GUIDE FOR VISITORS
I arrived at the delightful Wertheim am Main, located at the meeting point of the Main and Tauber Rivers, via bus from the nearby town of Miltenberg, where our Scenic cruise ship docked for the day.
I chose to take a guided tour of the charming historic old town in the state of Baden-Württemberg, Germany. A local expert imparted interesting details about the town during the tour.
About 2 to 3 hours is enough time to see highlights of the town and enjoy its medieval charm.
Here is my guide for visitors to explore the best things to see in Wertheim am Main.
Spitzer Turm Tower
The tower called Spitzer Turm (Pointed Tower), was the first thing I saw upon arrival. A medieval lookout tower from the 13th century, once part of the defensive system.
Wertheim’s very own leaning tower, due to centuries of river flooding. It reaches 36.5 metres and was a watch tower and a keep. Later it also served as a prison.
You can climb to the top and enjoy views of the town.
Medieval Old Town
The heart of the city is the Old Town, Altstadt, which resembles a fairytale land. A wondrous blend of narrow cobblestoned streets, ancient churches, medieval towers and a historic market place make you feel like you’ve stepped into history. A delightful area to walk and explore on foot. Only then can you immerse yourself in the romantic atmosphere and imagine what it was like in the distant past.
History
Believed to have been settled in 1103, when the county of Wertheim was first documented, the town grew as a trading hub where people gathered to exchange goods. The town became quite prosperous, ruled by various noble families, with Counts of Wertheim as governors over many centuries until 1800’s.
Buildings
The Old Town is characterised by medieval German architecture and the town has taken great care in preserving these enchanting heritage buildings. The beautiful monuments are treasured and are a huge attraction for visitors.
In medieval times it was common for many buildings to have protruding upper floors, as taxes were only paid according to land space occupied on the ground floor. Some buildings were extremely narrow at the bottom level.
The narrowest house in Germany is said to be Zobel’s House in Marktplatz 6, here in the Old Town, where the ground floor of the 4 level building is only 3 metres wide.
Half-Timbered Houses
Half-timbered houses are seen throughout the old town and some date back to the 16th century. You can see them in Marktplatz old market square,
This traditional architectural style called fachwerk is common throughout many old cities in Germany, such as Nuremberg, Rudesheim and Miltenberg.
Resembling fairytale buildings, Germany has become famous for these medieval half-timbered houses, which have in many instances, been very well-preserved. Enthusiasts like to seek them out and follow the tourist trail through towns that are renowned for them. Find out more here.
Stiftskirch
Also known as the Collegiate Church, the Stiftskirch is the most prominent church in Wertheim, located on Schulgasse in the Old Town.
Dating from the 1300’s, it was completed in Gothic and Romanesque styles, with an imposing clock tower, built 1600’s, which is adorned with 2 different clock faces.
Free to enter.
Alte Munz and Round Tower
The Alte Münz (Old Mint) is Wertheim’s oldest building dating from 1260 when it was built as residence of the castle guards, then for the magistrate. Later it became a Mint, when the Counts of Wertheim received the right to mint coins in the 1300’s.
Now it functions as the Münzwerk community house.
The Round Tower next to it is Kittsteinturm or Roter Turm, part of the medieval defensive fortification of the city that still exists.
St. Kilian's Chapel
Directly opposite the main church Stiftskirche is Kilianskapelle, which is St. Kilian’s Chapel. A small Gothic building of the 1400’s, and quite an unusual shape, with no tower or spire. For 2 centuries it was used as a Latin school.
It seems a little cramped amongst the surrounding buildings.
Not always open.
Maintor Gate
Maintor (Main Gate) is a medieval stone gate directly facing the Main River. Built between the 12th and 14th centuries and constructed of red sandstone.
It is one of only 3 surviving medieval gates of the town’s original fortification walls, now serving as a pedestrian portal into the Old Town from the river.
Burg Wertheim
Wertheim Castle on the hill overlooking the town is the main landmark and one of the best castle ruins in the country. You can walk up the path from the old town, about 20 minutes, and explore the castle ruins. There is a restaurant there and marvellous views of the town and river.
The castle was built in the 12th century as a fortress in this strategic location to protect the town below. The castle was enlarged throughout the years and included several towers, a keep, inner palace and a moat. It is thought to have also been a place of learning with artists and poets meeting here.
Once owned by the nobles of Wertheim, today it is government owned and run as a tourist attraction and event venue.
Confluence of Rivers
Wertheim is where the Main and Tauber Rivers meet. The Main River also joins the Rhine River, one of the biggest rivers in Europe and is a significant trade route through Bavaria.
The promenade along the riverbank is perfect for walks or bike riding whilst appreciating the scenic views.
Paddle boats are available for hire on the opposite side of the river in Kreuzwertheim.
You can cross the river to the other side via the 2 main bridges.
Hidden Gems
- The Bäckerei Fritz Frischmuth Bakery is one of the oldest in Germany and has been in the same family for hundreds of years, since 1551, with every generation baking the specialty pretzels. Located at Marktplatz 9, you can’t miss it, with the cute metal sign hanging out front.
- A wine barrel plaque on side of building marked 1796 of Weinbau in Wertheim, means ‘Wine Growing in Wertheim’ from a time when the town’s primary industry was wine. Today it’s still a popular wine region, with over 20 wineries and vineyards.
- Glass making has long been part of the town’s history, with a Glass Museum you can visit, to see glassblowing in action.
- The County Museum is small but an interesting place to check out exhibits of the town’s history.
Kreuzwertheim
Kreuzwertheim is a picturesque smaller town which was actually settled before Wertheim, located directly opposite, across the River Main.
Part of our guided tour included a visit to a winery in Kreuzwertheim called Weingut Alte Grafschaft. This winery has been operating for over 400 years.
Here we met with the winemaker who showed us around the cellars and we learned about the wine of the region. We also sampled a selection of the wines as part of the tour.
Handy Links
Driving – Book Car rental here
Train – Get Germain Rail Pass here
Public transport – Use Deutschland Ticket
Internet – Buy eSim Germany
Accommodation – Book with Klook
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