Fürth lies in the heart of Franconia—a region well worth exploring. That’s why we’ve put together a list of ten cities that perfectly capture the region’s diversity and charm. Whether you’re drawn to UNESCO World Heritage sites, romantic half-timbered houses, baroque residences, or a lively beer and wine culture, there’s always something remarkable to see and do in Franconia.
Our 10 city tips in Franconia
1. Nuremberg – Fürth's impressive neighbor
The majestic Imperial Castle, the city’s landmark, towers over the old town and offers stunning views across Nuremberg’s rooftops. The old town itself impresses with its beautifully preserved half-timbered and sandstone houses. The Albrecht Dürer House invites visitors on a journey through the life and work of the famous painter, while the Germanic National Museum showcases outstanding works of art and cultural treasures. Throughout the year, lively festivals, inspiring exhibitions, and open-air concerts bring the city to life. To round off your visit, enjoy Nuremberg’s warm Franconian hospitality with a glass of fine local wine.
Easily accessible from Fürth by subway, train, bus, or bicycle. Or even on foot along the River Pegnitz
Distance as the crow flies: 6.87 km
2. Dinkelsbühl – a medieval gem
Dinkelsbühl is one of Germany’s best-preserved medieval towns, entirely enclosed by historic city walls with impressive gates, towers, and magnificent half-timbered houses. The old town, with its winding alleys and picturesque squares, forms a lively ensemble of outstanding European heritage. Particularly striking is St. George’s Minster, one of the most important late Gothic hall churches in southern Germany. The Deutsches Haus on Weinmarkt captivates visitors with its ornate Renaissance façade adorned with richly carved details. Wandering through Dinkelsbühl’s medieval streets feels like stepping back in time—a true gem for anyone wishing to experience history firsthand.
Easily accessible by car from Fürth.
Distance as the crow flies: 66.31 km
3. Würzburg – a baroque jewel and UNESCO World Heritage city
At the heart of the city stands the Residenz—a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for one of the largest ceiling frescoes in the world. High above the river Main, the Marienberg Fortress watches over the city and its vineyards, offering magnificent panoramic views. Other highlights include St. Kilian’s Cathedral, one of the oldest romanesque churches in Germany, and the Käppele, a beautiful baroque pilgrimage church with breathtaking views.
The atmosphere on the Alte Mainbrücke is truly unique: with a glass of Franconian wine in hand, looking out over the river and the old town, there’s no better place to soak up Würzburg’s special charm.
Easily accessible from Fürth by train or car.
Distance as the crow flies: 82.65 km
4. Bamberg – UNESCO World Heritage Site on seven hills
Bamberg enchants visitors with its old town, built on seven hills and designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1993. The city impresses with its remarkably well-preserved historical architecture, featuring more than 1,000 listed buildings. Highlights include the imposing Bamberg Cathedral with its famous Bamberg Horseman, the picturesque Old Town Hall built on an artificial island in the river Regnitz, and the romantic quarter known as Little Venice. On warm summer days, it’s well worth pausing on the lower bridge with a cool drink to watch the world go by. Whether you’re wandering through medieval alleyways or enjoying a traditional Rauchbier, a visit to Bamberg is sure to leave a lasting impression.
Easily accessible from Fürth by train or car.
Distance as the crow flies: 47.44 km
5. Rothenburg ob der Tauber – a medieval dream
Rothenburg ob der Tauber enchants visitors with its perfectly preserved city walls, inviting them on a journey back to the Middle Ages. The famous Plönlein—one of Germany’s most photographed landmarks—is the perfect starting point for exploring the town’s many half-timbered houses. The Medieval Crime Museum offers fascinating insights into law and order in times past, while the Rothenburg Museum brings local craftsmanship and town history vividly to life. With its unique blend of a vibrant old town, captivating museums, unforgettable panoramic views, and culinary delights, Rothenburg ob der Tauber is an unmissable destination for anyone visiting Franconia.
Easily accessible from Fürth by train or car.
Distance as the crow flies: 58.96 km
6. Bayreuth – A UNESCO Opera House and City of Festivals
Bayreuth is best known for the Margravial Opera House, a UNESCO World Heritage Site restored to its original splendor in 2018. Not far away, the Richard Wagner Festival Theatre on the Grüner Hügel attracts opera lovers from around the world with its legendary acoustics. The Hermitage is one of the most impressive parks in southern Germany—fountains, grottos, and magnificent Baroque pavilions transport visitors to a margravial world of splendor. The refined margravial culture of the 18th century comes to life in the Neues Schloss within the Hofgarten, while the Richard Wagner Museum, housed in the composer’s former Wahnfried residence, offers a fascinating insight into his life and work. Today, Bayreuth presents itself as an international, youthful, and green city. Cozy street cafés, lively beer gardens, and the historic old town combine to create its very own distinctive flair.
