find my full route with all my travel, hotel, restaurant and museum tips for these lesser-known cities in this custom Google map for your convenience:
Starting point: The Hague, Netherlands
Destinations: Aschaffenburg and Würzburg, Germany
Total distance: Approximately 600 km (one way)
Driving time: About 6-7 hours to Aschaffenburg, plus 1 hour to Würzburg
Recommended duration: 5-7 days for a leisurely trip.
Route overview
1. The Hague to Aschaffenburg (approx. 513 km, 6-7 hours)
Depart from The Hague and head southeast via the A15 and A3 through Germany’s Rhine region. Consider a brief stop in Cologne to admire the iconic Cologne Cathedral, if time allows.
Cross into Germany and follow the A3 toward Frankfurt, passing through the scenic Rhine Valley to arrive in Aschaffenburg.
2. Aschaffenburg to Würzburg (approx. 90 km, 1 hour)
From Aschaffenburg, take the A3 east to Würzburg, the heart of Franconia’s wine country. This short drive will give you enough time to explore both cities.
Pro tip: For a scenic detour you can also drive along the Main River, which connects these 2 cities, to enjoy picturesque villages like Miltenberg or Wertheim.
Stop 1: Aschaffenburg - The gateway to Franconia
Located along the Main River, Aschaffenburg is a true hidden gem in Lower Franconia with a vibrant cultural and art scene. Often called the 'Bavarian Nice' due to its Mediterranean flair and mild climate, as this is the warmest part of the region.
Aschaffenburg belonged to the Archbishopric of Mainz for over 800 years, with unique Renaissance architecture like Johannisburg Castle.
Fun facts about Aschaffenburg
Bavarian or Franconian? Aschaffenburg sits in Lower Franconia, a region with a distinct identity within Bavaria. Locals often identify as Franconian first, with a unique dialect and culinary traditions.
Wine & culture: The city is part of the Franconian wine region, famous for its crisp white wines like Silvaner. Look for the 'Bocksbeutel', the region’s signature flat, round wine bottles.
Royal connection: Aschaffenburg was a favorite of Bavarian kings, and Johannisburg Castle was a key residence for the Prince-Bishops, showcasing their wealth and power.
During WWII, Aschaffenburg was a major transport hub and site of a fierce 10-day battle in 1945, highlighting its strategic importance. Unfortunately most of the city was badly ruined during the war, but very well renovated since!
Artistic heritage: Birthplace of painters like Ernst Ludwig Kirchner and Christian Schad, the city has a lively artist community with murals, galleries, art cafés and museums throughout the Old Town.
Sightseeing tips Aschaffenburg
Johannisburg Castle
A striking red sandstone palace that dominates the city’s skyline. Built in the early 17th century (1605–1614) as a residence for the Prince-Bishops, it now houses the State Gallery, the 2nd largest Bavarian State painting collection, an impressive chapel and a museum showcasing the city's history.
As well as the world’s biggest collection of architectural models of antique Roman buildings made of cork. In 1814 Aschaffenburg became part of the Kingdom of Bavaria, and King Ludwig I of Bavaria spent 21 summers of his life in the palace!
Don’t miss the castle gardens for a peaceful stroll along the river.
Entry price: €6 p.p., as a combination ticket with Pompejanum: €9 p.p.
Tip: Visit in the early morning to avoid crowds and capture stunning photos of the castle reflected in the Main River.
Pompejanum
A quirky Roman villa replica commissioned by King Ludwig I in the 19th century, inspired by Pompeii. Explore its colorful frescoes and lush gardens for a taste of ancient Rome in Franconia.
Entry price: €6 p.p.
Tip; combine with a visit to Schloss Johannisburg for reduced rates of: €9 p.p.
Old town (Altstadt), galleries & art
Wander the cobblestone streets lined with half-timbered houses and cozy cafés. Explore cute side streets like Steingasse for charming architecture and a glimpse into the city's artist community, with art cafés, galleries and vibrant murals.
In the scenic Stiftgasse you will find the keramik art gallery of Andrea Müller and her husband, open for visitors with an extensive sculpture garden and different workshop rooms, free to visit.
The creative Cafe Krem, surrounded by impressive murals made by local artists, is also a must if you appreciate art.
