Discover Ochsenfurt: Old Town, Wine and Forest

Ochsenfurt combines a historic old town with distinctive architectural details and experiences in nature. The almost complete fortifications, with numerous town gates and towers, shape the appearance of the old town; the Ochsenfurt Forest offers a choice of different circuits. When planning your stay, you can focus on local history or add wine and nature themes.

Town History in Walls, Figures and a Clock

The almost complete fortifications encircle Ochsenfurt’s historic old town. Its numerous gates and towers give the town a distinctive architectural character. A smaller, detail-rich counterpart is the figurine clock on the Lanzentürmchen tower of the town hall: it displays Ochsenfurt’s town coat of arms, the days of the month and the phase of the moon. Its figures represent youth, old age and death. In Ochsenfurt, both a large-scale fortification and a single building with a complex visual program offer different ways to explore the town’s history.

The Old Main Bridge also has its own character thanks to its figures. On the right bank of the Main, a figure named Thekla has stood since 2012. Opposite it is a figure of Saint John of Nepomuk created by Willi Grimm; on the town side stands a second depiction of Nepomuk by Wilhelm Ax. The figures and their different creators provide concrete details to look for when exploring the bridge.

Wine Tastings and Hikes Through the Vineyards

Wine tastings with individual winemakers or at the wine shop are possible by prior phone arrangement. The Ochsenfurt Tourist Information Office also organizes wine tastings for individuals or groups. If you are planning a tasting, call the winemakers or the wine shop in advance. For a tasting organized by the Tourist Information Office, clarify the arrangements directly with them before making plans.

Guided hikes through the vineyards are another way to explore the wine theme. These are also organized by the Tourist Information Office for individuals or groups. Coordinate your plans with the Tourist Information Office in advance. You can choose between different options: a wine tasting or a guided hike, each requiring the necessary arrangements.

Forest Trails and Geology

In the Ochsenfurt Forest, hikers can choose between two circuits at the turnoff towards Ochsensee. The shorter option follows the edge of the forest before returning through the woods; the longer route goes around Ochsensee. The choice mainly concerns the route and the length of the circuit. When planning your time in the forest, you can use these two described options as a guide.

The “Experience Geology” tour near Kleinochsenfurt offers a different perspective on the landscape. It leads to the “Würzburger Quaderkalk” quarry, where visitors can explore interesting rock formations. The quarry was designated a National Geotope in 2019. Together with the forest trails, this offers a choice between a geological discovery and a hike through the woods and along the forest edge.

Within the Wider Würzburg Destination

Beyond Ochsenfurt, the wider Würzburg destination encompasses a cultural landscape of vineyards, forests, expansive Gäu plains and the Main Valley. This provides a broader framework for planning your trip if you want to explore a variety of landscapes as well as the town itself.

Röttingen offers further historical highlights: the oldest buildings in Brattenstein Castle date from the 12th and 13th centuries. The castle was home to various noble families, including the Lords of Hohenlohe. Since 21 July 1984, its courtyard has served as the venue for the Röttingen FRANKENFESTSPIELE. This adds another cultural dimension to the Würzburg destination, complementing the focus on Ochsenfurt’s fortifications, town hall clock and bridge figures.

Choose the destination that best matches the interests you have planned for your trip.

Discover more destinations: Veitshöchheim, Theilheim, Röttingen, Eibelstadt, Bergtheim, Rimpar, Zell Am Main, Würzburg.

Back to the wider travel overview: Würzburg.