Easily accessible from Fürth by train or car.
Distance as the crow flies: 67.49 k
7. Coburg – Veste, Ehrenburg, and Ducal Flair
Coburg transports visitors into the world of European dukes: the mighty Veste Coburg castle houses art-historical treasures and the oldest carriages in the world, while the magnificent Ehrenburg Castle, with its state rooms, brings the splendor of bygone times vividly to life. At Callenberg Castle, once home to British princes, the German Shooting Museum is just as fascinating as the romantic rose garden—which offers breathtaking views over the Coburg countryside. Historic city gates and a charming old town with traditional cafés and boutique shops invite you to stroll and linger. A diverse program of festivals—most notably the Samba Festival—alongside concerts and regional cuisine ensures unforgettable experiences throughout the year.
Easily accessible from Fürth by train or car.
Distance as the crow flies: 87.13 km
8. Aschaffenburg – Royal Residence on the River Main
Aschaffenburg captivates visitors with its red sandstone Johannisburg Castle, one of Germany’s most important Mannerist buildings, home to the Electoral State Rooms and the State Art Gallery, which features masterpieces by Cranach. Just a short stroll away, the Pompejanum offers a detailed replica of a Roman patrician villa, surrounded by Mediterranean-style gardens.
Schönbusch Park is a green oasis and one of the oldest English landscape gardens in southern Germany, complete with artificial lakes, pavilions, and gently rolling hills—perfect for leisurely walks. The cozy atmosphere along the banks of the Main River and the numerous cafés and bars in the old town provide the perfect setting for a break with a cool drink, making a visit to Aschaffenburg a thoroughly enjoyable experience.
Easily accessible from Fürth by train or car.
Distance as the crow flies: 143.32 km
9. Forchheim – Beer Tradition, Half-Timbered Houses, and Franconian flair
Forchheim, the gateway to the region Fränkische Schweiz, delights visitors with its small yet delightful old town, whose highlight is the historic Kaiserpfalz (Imperial Palace). The picturesque Kammerersmühle—also known as the Crooked House—and the carefully restored Town Hall complex further showcase the town’s rich history. Forchheim is also a paradise for beer lovers. The traditional Kellerwald, with its rustic beer cellars, and the legendary Annafest attract visitors from near and far.
Easily accessible from Fürth by train or car.
Distance as the crow flies: 27.34 km
10. Erlangen – Baroque Heritage with International Flair
As one of Germany’s best-preserved Baroque planned cities, Erlangen impresses with its spacious squares, the magnificent Margravial Palace, and the Huguenot Church—all testaments to its eventful past. The Schlossgarten park, featuring the Orangerie and Botanical Garden, invite visitors to linger. But Erlangen is more than just history—this lively university town delights with a diverse cultural scene, modern museums, and vibrant festivals. Visitors are also spoiled with Franconian cuisine and a traditional beer culture, best experienced at the legendary Bergkirchweih festival.
Easily accessible from Fürth by train, bicycle, or car.
Distance as the crow flies: 13.85 km
Bonus Tip – Other Franconian Cities Worth Visiting
We could go on and on—Franconia is full of towns and places well worth discovering. In the district of Fürth, the charming town of Zirndorf awaits, with its cozy old town dominated by the impressive parish church of St. Rochus. Also nearby, Langenzenn invites visitors to stroll through history, with its historic monastery and atmospheric cloister.
Just 17 kilometres from Fürth lies Schwabach, known as the Goldbeater’s Town. Gold leaf has been produced here for over 500 years—a traditional craft that is still very much alive today. In 2024, Schwabach’s goldbeating craftsmanship was even added to Bavaria’s list of intangible cultural heritage. The town also enchants visitors with its lovingly restored half-timbered houses and beautiful old town.
Ansbach impresses with its baroque old town and the magnificent Margravial Residence, a splendid reminder of its princely past. And if you love medieval townscapes, don’t miss Kulmbach: the imposing Plassenburg Castle, one of Franconia’s most important fortresses, towers above the old town with its winding lanes and picturesque half-timbered houses.
Discover Franconian cities – with the Franconia Tourism Association
With great attention to detail, the Franconian Tourism Association presents the diversity of Franconian towns and cities. Be inspired to discover hidden gems, unique places, and ideas for your next trip or short getaway. Whether you’re looking for cultural highlights, relaxed city shopping, or culinary delights, Franconia captivates visitors with its authenticity and warm hospitality.