Aschaffenburg: Bavarian Nice in Lower Franconia

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

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 architecture, is reflected in the Roman Villa Pompejanum, which Ludwig I had built by the famous architect Friedrich von Gärtner. Only a few hundred metres away, the magnificent Renaissance building Schloss Johannisburg towers over the Main. Take 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 garden complex. The Saint-Germain Terrace is an extension of the Pompejanum's Mediterranean-style outdoor area: Amidst Mediterranean figs and agaves, a relaxed holiday feeling can only arise here. The romantic highlight of the terrace is the fountain with the female figure "Die Sinnende", which invites not only couples to linger and pause. Don't miss the picturesque view between the baroque stone sculptures over the Main valley, Johannisburg Castle and the highest roofs of Aschaffenburg.

A piece of Hesse cuisine in northern Bavaria

Time for refreshment on the banks of the Main - a real sight in Aschaffenburg: the path now takes you back east along Ziegelbergstrasse. At Pompejanumstraße, turn slightly right and follow the path towards Johannisburg Castle. After 600 metres, take the path up to the Schloßberg steps to the bank of the Main. At the bottom you will find yourself next to the black truck of the Main beer garden. The mini beer garden directly on the Main serves typical Bavarian delicacies such as pretzels or Weißwurscht as well as Hessian specialities. For example, in addition to the in-house beer "Gude", the menu also includes "Bembel Äppelwoi" (mug of apple wine). Hesse or Bavaria: the choice is yours! Treat yourself to a snack and enjoy the view of the Main River before setting your sights on the next destination in Aschaffenburg.

Winding old town romance and a giant clock

Continue towards the old town: follow Suicardusstraße for about 180 metres until you reach the staircase on the left. At the top, turn left into the cobbled Schloßgasse. In the winding alleys on the right and left there are beautiful half-timbered houses from around 1600, charming cafés and quaint inns to discover. On Schloßgasse you will pass another sight, the Stadttheater Aschaffenburg. It was built in 1811 and is one of the most beautiful classical theatre venues in southern Germany. Directly opposite you will 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 have a look at the elaborate ceiling painting. At the end of Schloßgasse, the path leads you further left onto Dalbergstraße directly onto Theaterplatz. If you've always wanted to explore a sundial up close, you're in the right place at one of the largest sundials in Germany. The entire Theaterplatz is dedicated to this fascinating installation from antiquity. Unusual: during the day, the shadow cast by the hand determines the time. At night, LEDs embedded in the ground provide the right light signals on the clock face.

On the historical trail of Aschaffenburg

History lovers will find what they are looking for in the Abbey Museum. It is part of the building ensemble of the collegiate basilica of St. Peter and Alexander with its famous cloister dating from around 1220. The museum displays important collections on archaeology as well as art from the Middle Ages and the Baroque period. Rooms, some with original furnishings, transport visitors into the world of the former canons. In addition to one of the oldest panel paintings in Germany, the Aschaffenburg panel created around 1250, a precious game board from around 1300, unique in its kind, is also presented 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 Aschaffenburg sights 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, before you reach Würzburger Straße, turn left into Schöntal Park. Take the opportunity for a short walk through the landscaped garden. It is called the "green lung" of Aschaffenburg and houses old monastery walls surrounded by a small lake as an architectural feature.

Immediately after the park entrance, a staircase leads upwards. Walk straight ahead past the magnolia grove, whose pink and white blossoms are fabulously beautiful in spring, and the Hofgarten restaurant is on the left. The menu offers Franconian specialities à la Schäufele, Franconian Sauerbraten or Ursau-Kotelett - but vegetarians also get their money's worth here. The rustic ambience with the adjacent 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 meet a stage star or two in the restaurant after his or her performance in the adjacent Hofgarten cabaret.

Then start your journey home invigorated: 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 intersection, keep left and turn onto Ludwigstraße. Aschaffenburg railway station is on the right-hand side. We hope Aschaffenburg's sights could inspire you!