Summary
The seat of a historic county in the former Electorate of Mainz, the town of Miltenberg is set against a bend in the River Main, flanked by the eastern peaks of the Odenwald range.
The old town extends 2.5 kilometres in length yet boasts a maximum width of only 150 metres. The southern slopes add a dramatic backdrop to Miltenberg’s charming alleys and squares.
The numerous half-timbered houses are a testament to Miltenberg’s historical prosperity as a significant commercial hub on the navigable Main River.
Notable historical figures, including two Holy Roman Emperors and Napoleon, have visited Miltenberg. Remarkably, the inn where they all resided remains operational today.
Let us investigate the best activities to experience in Miltenberg:
1. Old Town
Despite its modest size, Miltenberg features over 100 listed half-timbered houses along the pedestrianized Hauptstraße and the quaint alleys branching off it.
The oldest structures date back to 1339, although the majority were constructed in the 17th and 18th centuries following the Thirty Years’ War.
Miltenberg’s picturesque townscape has been showcased in various period television shows and films, and its delightful old houses now host cafes, specialty stores, traditional taverns, and wine cellars representing local producers from the Franconia region.
The oldest buildings can be found in the Schwarzenviertel to the west, where narrow parallel alleys lead down to the riverbank.
While many highlights are included in this overview, one notable omission is the Alte Domkellerei, a gabled 15th-century townhouse originally built for the manager of the Mainz bishopric’s vineyard.
2. Alter Marktplatz (Schnatterloch)
Presents an ideal setting to appreciate Miltenberg’s charming townscape, the market square features an irregular layout surrounded by half-timbered houses.
One significant structure to note is the Weinhaus am Markt, which was owned by a prominent nobleman during the Thirty Years’ War in the 17th century.
At the square’s center stands the Marktbrunnen fountain, crafted from red sandstone in 1583 by the local sculptor Michael Junker.
The fountain features a slender column set in an octagonal basin, adorned with dancing cherubs, at the top of which sits a sculpture of Lady Justice, bearing Miltenberg’s coat of arms on her shield.
3. Mildenburg
Situated above the marketplace and Main Valley on a promontory, this hilltop castle was founded around 1200 by the Archbishop of Mainz as a defensive measure for the eastern border of his bishopric.
Much of the outer architecture dates back to the late 16th century following a tumultuous period during which the castle sustained damage in both the Margrave Wars and the German Peasants’ War.
However, the impressive 27-metre keep, complete with its stepped gable, has been in place since the late 14th century.
Until 1979, Mildenburg remained the property of a local family, before being transferred to the town for restoration efforts.
Today, the castle showcases a combined exhibition of historical icon paintings and modern artworks from artists such as Joseph Beuys, Sigmar Polke, and Ernst Barlach.
4. Museum.Stadt.Miltenberg
Located at the northern end of the old market square, the city’s museum resides in “Haus Miltenburg,” an impressive Renaissance structure featuring corbelled bay windows and dormers.
The interior galleries are modern and carefully curated, illustrating the historical and cultural evolution of the town.
Among the most intriguing exhibits is an inscribed pediment from Germany’s oldest surviving synagogue, a Roman ceremonial shield boss, exceptional Gothic stone sculptures, and a collection of gold and silver coins from Miltenberg’s medieval era.
The museum also showcases items related to historic crafts, period furnishings, and an extensive assortment of antique toys, including dolls, train sets, and construction kits.
5. Zum Riesen
Situated at Hauptstraße 97 is potentially Germany’s longest continuously operating inn.
The earliest recorded reference to Zum Riesen dates back to 1411, placing it among the oldest hotels in the world.
Although the structure has undergone numerous renovations, its fundamental architecture has remained unchanged since a Renaissance update in 1590, which the city supported with a donation of 100 logs.
While admiring the intricate facade adorned with decorative panels, carved timbers, and bay windows, one may ponder the illustrious historical figures who have graced its halls.
This esteemed guest list includes Holy Roman Emperors Frederick I and Charles IV, along with Gustavus Adolphus of Sweden, Johann Tserclaes, Napoleon, Richard Strauss, and Elvis Presley.
6. Würzburger Tor
Marking the eastern entrance to Miltenberg’s old town, the Würzburger Tor was first documented in 1379. In medieval times, the eastern perimeter of Miltenberg was particularly vulnerable, making this fortified gate a daunting sight.
However, at the onset of the 15th century, crenellated battlements were removed, and a decorative hipped roof was added in their place.
The exterior and passageway contain a series of stone blocks, remnants of the gate’s portcullis mechanism.
7. Mainzer Tor
Located 2.5 kilometres from the Würzburger Tor, this unadorned gate on the west side of the old town was similarly first mentioned in 1379. Like its eastern counterpart, it was constructed during the rule of Archbishop Adolf I of Nassau, whose coat of arms can still be observed above the portal.
