Experience Kitzingen's sights on an excursion between the Main and wine

Kitzingen is one of the oldest towns in Lower Franconia and was first mentioned in a document in 745. The large district town is located just 15 kilometres south-east of Würzburg on the banks of the River Main and in the middle of the Franconian wine-growing region. Kitzingen is predestined for a day trip and is easily accessible by train. In addition to the sights of Kitzingen, such as the Renaissance town hall, the "Old Main Bridge" and the famous Chapel of the Cross by the Franconian Baroque architect Balthasar Neumann, Kitzingen's townscape is characterised by numerous towers and half-timbered houses.

The leaning tower of Kitzingen

The starting point of our walk through Kitzingen is the train station, which is only about 500 metres from the town centre. After a 7-minute walk along Friedrich-Ebert-Straße, you will reach Kitzingen's first attraction - the Falterturm. Built in 1496 as a watchtower for the outer city wall of Kitzingen, its leaning spire, the origin of which is the subject of a number of legends, is particularly striking. Today, the tower is the town's landmark and its deviation from the norm makes it a popular photo motif.

Carnival in Franconia

The tour continues in Kitzigen, heading north along Falterstraße into Luitpoldstraße. Just before Königsplatz is the German Carnival Museum, which is certainly not just of interest to die-hard carnival fans. If you have ever wondered why fools shout "Helau!" or "Alaaf!" or what 11.11. and 11:11 am are all about, a visit to the carnival museum can be extremely enlightening. In addition to an impressive multi-media show, numerous traditional costumes from all over Germany provide an insight into the carnival hustle and bustle.

The wood-panelled Ratsstube

On the way to the next sight in Kitzingen, the tour continues across Königsplatz, in the centre of which sits a red sandstone obelisk erected in honour of Ludwig II. From here, you can reach the town hall of the large district town via Kaiserstraße after around 150 metres. Built in 1563 by Hans Eckart von Schaffhausen in the Renaissance style, Kitzingen Town Hall is one of the most important architectural monuments from this period in Lower Franconia. Inside, the historic meeting room with its wall panelling is particularly noteworthy. This is where the town council used to meet. However, the meeting room is only accessible during a wedding ceremony or a court reception.

If your stomach is rumbling after the first stage of the sightseeing tour of Kitzing's sights, you will find the Bayerischer Hof a little way south along Marktstraße. The hotel's restaurant serves classic Franconian cuisine as well as Franconian wines, Bavarian beers and seasonal specialities.

Craftsmanship in half-timbered houses

The 39 metre high market tower sits enthroned right next to the town hall. The former guard and prison tower is a remnant of the former inner city wall. Today it houses the central archive of German carnival. During Advent, the Kitzingen market tower is transformed into Bavaria's largest Advent candle. The illumination of the tower creates the illusion of an oversized candle in the centre of Kitzingen. Together with the festively illuminated tower, food stalls and mulled wine stands create the perfect Christmas atmosphere.

For the connoisseurs among you, there is another activity worth doing in Kitzingen - a short detour to the Poganietz House, a Renaissance half-timbered house dating back to 1556, right next to the market tower. A gingerbread bakery was established here in 1722, followed by a confectionery in 1833. Both craft businesses left behind a large stock of old templates and moulds for the production of picture biscuits as well as extensive records of the craftsmanship. These relics formed the basis for the confectionery museum that opened in 1996. And what would a confectionery museum be without an adjoining café? In the Viennese-style café, you can feast to your heart's content or treat yourself to a cup of coffee.

Popping a glass on the city balcony

Continue with your activities in Kitzingen and take a walk eastwards along Marktstraße. After about 150 metres, you will reach the Old Main Bridge. First mentioned in a document in 1300, the Kitzingen Main Bridge is one of six medieval Main bridges in Lower Franconia. From the bridge, which is closed to motorised traffic, you have a picturesque view of the town. Right next door, in the northern part of the former garden show grounds, is the Kitzingen city balcony on the banks of the Main. In addition to the wonderful view, you can also enjoy a glass of Franconian wine here from May to October at the so-called Stadtschoppen.

Wine generally plays a major role in the Franconian town. The oldest German wine law was passed here in 1482. At that time, Kitzingen rose to become a wine trading town, gaining influence and wealth. Wine festivals are also held regularly in the town, where you can sample regional culinary specialities and, of course, taste the wine.

Remarkable village church

Kitzingen's next gem is located at the eastern end of the Old Main Bridge. The Chapel of the Holy Cross was built according to plans by the baroque master builder Balthasar Neumann and was consecrated in 1745. The baroque façade contrasts with the simple interior, which has no paintings or stucco and was simply painted white, as the builder had intended.

Picnic on the banks of the Main

Before crossing the Main Bridge back into the centre, it is worth taking a stroll across the former garden show grounds south of the chapel on the east bank of the Main. With its cosy corners and lush fields of perennials, the grounds invite you to linger. The banks of the Main in Kitzingen are also the ideal place for a picnic. You can pre-order a picnic basket at short notice from participating restaurants in the town. The basket is filled with local, regional and restaurant-typical products. You can also hire glasses, plates, cutlery or a picnic blanket for a small deposit.

Your day trip to Kitzingen is gradually coming to an end. Cross the Old Main Bridge to return to Kitzingen's old town centre. Heading south along Unterer Mainkai, you pass the Old Synagogue, a reminder of the town's once important Jewish community, before returning to your starting point at the railway station via Hindenburgring and Friedrich-Ebert-Straße. Full of impressions in your luggage, you can start your return journey completely relaxed.

Extra tip for children

The Kitzingen tourist information centre has a special offer for families with children - a quiz for children. Along the route we have just presented to you for a trip to Kitzingen to see all the sights, little rascals can go on a journey of discovery of the sights of Kitzingen together with their parents. The quiz is already available for the youngest visitors in the form of a picture search.