Miltenberg, Germany
We visited Miltenberg, Germany on our Christmas Market River Cruise. It’s a charming town on the Main River, just an hour’s drive from Frankfurt, and can easily be reached by train. It’s a small Franconian town and has less than 10 thousand residents. It’s known for its well-preserved medieval architecture and picturesque setting in the Odenwald Forest. Miltenberg is called "the Pearl of the Main", and is one of the German towns that didn’t need to be reconstructed after World War II.
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Best things to do in Miltenberg:
Old Town
Wander through the cobblestone streets of Miltenberg's Old Town. Visit the quaint boutiques, and historic buildings dating back centuries. It’s so beautiful, we felt like we were in a movie set. Walk along Haupstrasse (Main Street), it will take about 30 minutes to walk the entire street.
Gasthaus Zum Riesen
Gasthaus Zum Riesen is one of the oldest continuously operating hotels in the world. They first opened their doors to guests in 1411. This is also the location of the oldest pub in all of Germany. Some famous people who have stayed here are Napoleon, Winston Churchill, Richard Strauss, and Elvis Presley. Visit for a great photo op.
See the Half-Timbered Homes
Take some of the alleyways off of Main Street to explore Miltenberg's half-timbered homes. They are old, crooked, and showing their age with slanted floors and tilting walls.
Walk or Bike Along the Main River
Miltenberg is surrounded by scenic countryside, making it an ideal destination for outdoor enthusiasts. Rent a bike or lace up your hiking boots and explore the picturesque trails along the Main River.
Visit Schnatterloch
Schnatterloch is a picturesque square in the heart of Miltenberg's Old Town, surrounded by colorful buildings and home to lively cafes and restaurants. It's a great spot to relax and soak in the atmosphere. In the center is the Marktbrunnen fountain, made from red sandstone with Miltenberg’s coat of arms. Built in 1583 by a local sculptor, Michael Junker.
St. James Church
You can’t miss its neoclassical towers with six bells. St. Jakobus (St. James) was built in the 13th century.
Take a River Cruise
Enjoy a scenic cruise along the Main River, taking in the beautiful landscapes and charming villages along the way. Several boat companies offer sightseeing tours departing from Miltenberg.
Faust Brewery
Visit the Faust Brewery on Main Street west of Market Square. Faust Brewery is 350 years old and known for its traditional Bavarian beers. Take a brewery tour to learn about beer-making and enjoy their brews.
Miltenberg Castle
Miltenberg Castle offers panoramic views of Miltenberg and the surrounding countryside. It’s a short walk to the castle from Schnatterloch. If you don’t want to enter the castle the views across the river and surrounding countryside are well worth the short uphill walk. Explore the castle grounds… the Castle complex includes a large gallery of modern art and a nice garden. Visit the museum, and learn about the region's history. Access to the base of the Castle is free but if you want to go to the top of the tower it will cost 3 Euros (unless it is Sunday when it’s free.) The views from the top of the tower are excellent, with a scenic view of the river and the town below.
On the way down you can take the road along the old city wall or the path through the forest that will lead you to Schnatterloch.
Museum Stadt Miltenberg
Dating to 1542, this historic Renaissance house is home to the Museen der Stadt Miltenberg and is worth a visit. Exhibits trace the city's history and the surrounding region.
Miltenberg Christmas Market
The Kerstmarkt Miltenberg is a smaller market with dozens of decorated stalls selling Christmas decorations, carved wooden toys, and its popular Apple Streusel Kuchen (apple crumb cake). You’ll find colorful window displays and sparkling lights.
Miltenberg is a beautiful medieval town with historic charm… We loved our day in Miltenberg!
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