Guten Tag! My husband and I are heading to Germany this fall. We are starting our trip with 3 days in Wurzburg before heading to Nuremberg and Munich (for a 50th bday at Oktoberfest). We have nothing planned in Wurzburg. I know there is a Residenz there and wineries. Looking for advice on things to do, see, where to eat etc. Should we take a train to another close town during our time there? Rothenburg or Bamberg? - To give and idea of who we are my hubby and I are in our early 40's, active (in very good shape), we live in the city of Chicago and enjoy food and drink and finding off the beaten path type of things (if that helps).

Wurzburg is a beautiful town, we were stationed in a small town about 20 km's away and loved it.

Just above the town is Fortress Marienberg. You can see what's available on the link.
https://www.wuerzburg.de/en/visitors...arienberg.html

When you are facing the fortress, back to the river, there are neat gardens to the right and just behind the castle. The name escapes me, they are extensive and have different areas with various plantings and statues.

Plenty of shopping, if you are interested in that sort of thing.

Rent bikes and go downstream, there are steep hills with vineyards and nice small towns every so many km's.

Train to Rothenburg for the day. It will be crawling with tourists, at it's best after 5pm when most folks have left for the day.
You'll have no problem filling up your days.

We spent time there this past November. In addition to the Residez (don't miss this!) there are several churches to see, including the Kappelle that is on a hill across the river from the main town - this was our favorite. It's a short hike up there. We really enjoyed just walking around the town, up to the fortress and back down through some vineyards.

We ate two nights at the Juliusspital restaurant and had excellent meals there. The Juliusspital also has a wine shop with a tasting room.

Bamberg is definitely a good day trip if you feel you are running out of things to do in Wurzburg. The city is famous for its Rauchbier which has a distinctive smokey flavor. It also has a major Romanesque cathedral and a beautiful old town.

Hi Stephy, I had a friend living near Wurtzburg and I went over every year for 12 yrs. I would definitely take a train or rental car over to Rothenburg. Might consider a night there to see the town after the tourists leave. Great Xmas store there, Kathie Wolfhart, that is great fun.....is it still there? I am pretty sure it is. Also some good Italian restauant, was there a few years back. As I recall we had a good reasonable dinner at the town hall in Wurtzburg, a cellar beer hall. The Residenz is well worth going thru, and esp the little chapel attached with the twisted columns and paintings by Rubens (I think it is). Also the wine cellar in the lower level of the Residenz is fun to sample the wine if a tour is available.

Bamberg is a great town for a day - easy train ride - use the bargain Bavarian Lander Pass for unlimited regional train rides throughout Bavaria (and buses and city transports too)- no need to book in advance but buy at stations day of travel. Applies to Rothenburg too. For lots on German trains check www.bahn.de/en; www.ricksteves.com and BETS-European Rail Experts and www.seat61.com. If doing long-distance trains can book inter-city trains for 29 euros and up at www.bahn.de/en. I loved Wurzburg but with 4 days I'd do a day trip or two but no pre-prep needed to do that so go day to day. Marburg is another very nice city nearby- university town below andnold town with castle high on hill in town center.

Hi, As you go into Rothenburg, probably walking in, there is a little bakery on the left, if still there. They usually have schnee balls in the window, or snow balls, sort of a wad of bakery dough, baked with powdered sugar on them, try one, and other goodies. Sue

You can also take the Romantic Road Bus along the Romantik Road to Rothenburg from Wurzburg and stop at places en route and get commentary too.