Aschaffenburg & its sights: Bavarian Nice in Lower Franconia

The northern Bavarian city on the River Main is full of surprises: In addition to its relaxed holiday flair, there are magnificent Renaissance buildings, romantic old town alleyways and a huge clock face on the theatre square.

France or Italy? The main thing is Ascheberch!

With its Mediterranean climate, Aschaffenburg took the heart of Ludwig I of Bavaria by storm. He made the tranquil town in northern Bavaria his summer residence and christened it "Bavarian Nice". His fondness for Italy, especially its architecture, is reflected in the Roman Villa Pompejanum, which Ludwig I had built by the famous architect Friedrich von Gärtner. Just a few hundred metres away, the magnificent Renaissance palace Schloss Johannisburg towers over the River Main. Take the time to explore the red sandstone building - the landmark of "Ascheberch", as the locals affectionately call their home.

Holiday feeling in the garden oasis

Start your day trip at Aschaffenburg railway station: from here, you can reach the Saint-Germain-Terrasse in just under ten minutes. Turn right onto Ludwigstraße. After 100 metres, turn left onto Duccastraße. Then turn left onto Weißenburger Straße. From there, follow Pompejanumstraße slightly to the left, which merges seamlessly into Ziegelbergstraße and leads you directly to the gardens. The Saint-Germain-Terrasse is an extension of the Pompejanum's Mediterranean-style outdoor area: Surrounded by Mediterranean figs and agaves, you can only get a relaxed holiday feeling here. The romantic highlight of the terrace is the fountain with the female figure "Die Sinnende", which invites more than just couples to linger and pause for a moment. Don't miss the picturesque view between the baroque stone sculptures over the Main valley, Johannisburg Castle and the highest rooftops in Aschaffenburg.

A slice of Hesse cuisine in northern Bavaria

Time for a refreshment on the banks of the Main - a real sight in Aschaffenburg: the route now takes you back eastwards along Ziegelbergstraße. Turn slightly right at Pompejanumstraße and follow the path towards Johannisburg Castle. After 600 metres, take the path to the Schloßberg steps to the banks of the Main. At the bottom, you will find yourself next to the black truck of the Mainbiergarten. The mini beer garden right on the Main serves typical Bavarian delicacies such as pretzels and veal sausages as well as Hessian specialities. In addition to the in-house beer "Gude", the menu also includes the "Bembel Äppelwoi" (jug of apple wine). Hesse or Bavaria: the choice is yours! Treat yourself to a little refreshment and enjoy the view of the Main before you set your sights on the next destination in Aschaffenburg.

Winding old town romance and a huge clock

Continue towards the old town: follow Suicardusstraße for around 180 metres until you reach the staircase on the left-hand side. At the top, turn left into the cobbled Schloßgasse. In the winding alleyways on the right and left, there are beautiful half-timbered houses dating from around 1600, charming cafés and quaint inns to discover. On Schloßgasse, you will pass another attraction, the Aschaffenburg Municipal Theatre. It was built in 1811 and is one of the most beautiful classical theatre venues in southern Germany. Directly opposite, you can see the imposing baroque façade of the Church of Our Lady. It was built in 1183 and is the oldest parish church in the city. Take the time to visit and take a look at the elaborate ceiling painting. At the end of Schloßgasse, the path leads you to the left onto Dalbergstraße directly onto the theatre square. If you've always wanted to explore a sundial up close, you've come to the right place at one of the largest sundials in Germany. The entire theatre square is dedicated to this fascinating installation from antiquity. Unusual: during the day, the time is determined by the shadow cast by the hand. At night, the LEDs embedded in the ground on the clock face provide the right light signals.

On the historical trail of Aschaffenburg

History buffs will find what they are looking for in the Abbey Museum. It is part of the building ensemble of the St Peter and Alexander Abbey Basilica with its famous cloister dating from around 1220. The museum displays important collections on archaeology and art from the Middle Ages and the Baroque period.

Rooms, some of which are originally furnished, transport visitors into the world of the former canons. In addition to one of the oldest panel paintings in Germany, the Aschaffenburg panel dating from around 1250, a unique and precious game board from around 1300 is also on display here. If you would like to delve even deeper into the history of Aschaffenburg, you can arrange individual guided tours with the museum team.

Park romance & other sights in Aschaffenburg on the way to the restaurant

Next up is a visit to the Hofgarten restaurant: Follow Dalbergstraße straight ahead and turn slightly right onto Sandgasse. After 300 metres, turn left into Schöntal Park before reaching Würzburger Straße. Take the opportunity for a short walk through the landscaped garden. It is known as the "green lung" of Aschaffenburg and is home to a special architectural feature: old monastery walls surrounded by a small lake.

Immediately after the park entrance, a staircase leads upwards. Walk straight ahead, past the magnolia grove, whose pink and white blossoms are magically beautiful in spring, and you will find the Hofgarten restaurant on the left-hand side. The menu offers Franconian specialities such as Schäufele, Franconian sauerbraten or Ursau chops - but vegetarians will also get their money's worth here. The rustic ambience with the adjoining beer garden has a long tradition and offers the perfect setting for a delicious dinner after an eventful day. With a bit of luck, you might bump into a stage star or two in the restaurant after their performance in the neighbouring Hofgarten cabaret.

Afterwards, start your journey home feeling energised: Turn left along Hofgartenstraße. At the roundabout, turn left into Platanenallee. After 400 metres, you will come to the next roundabout. Continue straight ahead onto Heinsestraße. Cross Bodelschwingstraße and continue straight ahead along Frohsinnstraße. At the next junction, keep left and turn onto Ludwigstraße. Aschaffenburg railway station is on the right-hand side. We hope Aschaffenburg's sights have inspired you!