Christmas Markets of the Main: Nuremberg to Würzburg

Join a knowledgeable local guide and walk from your ship to explore this charming town in northern Bavaria, known for its industrial history and attractive Old Town. Schweinfurt is known for its industrial significance, particularly in the production of ball bearings, which earned it the nickname, "The City of Bearings". With roots in the medieval era, the town has many buildings that reflect its long-standing heritage.

A highlight of the tour is a stroll through Schweinfurt’s pretty Old Town, where you can see a mix of historic buildings, charming streets, and local landmarks. Your guide will point out key historical sites, including the Old Town Hall. This Renaissance building is a central feature of the town's historic district. It stands in the town's main square, Marktplatz, and is a great spot for photos.

At the end of the walk your guide will accompany you back to your ship or alternatively, if your cruise itinerary permits, you may choose to stay in the centre for further free time before making your own way back to the ship.

Activity Level:  Walking Grade 4 - Considerable walking

Duration: 1½ hours

Please Note: Expect to walk approximately one mile over mostly level but cobbled terrain with the possibility of steps. There is a total essential walking and/or standing time of approximately one-and-a-half hours.

A key highlight of this historic city is the UNESCO World Heritage Residence Palace, which you will have the opportunity to explore with your guide after a short coach transfer from your ship. Maria Theresia, archduchess of Austria and queen of Hungary, referred to the building as ‘the Palace above all Palaces’. Climb the grand staircase, above which, the artist, Giovanni Battista Tiepolo, painted the world’s largest ceiling fresco. You can also venture into the mirrored room where 600 painted mirrors and kilos of gold leaf may remind you how wealthy the taxpayers once made the ruler of the city. There’s also time to pause and admire the opulent sights from the UNESCO-listed Court Gardens.

Afterwards, join your guide for a walk through the Old Town to see one of the main attractions, the Old Bridge across the Main. Continuing your walk, hear more of Würzburg’s history, including about the opera composed here by Wagner. Also, find out about the resident physicist, Röntgen, who discovered X-Rays and Tilman Riemenschneider, a famous woodcarver and sculptor. After some free time in the Old Town, return to your ship by coach. Alternatively, if your cruise itinerary permits, you may choose to stay in the centre for further free time before making your own way back to the ship.

Activity Level:  Walking Grade 4 - Considerable walking

Duration: 3½ hours

Please note: Expect to walk approximately half a mile over flat terrain inside the palace and one mile over cobbled terrain during the guided walk. Inside the palace, you will need to negotiate a significant number of stairs to view the ceiling fresco. A lift is available if required. There is a total walking and/or standing time of two-and-a-half hours.