Kirchnerhaus
Located in the original home of expressionist painter Ernst Ludwig Kirchner, this restored house museum, just opposite to the train station, documents his early years with exhibitions on his life and work.
It also showcases rotating exhibits of other artists, perfect for a 1-2 hour visit.
Entry price: €7 p.p.
Tip: Every 3 months there is a new exhibit of a hand-picked artist, with small-scale personal collections. When we visited there was a Kirchner-themed modern art expo of the talented Chunqing Huang.
Christian Schad Museum
Dedicated to the works of local painter Christian Schad, known for his modern art and unique portraits during the interwar period.
This museum links his life, historical events and contemporary artworks.
Entry price: €5 p.p. and in combination with other city museums: €7 p.p.
Tip: Ideal for modern art enthusiasts!
Nicest churches
Don't miss the Stiftsbasilika St. Peter und Alexander, the town's oldest church established in the 10th century featuring Romanesque and Gothic elements.
Other nice churches here are the Church of Our Lady (Muttergottespfarrkirche), the oldest parish church with medieval roots. And the Jesuit Church, now an art hall with exhibitions worth visiting.
Schönbusch Park
Enjoy a nature escape in this 18th century English-style park, just a 10-minute drive from the city center.
Here you will find a lovely restaurant with big outdoor terrace, a biergarten, a small palace (only open on the outside at the moment), a big lake, and many scenic walking trails.
The perfect place for a picnic or a romantic boat ride.
Tip: Rent a rowboat for €5/hour to explore the lake and spot local wildlife.
Park Schöntal in the city center is also nice and should be stunning in spring when the blossom trees are in full bloom.
Restaurant tips
For lunch or dinner, head to S-Salon for quaint bistro food like tomato soup and pancakes in a cozy setting in the city center.
A must try in Aschaffenburg is the Brizza, a unique mix between a pizza and a traditional German brezel (pretzel), invented by the owners of Wurstbendel Wirtshaus, a gemütlich spot open daily with Bavarian specialties.
For traditional Franconian food, Der Biersepp is the place to be. A traditional restaurant with a biergarten and lovely outdoor terrace right next to the Muttergottespfarrkirche. They serve hearty dishes like Jägerschnitzel with local Schlappeseppel beer and a delicious apfelstrüdel.
Where to stay
For an affordable and convenient option I can recommended to stay at Dormero Hotel . It offers modern rooms with a stocked complimentary mini bar at arrival, private parking upon reservation, a great breakfast and cozy atmosphere. From here it's just a 10-minute walk to the historic city center.
But you can also find other options for Aschaffenburg hotels here.
Stop 2: Würzburg - The heart of Franconian wine country
Just an hour’s drive from Aschaffenburg, Würzburg is a vibrant city known for its baroque architecture, world-class wine, and UNESCO-listed landmarks. Located in the Franconian wine region, it’s a must-visit for its unique mix of history, many churches and scenic beauty along the Main River.
Founded around 1000 BC, Würzburg became a bishopric in 742 AD and was 90% destroyed in a 1945 air raid, but also meticulously rebuilt.
Fun facts about Würzburg
Wine capital: Würzburg is the epicenter of Franconian wine production, with vineyards dating back over 1,200 years. The city hosts not just 1, but 5 major wine festivals throughout the year: Weindorf in May/June, Hofgarten Weinfest in June/July, Wein am Stein in July, Weinparade Aug/Sep and Nacht der offenen Winekeller in November, making it a top destination for wine lovers.
Baroque brilliance: The Würzburg Residence was commissioned by Prince-Bishop Johann Philipp Franz in the 18th century, considered one of Europe’s finest baroque palaces.
Historical resilience: Despite heavy bombing in WWII, Würzburg rebuilt its historic landmarks, preserving its medieval and baroque charm.
Scientific legacy: Wilhelm Conrad Röntgen discovered X-rays in Würzburg in 1895, earning the first Nobel Prize in Physics.
Celtic roots: Founded by Celts around 1000 BC, Würzburg's strategic location at trade routes has made it a cultural hub for millennia.
