Wertheim

The historic market square is located in the heart of the old town and is one of Wertheim’s top sights. The square is surrounded by richly decorated and listed half-timbered houses, some of which date back to the 16th century and are beautifully preserved. Market Square no. 6 is home to one of the oldest and probably narrowest houses in Franconia, built around 1520. It’s worth taking a closer look: the imaginative and high-quality façade features the so-called “envious heads”, grimacing heads and animal figures typical of the region, which were supposed to ward off evil from the house so that its inhabitants could sleep peacefully and safely.

Every Wednesday and Saturday morning, the “Green Market” takes place on the market square, a weekly market with regular events and culinary delights from the region.

The town’s most iconic landmark is one of the largest and most beautiful ruins of a stone castle in Germany. Built in the 12th century, the castle is enthroned on a promontory above Wertheim between the valleys of the Main and Tauber rivers. As the seat of the Counts of Wertheim, the castle was continuously expanded and extended until the 17th century. It was partially destroyed by a powder explosion in 1619 and was heavily shelled during the Thirty Years’ War so that today only the ruins of the original Staufer castle complex remain.

The castle complex not only offers a fantastic view over the old town, the confluence of the Main and Tauber rivers and the surrounding vineyards but is now also a venue for many extraordinary events and cultural happenings.

This is the only glass museum in Baden-Württemberg, and houses exhibits ranging from the luxury glass of antiquity to the glass industry in Wertheim, which contributed significantly to the town’s prosperity.

Glassblowing demonstrations can be admired all year round and visitors can blow their own glass ball or Christmas bauble. Experimental play stations convey technology that inspires. During the Advent season, a visit to the Christmas exhibition with its countless richly decorated trees is a highlight in the annual calendar that attracts more and more visitors every year. A visit to the beautiful Christmas market in the old town and the Christmas exhibition – the perfect combination.

The County Museum presents a nationally significant cultural and historical collection from the town and former county of Wertheim on more than 2,200 m² in its adjoining buildings – the “Old Town Hall” and the “House of the Four Crowned Ones”. In addition to numerous folklore sections and permanent exhibitions, works by the North German painter Otto Modersohn (1865-1943) and his third wife Louise Modersohn-Breling are on display, showing views of Wertheim, Würzburg and Franconia. Wertheim, the town on and sometimes in the water – a permanent exhibition is impressively dedicated to the topic of flooding. Flood marks from the past centuries can be found throughout the town.

The 141 steps to the top are worth it! You can expect a magnificent view over the roofs of the historic old town and interesting facts about the building. Built as a watch and guard tower, today it is one of Wertheim’s most striking sights. The “Pointed Tower” (height 36.5 metres) was built in the 13th century and given an octagonal superstructure in the 15th century in an attempt to compensate for the inclination of the base. It also served as a prison for “drunkards” and “quarrelsome women”. Inside, the so-called “fear hole” has been preserved from this period. The original entrance is 10 metres up and could only be reached via a ladder.

The three-aisled Protestant collegiate church of St Mary dates back to the 14th century and probably stands on the foundations of two Romanesque predecessor buildings. Construction of the choir began in 1388, followed by the elevation of the parish church to collegiate church status in 1481. A library was set up on the upper floor of the late Gothic building, for which the scholar Konrad Wellin donated around 63 books in 1448. Today, the collection comprises around 900 medieval manuscripts and early prints, including one of the three surviving so-called “Wertheim Bibles”. On the ground floor of the choir are the tombs of the Wertheim dynasty of Counts. In the course of the Reformation, the collegiate church gradually became a Protestant place of worship from 1522.

The banks of the Tauber in Wertheim invite you to take a stroll and linger. From here you have a good view of various sights in the town, such as the “Spitzer Turm”, Wertheim Castle or the “Weißer Turm”. The former princely court with the “White Tower” of the old city wall is now home to Wertheim Town Hall. The former princely manor emerged from the medieval Bronnbach monastery courtyard. In the 17th/18th century, the building complex was extended as the court residence of the Catholic princely house with an elaborate baroque hall. Until 1781, it served as a court residence for the princely family.

In the spring and summer months, nature and colourful house facades make an ideal photo motif.

The people of Wertheim are sociable and love to celebrate. The highlights of the year include the Dertinger Wine Festival and the “Schöpple” Wine Festival, the Altstadtfest, the Michaelismesse and the wonderful Christmas market in the heart of the old town, which has been expanded in recent years to include a medieval spectacle and a French market. The intricate Christmas lights and the wintry ambience of the picturesque old town attract many visitors year after year.

Wertheim is the centre of the “Route of Delights”, an association of the best and highest quality businesses in the region from Aschaffenburg to Würzburg and from Wertheim to Rothenburg ob der Tauber. The special craftsmanship, creativity, quality in harmony with nature and the specialities of regional products are presented together. The route along the Main and Tauber rivers features some of Germany’s best winegrowers, producers of fine fruit brandies and rum products, fine tobaccos, oils, spices, and baked goods. Sustainably run butchers, top gastronomic establishments and international artists. The Route of Delights also includes breathtaking places to relax in nature and extraordinary sights.

Viticulture has a long tradition in the region around Wertheim. The dry and semi-dry wine varieties grown in the vineyards along the river valleys of the Main and Tauber rivers are predominant. The Franconian wine produced in the region became famous worldwide, not least due to its characteristic bottle shape – the Bocksbeutel.

Numerous vintners in and around Wertheim are happy to open their doors for wine tastings and offer the opportunity to purchase regional wine. In addition to the wineries, you can also purchase regional wine in numerous locations in the whole region. You will also find wine & gourmet tours and other culinary highlights linked to the local wine.