Discover Miltenberg: From half-timbered houses and castles to delicious wines

The dreamy little town of Miltenberg, which stretches along the banks of the River Main, is a perfect place for a day trip. Miltenberg is rich in history, boasts impressive architecture and is nestled in stunning idyllic surroundings amidst rolling hills, dense forests and vast vineyards just waiting for you to discover. Hop on the train and make your way to this Bavarian gem. Your time out in Miltenberg is waiting for you!

The enchanting town on the River Main welcomes us with its inviting atmosphere as soon as we step off the train. From the station, we take Brückenstraße directly to the Main Bridge, which leads us on our way to the historic centre of the town. The bridge tower is located at the southern end of the bridge. This magnificent gate from the 19th century was originally used as a customs house for collecting bridge tolls and today forms a symbolic gateway to the city.

A walk through the Black Quarter

From the bridge, we follow Ziegelgasse straight ahead, turn south into Hauptstraße and follow it to the market square. From here we enter the heart of the old town - the so-called Schwarzviertel. This district, the oldest in Miltenberg, stretches from Schwertfeger Tor in the west to the lively market square. It is known for its half-timbered houses, which seem like an echo of the past.

The name "Schwarzviertel" has its origins in the geographical location of the neighbourhood. In winter, the nearby Greinberg casts its shadow over the neighbourhood, which means that the sun's rays barely reach the ground - hence the name. The Schwarzviertel is a historical gem that takes us back to a bygone era as we stroll through the alleyways. The ensemble of narrow, winding alleyways and magnificent half-timbered houses with their richly decorated façades and traditional wooden structures give the impression that time has stood still here. The carefully restored buildings contribute to the unique atmosphere and convey an authentic image of historic Miltenberg.

Schnatterloch: the historic heart of Miltenberg and a photo hotspot

Our tour through the Schwarzviertel takes us back to the market square, which is one of Miltenberg's most famous landmarks and a popular Instagram hotspot, the Schnatterloch. The town's old market square combines a number of historical features to create an enchanting ensemble, making it one of the most photographed tourist spots in Germany. The Schnatterloch ensemble includes the market fountain, picturesque half-timbered houses with their artistically carved wooden beams and colourful façades, the striking Schnatterloch tower and the Renaissance archway next to the traditional wine house in the Schmuckkästchen hotel.

Interestingly, the Schnatterloch actually refers to a hole that leads into a drainage channel. The unusual name of this place harbours a fascinating story. It is thought that the name "Schnatterloch" could be derived from "Snade", the Middle High German word for border, as the rainwater ditch once formed the town boundary. An alternative hypothesis suggests that the name could come from "Schnate", which means incision, and refers to the geographical incision between Schlossberg and Greinberg.

Sights around the Schnatterloch

To the north of the Schnatterloch is St James' Church, another important historical landmark in Miltenberg. Originally built in the 13th century as a Gothic church, it has been remodelled and extended several times over the centuries, resulting in an impressive mixture of different architectural styles.

The basic structure of the church is Gothic, and many elements of this style can still be recognised, such as the pointed arched windows and the filigree tracery. However, Baroque elements were added in the 17th century, including the church's magnificent main portal. The neo-classical towers, which were added in 1830, still characterise the townscape of Miltenberg today and are evidence of the architectural evolution of the church.

The Museum Stadt Miltenberg is located on the southern side of the Schnatterloch. In three half-timbered buildings, it houses a unique collection that offers a comprehensive overview of the town and regional history of Miltenberg. The collection, which has been continuously expanded since the 19th century, ranges from prehistoric finds and Roman artefacts to medieval craftsmanship, everyday objects and contemporary art. Specialised topics such as Judaica, toys and hunting are presented in separate sections and offer a deeper insight into certain aspects of local culture and history.

Historical architecture and contemporary art at Mildenburg Castle

Our next stop on our walk through Miltenberg is Mildenburg Castle, an impressive fortress that towers high above the town. The 12th century fortress once served as the residence of the archbishops of Mainz and has a rich history. We reach the castle via Schlossgasse, which begins directly opposite the museum.

Despite its great age, Mildenburg Castle is well preserved and offers visitors an authentic insight into medieval architecture. The massive keep, the high protective wall and the magnificent residential buildings bear witness to the castle's former power and splendour. Sturdy footwear is recommended for the climb up to the castle and exploring the grounds.

For a long time, Mildenburg Castle was only open to visitors from the outside. However, following extensive renovation work, it now houses the Museum Burg Miltenberg, another branch of the municipal museum, which displays a fascinating collection of art and cultural history. The collection of Romanian reverse glass icons in particular is the largest of its kind in Germany and a real highlight.

Zum Riesen - a historic inn with charm

Before we make our way back to the railway station after a day full of discoveries and adventures, we have earned some refreshments. To do so, we descend from the Mildenburg back down to the Schnatterloch and follow the main road eastwards. After about 300 metres, we reach another historical sight in Miltenberg that should not be missed: The Zum Riesen inn. It is one of the oldest inns in Germany and has a rich history dating back to its first mention in 1411. With its characteristic half-timbered façades and traditional charm, the Gasthaus Zum Riesen is a living monument to German hospitality and tradition.

Over the centuries, many prominent guests have stayed at this inn, including emperors and kings, princes and counts. But despite its impressive history, the Gasthaus Zum Riesen has lost none of its original hospitality. Today, it is still a favourite place for locals and visitors alike to enjoy traditional Franconian cuisine.

The day draws to a close

Our day in Miltenberg ends with a visit to the historic Zum Riesen inn. We now make our way back to the railway station via Hauptstraße, Ziegelgasse and over the Mainbrücke bridge. The images and impressions of the narrow alleyways, magnificent half-timbered houses and impressive sights accompany us on our train journey home as we reflect on the day.