Sightseeing tips Würzburg
The Residence (Residenz)
This UNESCO World Heritage Site is a baroque masterpiece, with the world’s largest ceiling fresco by renowned Venetian painter Tiepolo. This must-visit site will surely take your breath away with its abundance of opulent rooms, incredible ceilings and unique history.
The shell of the palace was built from 1720 to 1744 and the interior was completed in 1780, commissioned by Prince-Bishop Johann Philipp Franz.
Outside you can stroll through the Court Gardens and visit the Court Church, which are both free to visit!
The gardens consist of an extensive Italian garden of different levels, an English landscaped garden and French garden on the frontside, resembling the ones of Versailles.
Entry price: for just €10 p.p. you can explore all of this 18th century royal building!
Tip: Book a guided tour for deeper insights into the palace’s history, like we did, which made our visit truly impressive. Visit around noon or later in the afternoon to avoid the cruise tourists and tour groups.
Marienberg Fortress
Located on a hill overlooking the city, this Fortress offers panoramic views of Würzburg’s vineyards and red rooftops.
The Mainfranken Museum inside the castle walls showcases Franconian art and history. Unfortunately the inside of the Fortress was closed for renovation when we visited in August 2025. But you can walk the grounds, enjoy the views and the museum is worth visiting for history enthusiasts.
Entry price: Fortress free, Mainfranken Museum €4 p.p.
Tip: The castle grounds and viewpoint outside are free to visit, however the parking is paid.
Old Main Bridge (Alte Mainbrücke)
This 15th century bridge, lined by 12 notable 18th century baroque statues, connects the Old Town to the Fortress. The perfect spot for photos and a glass of local wine at sunset.
Tip: For a sundowner go to the Stadtstrand (city beach) to relax with urban beach vibes and cocktails by the Main. Or visit Mainwein Weinbistro an der Alten Brücke for Franconian wines with views of the Fortress.
Pro tip: to enjoy local wines affordably you can also buy the Würzburg Wine Pass at the tourist office. A voucher for 3 glasses of wine (0,1 l each) which can be spent at several vinotheques and restaurants, like Mainwein Weinbistro.
Churches of Würzburg
Würzburg is celebrated for its baroque architecture and has a rich religious history with many notable churches like the Würzburg Cathedral, Neumünster and Käppele with deep historical roots.
The city likely has no less than 20-30 significant churches and chapels. Würzburg Cathedral (Dom St. Kilian) is a Romanesque masterpiece dating back to the 8th century, rebuilt after WWII, with intricate carvings and the tombs of bishops.
The Neumünster with its baroque facade and Marienkapelle overlooking the market square is also worth a visit.
Tip: Entry to most churches is free and you can visit during services for a truly authentic experience.
Juliusspital Weingut
Join a guided cellar tour and wine tasting at this historic winery, founded in 1576, known for its charitable hospital ties. The hospital is still operational with its impressive wine cellars accessible under the building.
With 180 hectares of vineyards outside the city, the Juliusspital Foundation is the 2nd largest wine estate of Germany.
Behind the historic hospital you will find Juliusspital Weingut where you can buy local wines and learn all about the production process and history of the cellars and winery.
This was one of my favourite sights in Würzburg.
Price: Tastings around €19 p.p., private group tours €40 p.p. (min. 25 people).
Tip: book a tasting of Silvaner wines in the unique vaulted cellars.
Bimmelbahn Train
For a fun, family-friendly way to see the city without too much walking, hop on the Bimmelbahn for a 40-minute sightseeing tour along several key landmarks.
Price: Tickets are around €8 p.p.
Tip: It’s a great way to orient yourself on arrival.
Terroir F Vineyard Walk
Hike the Stein-Wein-Pfad trail to the Terroir F viewpoint for panoramic vineyard vistas. Then visit Weingut am Stein for tastings of organic wines from the famous Würzburger Stein site.
Price: Walk is free and tastings at Weingut am Stein vary from €10-20.
Tip: The loop trail is about 5 km, and you can combine it with a meal at the winery's restaurant for direct views of the Fortress.
Where to stay
AC Hotel by Marriott is an affordable option with a great breakfast and bar. It's located a bit outside the city center (about a 20-minute walk), with easy parking in the garage next to the hotel.
