Franconia

Franconia is a region in Germany which is divided into the administrative districts Upper Franconia, Middle Franconia and Lower Franconia. City trips to Franconia will lead you to historic locations, such as the cities Bamberg, Nuremberg or Würzburg. Marvel at the impressive dome in Bamberg, enjoy the view across the city of Würzburg from castle Marienberg and visit the Albrecht-Dürer-Haus in Nuremberg to find out more about its most famous son and world-famous Renaissance artist.

Right underneath the Nuremberg Castle lies the Albrecht-Dürer-Haus where the artist lived and worked from 1509 until his death. Today it houses a museum in which visitors can find out more about the life and work of one of the most significant personalities in art history. While on your city trip to Franconia, you will not only marvel at the different exhibitions in the Dürer-Haus and enjoy information about colour production in the 16th century but you can try out yourself how Albrecht Dürer once worked in the painting and printing workshop.

While travelling through Franconia, be sure to visit Ansbach close to Nuremberg. The sights there include the grand Residenz palace and the baroque courtyard gardens with the beautiful orangery. The Ansbacher Residenz palace originated from a medieval building and was reconstructed numerous times throughout the centuries so that visitors will find traces of different types of styles, from Renaissance to Rococo. Should you take a short trip to Franconia during the summer, be sure to attend the annual Rococo Festival in Ansbach which will carry you off to another time.

Bad Alexandersbad in Upper Franconia is a great place for a mini-break in Franconia. It is located in the idyllic Fichtel Mountains and offers relaxation and recuperation with mineral and moor baths. Whilst enjoying the smallest spa in Bavaria, be sure to visit Alexandersbad castle which is actually not a castle at all. It was built in 1782 as an accommodation for spa guests who were seeking a cure or an alleviation for their illnesses.

Also visit Pottenstein in Upper Franconia while on your trip to Franconia. Not far from this charming town is the Devil’s Cave in Franconian Switzerland. The entrance is known as the ‘Gate to the Underworld’ and is the beginning of an extensive cave system with several storeys. Stalactites and stalagmites form sculptural forms with illustrious names: Visitors can marvel at the Magic Garden but also the Crucifixion Group.