Franconia

Travel Guide

Bamberg featuring heritage architecture, street scenes and a city
Bamberg which includes a bridge and street scenes
Franconia
Bamberg which includes a river or creek and a city
Bamberg featuring a small town or village, a river or creek and heritage architecture

Journey along the Romantic Road in this region to see vineyard-checkered hills, fairytale-like castles, ancient forests and cities bursting with history and culture.

With a rich cultural heritage of beer brewing, hearty gastronomy and folk tradition, it’s no wonder Franconia has helped to shape the perception of Germany worldwide. Medieval identity is evident in the region’s landscape, with historic townships hemmed in by ancient city walls and magical forests. Explore Franconia’s exciting cities, where modern metropolises have emerged from the cobbled streets of the Altstadt (Old Town). Hike through dramatic uplands, relax by pristine lakes and see breathtaking performances of opera and classical music.

Lower Franconia, to the region’s north, is presided over by the wine-loving city of WürzburgOpens in a new window. Visit the city’s 8th-century church and World Heritage-Listed palace, the Würzburg ResidenceOpens in a new window. Go on a wine-tasting tour of the surrounding area, known as Franconian Wineland, and hike or bike through the vineyard-clad hills.

The region’s largest city, NurembergOpens in a new window, is situated in Middle Franconia. Stroll through the city’s historic Old Town and visit the commanding hilltop Nuremberg CastleOpens in a new window. Nuremberg was a significant hub during Germany’s Nazi reign and today contains plenty of interesting museums and historical landmarks about this time. You can also find out about German toy-making traditions and the famous national railway in this city.

Heading south, you’ll pass though Franconian Switzerland, so-named for its dramatic natural beauty. This region of limestone uplands carved by pristine waterways is perfect for exploring on a kayaking, hiking or rock-climbing trip. It’s also home to some of Franconia’s most notable breweries. Check out Pottenstein, Aufsess and Bayreuth to sample some delicious local beers. Bayreuth is an important stopover for opera fans, who can attend the annual Wagner Festival or see a performance at the Margravial Opera House.

Continue your journey on to Coburg, where you can pick up one of the town’s acclaimed sausages freshly grilled over a pinecone fire in the local marketplace. Nearby BambergOpens in a new window, known as a beer drinker’s Eden, has a pretty riverbank neighborhood known as Little Venice.

Reach Franconia by flying into its major airport in Nuremberg or making use of the country’s convenient railway network. The Romantic Road is a popular tourist route that connects the north and south of the region. Visit in summer to enjoy the region’s beautiful parklands or experience the magic of the traditional Christmas markets in winter.

Where to stay in Franconia

Heilig Geist Spital featuring heritage elements and a river or creek

Nuremberg Old Town

4.5/5(208 area reviews)

Historic sites, museums, and shopping highlight some notable features of Nuremberg Old Town. Make a stop by Main Market Square or Frauenkirche while you're visiting, and jump aboard the metro at Lawrence Church U-Bahn or White Tower U-Bahn to get around town.

Nuremberg Old Town
Wuerzburg Cathedral which includes heritage elements and a city

Würzburg City Centre

4.5/5(43 area reviews)

Würzburg City Centre is noteworthy for its historic sites, and you can make a stop at top attractions like Würzburg Cathedral and Neumünster.

Würzburg City Centre
Nuremberg showing heritage elements

Mitte

4/5(170 area reviews)

Noted for its historic sites and museums, there's plenty to explore in Mitte. Top attractions like Old City Hall and St. Sebaldus Church are major draws, and you can hop on the metro at Lawrence Church U-Bahn or Woehrder Wiese U-Bahn to see more of the city.

Mitte
Nuremberg which includes a bridge, heritage elements and a river or creek

Altstadt - Sankt Lorenz

While you're in Altstadt - Sankt Lorenz, take in top sights like City Point Nuremberg or German National Museum, and hop on the metro to see more the city at White Tower U-Bahn or Lawrence Church U-Bahn.

Altstadt - Sankt Lorenz
Wuerzburg Residence which includes flowers, heritage architecture and a park

Altstadt Würzburg

Altstadt Würzburg is noteworthy for its restaurants, and you can make a stop at top attractions like Staatlicher Hofkeller Würzburg and Würzburg Residence.

Altstadt Würzburg
Nuremberg showing a sunset and heritage elements

Altstadt - Sankt Sebald

While you're in Altstadt - Sankt Sebald, take in top sights like Frauenkirche and jump on the metro at Rathenauplatz U-Bahn to see more of the city.

Altstadt - Sankt Sebald
Maritim Hotel Würzburg

Maritim Hotel Würzburg

Pleichertorstr. 5, Würzburg, BY
The price is ¥13,866 per night from Sep 7 to Sep 8
¥13,866
¥14,837 total
Sep 7 - Sep 8
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in Würzburg. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 restaurants, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
8/10 Very Good! (1,002 reviews)
"Friendly staff! Very accommodating"

Reviewed on Aug 13, 2025

Maritim Hotel Würzburg
Scandic Nürnberg Central

Scandic Nürnberg Central

Frauentorgraben 11, Nuremberg, BY
The price is ¥14,516 per night from Sep 14 to Sep 15
¥14,516
¥15,532 total
Sep 14 - Sep 15
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this eco-certified hotel in Nuremberg. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a fitness center. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our ...
9/10 Wonderful! (545 reviews)
Great location and stay.
"Great stay and great location."

Reviewed on Aug 5, 2025

Scandic Nürnberg Central
Premier Inn Nürnberg City Opernhaus

Premier Inn Nürnberg City Opernhaus

Frauentorgraben 53, Nuremberg, Bavaria
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is ¥8,901 per night from Sep 14 to Sep 15
¥8,901
¥9,524 total
Sep 14 - Sep 15
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in Nuremberg. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and parking (surcharge). Popular attractions Nuremberg Christmas Market and Playmobil ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (72 reviews)
"Very good hotel"

Reviewed on Aug 8, 2025

Premier Inn Nürnberg City Opernhaus
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Adina Apartment Hotel Nuremberg

Adina Apartment Hotel Nuremberg

4 out of 5
Dr.-Kurt-Schumacher-Str. 1, Nuremberg, BY
Stay at this 4-star eco-certified aparthotel in Nuremberg. Enjoy free WiFi, a rooftop terrace, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,018 reviews)
"Excellent! One of our favorite places to stay at when visiting Nuremberg!"

Reviewed on Aug 13, 2025

Adina Apartment Hotel Nuremberg
Apart Hotel FirstBoarding Bayreuth

Apart Hotel FirstBoarding Bayreuth

Nürnberger Straße 32, Bayreuth, Bayern
Stay at this aparthotel in Bayreuth. Enjoy free WiFi, a rooftop terrace, and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (505 reviews)
"Great place...especially when you would want a small kitchen!"

Reviewed on Jul 31, 2025

Apart Hotel FirstBoarding Bayreuth
Eco Smart Apartments Premium City

Eco Smart Apartments Premium City

Breitscheidstraße 58, Nuremberg, BY
Book a stay at this business-friendly apartment in Nuremberg. Enjoy free WiFi, a fitness center, and parking (surcharge). Popular attractions Nuremberg Christmas ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (97 reviews)
Great alternative to hotel in Nuremberg
"A fairly new and updated property with all the conveniences including digital keys for all doors, fast wifi, good controllable heating, dishwasher, large fridge, rain shower, balcony, laundry room for pay with an app. Bedding for the sofa bed was also available and ready. This apartment faced the ..."

Reviewed on Dec 22, 2024

Eco Smart Apartments Premium City
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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Cities near Franconia