For a more central and luxurious stay Hotel Rebstock provides an elegant accommodation in a historic building, right in the city center.
And find even more options for Würzburg hotels here.
Restaurant tips
For dinner, try Backöfele for hearty Franconian cuisine like schnitzel and wild boar roast (schäufele) in a rustic, 430-year-old building.
Bürgerspital-Weinstuben serves modern Franconian dishes with top local wines in a traditional ambiance, with big atmospheric courtyard.
Weinhaus Stachel with its stunning courtyard is also a true hidden gem I'd love to try next time!
Itinerary suggestion (5-7 days)
Day 1: Drive from the Netherlands to Aschaffenburg 6-7 hours). Check into Dormero Hotel, enjoy an evening stroll and check out the biergarten along the Main River.
Day 2: Enjoy a morning stroll in Schönbusch Park, go for lunch at S-Salon, explore Johannisburg Castle and the Pompejanum and have dinner at Der Biersepp.
Day 3: Wander Aschaffenburg’s Old Town, visit Kirchnerhaus, Christian Schad Museum, and some churches. Try the brezel pizza at Wurstbendel Wirtshaus and depart for Würzburg in the afternoon (1 hour drive). Upon arrival have dinner at Weinhaus Stachel.
Day 4: Tour the Würzburg Residence and Court Gardens. Go for a wine tasting at Juliusspital and have a sundowner at Mainwein Weinbistro, followed by dinner at Backöfele.
Day 5: Visit Marienberg Fortress, Würzburg Cathedral and hike Terroir F, followed by a winetasting and lunch at Weingut am Stein. Conclude the day with a traditional dinner at Bürgerspital-Weinstuben.
Day 6 (Optional): Explore more of Würzburg or take a day trip to nearby Bamberg, a UNESCO-listed medieval town (1 hour drive).
Day 7: Return to The Hague or extend your trip to other Bavarian gems like Nuremberg, Erlangen or Rothenburg ob der Tauber about which you can read all in these blogs; 3 hidden gems in Bavaria and 9 free things to do in Nuremberg.
Travel Tips
Budget tip: Fill up on gas in the Netherlands or Luxembourg, where fuel is cheaper than in Germany. Public restrooms in Germany often cost €0.70-1.00, so keep some change handy.
Best time to visit: May, June, September or October are perfect to enjoy mild weather and fewer crowds. However for festivals summer is popular, of course more busy, but worth it for the festivities. And of course the charming Christmas markets in winter should not be missed either!
Must-visit festivals: 5 different wine festivals are held in Würzburg throughout the year, celebrating the city's status as a wine region, with local vintners offering tastings, local cuisine, and a festive atmosphere along Würzburg’s streets.
And also in late August Aschaffenburg Stadtfest: A lively city festival with live music, food stalls, and street performances, held across the city center.
In the region, Erlangen is also worth a visit for its renowned Bergkirchweih beer festival around Pentecost, one of the oldest and most renowned beer festivals in the world, dating back to 1755. It’s 55 years older than Munich’s Oktoberfest and attracts around one million visitors annually.
In November-December the historic Christmas Markets here are also worth a visit, with the iconic Nuremberg’s Christkindlesmarkt being an absolute must. Read all about that in this article; 10 authentic Christmas markets Franconia.
But also Aschaffenburg and Würzburg are renowned for their beautiful Christmas Markets on the picturesque Schlossplatz and other city squares.
This road trip through lower Franconia with the hidden gems Aschaffenburg and Würzburg will make a great mix of quaint charm, rich history, excellent wines and good food, with plenty of photo opportunities. From castles to half-timbered houses, cobblestone streets, vineyards, Unesco sites and baroque splendor, I am sure these cities will enchant you, like they did me.
Find even more inspiration on my Germany page and for a winter trip to this lovely region, with the nicest Christmas markets and neighborhoods, extend your road trip to Erlangen and Nuremberg. Find everything you need for this, including a custom map: Top 25 sightseeing Franconia.
I hope that this route and my travel tips for Aschaffenburg and Würzburg will inspire your own road trip to Bavaria & Franconia in Germany, and can help you explore this quaint region, with its vineyards and many hidden gems, with ease!
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