Wertheim: Castle, Glass and Good Food

Wertheim reveals its history in many different ways: the stone ruins of the castle, built in the 12th century, stand on a hill spur above the town between the valleys of the Main and Tauber rivers. At the confluence of the Tauber and Main stands the Spitze Turm; climbing its 141 steps rewards visitors with a view over the historic old town. The castle and tower thus offer two different perspectives on the town and its river landscape.

Old Town, Architecture and Museums

The historic market square lies at the heart of Wertheim’s old town and is surrounded by richly decorated, listed half-timbered houses. Some date from the 16th century and are well preserved. The Protestant St. Mary’s Collegiate Church makes a different architectural statement: it is a three-aisled, Late Gothic basilica dating from the 14th century. Ten minutes’ walk from the historic old town is the Schlösschen in the Hofgarten. It was built in 1777 as the summer residence of Count Friedrich Ludwig zu Löwenstein-Wertheim-Virneburg and later remodelled in the classical style. The building is surrounded by an English landscape garden. Since 2006, it has housed a museum with temporary exhibitions and private art collections.

The museums also offer different insights into the history of the town and its region. The Wertheim County Museum presents folk-art treasures from more than 900 years of county history. The Jewish cemetery in Wertheim was established in 1406, remained in use until the 20th century, and is the oldest surviving Jewish cemetery in Baden-Württemberg. These places represent different historical themes; when choosing where to visit, consider whether you are especially interested in architecture, collections or the cemetery’s long history.

Discover the History of Glass

The Wertheim Glass Museum presents and documents the history and uses of glass, from antiquity to Wertheim’s present-day glass industry. Its hands-on stations include the bottle devil, a love barometer, a mirror maze and a flea microscope. Visitors can also watch the museum’s glassblower at work. Families travelling with children who would like to explore together will find plenty to engage with here: history and craftsmanship are complemented by stations where visitors can get involved themselves. Visitor activities are subject to operational conditions; check what is currently available before your visit.

Routes and Outdoor Activities

There are several options for active days, too. The Main-Tauber-Franconian Cycling Loop passes through Wertheim. The Taubertal Panorama Trail runs from Bronnbach via Wertheim to Freudenberg. A section of the Way of St James passes through the Tauber Valley, and there are stamping stations in Wertheim. These options differ in kind: the Cycling Loop is a cycle route, while the Way of St James and its stamping stations are associated with pilgrimage. Individual canoe trips can be arranged on the Main and Tauber rivers from Lohr am Main via Wertheim to Aschaffenburg. Check availability with the provider before travelling.

Guided Tours and Good Food

Guided tours of Wertheim Castle explore the past and present of the castle ruins. Check what tours are available before your trip. Groups can also arrange private town tours focused on a topic of their choice, such as the castle or the town’s museums. Check the programme and booking conditions in advance.

In Wertheim, the Route of Good Taste forms the centre of a network of food and drink businesses along the Main and Tauber rivers. A guided town tour along this route can include visits to selected food and drink stops and tastings of local specialities. The wine and culinary tour offers a different focus: a regional white wine at the Spitze Turm sets the scene, followed by a tasting of Tauber Valley red wine at the castle or another appealing location in the old town. Details of bookable tours may change, so it is worth checking before making plans.

Find a Holiday Apartment for Your Stay

When choosing a holiday apartment, it helps to make one simple distinction: will your stay focus mainly on the old town, castle and museums, or would you like to include cycling routes, the Way of St James and possible canoe trips in your daily plans? These priorities give your search direction and help you choose a location in Wertheim that suits your planned activities. If you are travelling with children, the hands-on stations at the Glass Museum could be something to enjoy together; check the relevant conditions and availability for tours and canoe trips in advance.

Discover More Places and Destinations

You can also include Mondfeld in your search for a place to stay in Wertheim.

Discover more destinations: Creglingen, Wittighausen, Bieberehren, Neubrunn, Lauda-Königshofen, Ahorn, Boxberg.

Return to the main travel overview: Main-Tauber District.