The facade features a series of arrow loops, and the peculiar upper levels provide the impression that a house has been set atop the battlements.
8. St. Jakobus
This church was originally constructed in the 13th century when Miltenberg was granted city rights and underwent updates a century later.
By the late 18th century, the building had fallen into disrepair, prompting a complete transformation into a Neoclassical style over the next century, featuring a long barrel arch in its nave.
Under the stunning wheel chandelier at the main entrance is a baptismal font crafted by Michael Juncker in 1608, who also created the fountain in the market square.
A sculpture group of the Three Kings, dating back to 1400, is prominently displayed on the northern aisle wall.
9. Mainbrücke Miltenberg
Historically, Miltenberg served as a river crossing point on the Main via ferry.
However, it was not until 1900 that the town acquired its own bridge.
The Mainbrücke, featuring six arches, came to fruition after 25 years of fundraising and planning.
The design pays homage to Miltenberg’s medieval heritage with a replication of a fortified sandstone gatehouse that resembles an authentic structure.
This gatehouse and the abutments on the banks remained after the first bridge was destroyed by withdrawing German troops in 1945. Construction on the current bridge commenced in 1947, culminating in its official opening in 1950, thereby reestablishing connections between Miltenberg and its northern municipalities.
10. Franziskanerkirche
Once a Franciscan monastery church, the Franziskanerkirche commands Engelplatz, the largest square in Miltenberg and location of the current town hall.
This structure was constructed in the 1660s, shortly after the founding of the monastery, under the guidance of Antonio Petrini, the Italian court architect of the Bishopric of Würzburg.
The design is characterized by its clean and simple lines, featuring a long barrel vault and a round arched portal.
Two Baroque fittings that date back to the church’s inception include the pulpit, adorned with figures of saints, gilded scrolls, and Solomonic columns, as well as the elaborate organ casing.
11. Judenbad
Löwengasse, located in Miltenberg’s oldest district, the Schwarzenviertel, features a picturesque row of half-timbered houses.
The most intriguing among them is a striking five-storey residence with timbers painted in red.
With prior communication, visitors may have the opportunity to explore the basement where a beautifully preserved mikvah, an ancient Jewish ritual bath, can be viewed. This bath was utilized by Miltenberg’s Jewish community until 1910, filled in after Kristallnacht, and restored in the early 2000s, attracting visitors since 2004.
12. Fürstliche Abtei Amorbach
One of Franconia’s earliest monasteries is located a short drive from Miltenberg.
Perched on the edge of the Odenwald range, the origins of the Fürstliche Abtei Amorbach are somewhat obscure; however, its founding date is estimated to be around 734, as it celebrated its millennium in 1734. During earlier centuries, the monks were tasked with clearing dense forests, promoting the spread of Christianity, and providing support for the Holy Roman Empire.
The monastery church underwent a Rococo redesign in the 18th century, featuring elaborate stuccowork and radiant frescoes painted by Matthäus Günther.
Additionally, the altarpiece, upheld by six marble columns, a fine wrought-iron rood screen, an exquisite pulpit, and one of Europe’s largest surviving Baroque organs, assembled in 1782, are remarkable highlights.
13. Altes Rathaus
Another historical landmark to include on your map is Miltenberg’s town hall, which was first recorded in 1379. During that period, it functioned as a warehouse and store.
Under a system known as Staple Right, the city had the authority to hold merchants’ goods for three days.
During this time, the goods were offered for sale to Miltenberg’s citizens before the merchants continued their journeys along the Main.
Such laws significantly contributed to Miltenberg’s economic prosperity during the Middle Ages.
Constructed from stone, the old town hall captures attention with its simple facade, featuring four mullioned windows beneath a classical pediment.
14. Fränkischer Rotwein Wanderweg
Miltenberg is positioned near the southern end of a themed walking trail that spans 30 kilometres along the banks of the Main River, leading to the town of Großwallstadt.
Known as the “Rotwein Wanderweg,” this route invites walkers through charming terraced vineyards that produce the Franconia wine region’s red varietals, including Domina, Pinot Noir, Dornfelder, and Regent.
In some areas, old vineyards have been abandoned, allowing for the development of species-rich dry nature reserves.
For those seeking a picturesque stretch, the middle segment between Erlenbach am Main, Klingenberg am Main, and Großheubach serves as a beautiful shortcut.
15. Franconian Cuisine
Seize the opportunity to enjoy traditional Franconian cuisine in one of Miltenberg’s taverns.
To begin, the Fränkisches Hochzeitsessen (Franconian Wedding Meal) typically features veal or beef steak simmered in broth, accompanied by lingonberry puree, horseradish, and boiled potatoes.
Additionally, Frankische Sauerbraten is a savory pot roast, marinated in vinegar, wine, and herbs, served alongside potato dumplings and salad.
For a cold platter, try the Frankisches Vesper, which consists of pickled gherkins, farmhouse bread, and a mixture of cured meats and cheeses.
