Discover Külsheim: the Town of Fountains, architectural history and wine trails

Külsheim combines a historic Old Town with wine and hiking trails. Eighteen fountains define the historic town centre and have earned the town its nickname, “Town of Fountains.” The official Old Town and Fountain Tour starts at Schlossplatz, where parking is available for cars and buses. As parking arrangements can change, it is best to check the current options before you travel.

The Town of Fountains and its architectural history

Schloss Külsheim and the Catholic Church of St. Martin are stops on the Old Town and Fountain Tour. The castle’s imposing keep dates from the late 13th century; the Romanesque lower section of St. Martin’s tower dates back to around 1200. The Old Town Hall is a half-timbered building from 1522, while Külsheim’s St. Catherine’s Chapel dates from 1444. These different buildings and dates provide several historical points of interest along the walk.

Külsheim’s history began even earlier: the town was first mentioned in 1144. In the Middle Ages, control changed hands frequently through pledging or sale; Külsheim came under the Archbishopric of Mainz in 1255, followed by further changes of rule in quick succession. The Külsheimer Höhe Museum focuses on the life stories of people who lived and worked in Külsheim. These personal biographies complement the historic buildings and dates. Check the current opening hours before your visit.

Wine trails and hikes

Winegrowing is also part of the experience in Külsheim. The Hoher Herrgott vineyard covers around 36 hectares and has been cultivated again since 1951. Wines from Hoher Herrgott and Uissigheimer Stahlberg are bottled in Franconia’s distinctive Bocksbeutel flasks. If you would like to get to know Külsheim beyond its buildings, the signposted wine trail offers a different perspective: this circular route runs between Külsheim and Uissigheim and includes wine tastings. Trail and tasting options may vary by season, so check in advance what is available for your travel dates.

There are two circular hiking trails of different lengths. LT 6 – Wasser.Wein.Weite. starts at Schlossplatz, is around eleven kilometres long and is certified by the German Hiking Association. The signposted LT 4 – Schönert circular trail runs from Külsheim for approximately 14.5 kilometres. It passes through the Hildbrandzellenklinge gorge and through quiet high forest. In terms of distance, LT 6 is the shorter loop; LT 4 combines the longer distance with the landscapes described above. When planning, you can weigh up the trail length and character side by side.

Excursions and finding the right accommodation

The Kneipp facility at the grotto is about two kilometres northeast of Külsheim in the Amorsbach valley. A spring from a grotto dedicated to the Virgin Mary feeds the Kneipp pool; benches and tables are available for a break. As the facility’s condition may change, it is best to check before your visit.

There is also a point of interest for cyclists: the 160-kilometre Der Sportive route runs from Wertheim to Rothenburg ob der Tauber and passes through Külsheim. As route descriptions may be updated, it is worth checking the latest information before your bike ride.

When looking for accommodation, you could start by considering which experiences you want to shape your stay: the historic stops on the Old Town and Fountain Tour, wine tastings and wine trails, or one of the hikes. Schlossplatz is the starting point for both the Old Town and Fountain Tour and LT 6; LT 4 and the wine trail offer different highlights. If you are planning a cycling trip, also consider the route taken by Der Sportive.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Neubrunn, Grünsfeld, Niederstetten, Ahorn, Bad Mergentheim, Tauberbischofsheim, Werbach and Wertheim.

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