Mainfranken –
MADE FOR YOU AND ME
You can design your life here
just the way you want it.
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Living in the Country
The Mainfranken region is the perfect place for anybody dreaming about a house in the country, with a big yard, in a beautiful natural setting – and all of in only a few minutes from the nearest town. These are your choices: The Main River loop that feels like the romantic Toscany region in Italy, the Rhön region that is more suited for hardy outdoor types, or the Schweinfurt and Würzburg countryside that are incredibly beautiful and also offer a fantastic infrastructure.
City Bliss
Shopping in small boutiques, happy hour at the edge of town, cabaret in a cellar: whatever you dig about city life – Mainfranken’s cities have got you covered.
Children
Let’s just get to the point: Mainfranken is a great place to raise kids. The region has an extremely low crime rate, there are many parks and much space for kids to play, there is no shortage of daycare and kinder garden spaces, everything is close by which means less time and stress for busy moms and dads, and housing is affordable. In short: Perfect for parents and their offspring alike!
Enjoying the Outdoors
Do you love to hike, bike or swim? Or do you prefer a leisurely stroll through the woods? All you have to do is grab your family and head outside. In Mainfranken, you are never more than 10 minutes away from nature!
Favorite Places
Which place in Mainfranken makes you the happiest? Is it the hole-in-the-wall Italian restaurant with the checkered red and white table cloths? Or maybe the small swim beach at the Main River? Let us introduce you to great places that will inspire you, where you can have great fun with the kids, or simply enjoy yourself.
HOme Sweet Home
Maybe there is no such thing as a perfect house, what is attainable however, is a house that you can fall in love with. A place that you can make your home, just the way you like it. A home that is a perfect fit for you. In Mainfranken, you can have it all: For one, there is no shortage of available real estate and, for two, it is affordable – whether in the country, in the city, or in the suburbs. Be assured that in Mainfranken you will find a beautiful home before long.
Employment
Did you know that Mainfranken has more than 72,000 employers? That the area is one of the top ten locations for high tech in Europe? That global players like Bosch-Rexroth and Brose call this region home? That fashion brands like s.Oliver, Drykorn and René Lézard are headquartered here? That the area is also a mecca for scientists because of all its research facilities? This means that as long as you have qualifications and are motivated to work, you will have not just employment, you can have a great career here.
Enjoyment
Mainfranken also exceeds expectations when it comes to enjoyment. There are 1000 different wine festivals a year. And the wines? Where do we start? There are aromas of fresh coolness and mature warmth, there’s fine elegance and an amazing bouquet of flavors… Aside from wines, the local cuisine is also superb: There’s the Schäufele (roasted pork shoulder), the Steckerlfisch (fish on a stick), the Silvanerrahmsuppe (creamy soup with Silvaner wine), Blaue Zipfel (bratwurst cooked in vinegar), Kloss mit Soss (dumplings in sauce), Federweisser (new wine), Zwiebelplotz (onion cake), and the list goes on…
Mainfranken – MADE FOR YOU AND ME
You can design your life here just the way you want it.
Mainfranken is simply awesome
A great work environment and a relaxing lifesyle – a dynamic location with an outstanding enjoyment factor.
Working in Mainfranken
There is no unemployment in Mainfranken. Consequently, there is a shortage of qualified workers, managers and those who aspire to become just that. The need is especially great in the technical sector, but shortages are also present in healthcare and trades. There are many opportunities at exciting companies that are currently looking for talent.
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FAVOURITE LOCATION
HIKING WITH A REWARD
You have to climb 928 m to get to the top of the Kreuzberg Mountain. Your reward is delicious monastery beer, a fantastic view of the mountains of the Rhön region and great conditions for hiking and skiing.
FAVOURITE LOCATION
THE ULTIMATE IN FLAIR
Strolling through art galleries, exploring antique stores, and admiring art in a medieval atmosphere: That’s what you do in Sommerhausen. And let’s not even get started about the Christmas Market…
FAVOURITE LOCATION
SUMMER FUN AT THE BIG LAKE
The Ellertshäuser Swimming Lake invites you to swim, windsurf, and rent a row or pedal boat. You can also climb and hike along the shoreline. This is a great place to visit with friends and family.
FAVOURITE LOCATION
TWO HOURS FOR CONTEMPLATION
A combination of spirituality, art and nature. A meditative hike along this loop trail will inevitably lead you to more inner peace. Each one of the ten art stations has a bench and you are invited to sit and let the place do its work. Plan on two hours for the trip.
FAVOURITE LOCATION
HISTORY FIRSTHAND
In Geldersheim, just outside of Schweinfurt, is a historical church that is surrounded by a circle of small storage buildings. That kind of structural ensemble is common in the Mainfranken region but the storage huts in Geldersheim are particularly beautiful.
FAVOURITE LOCATION
UNDERSTANDING NATURE
The best place to get educated about nature and the environment is in Oberelsbach. The amazing educational institution in the middle of the biosphere reserve surprises with its visionary architecture, really close to nature.
FAVOURITE LOCATION
CARRIBEAN FEELING
… in the middle of town, near the Löwenbrücke Bridge. Get a cocktail and a lounge chair and just stay put for the rest of the summer. You can also play beach volleyball and take salsa dance classes.
FAVOURITE LOCATION
IN THE FOOTSTEPS OF A WORLDFAMOUS POET
A 2.4 km interpretive trail in the town of Oberlauringen explores the life of the poet Friedrich Rückert. The nine displays along the loop trail are a must for poetry lovers.
FAVOURITE LOCATION
ENGLISH PARKS IN MAINFRANKEN
Right in the middle of the Mainfranken region there is an English castle park. Every now and then they offer special programs, such a birdsong identification walks. This is a great place for kids.
FAVOURITE LOCATION
FOR ROSEBUSH LOVERS
Königsberg and its picturesque half-timbered houses is a jewel. At the castle mountain, 100 cultivators of exquisite roses from all over Germany showcase their creations every year during the month of June.
FAVOURITE LOCATION
JUST GOING FOR A STROLL
Is a special treat along the “Grabengärten” Park next to the old city walls.
FAVOURITE LOCATION
HIKING IN THE VINEYARD
The trail Kobelweg Rimpar offers much to see, hear and feel in the way of ecology and nature. The experience is designed like a squirrels nest, a “Kobel” in German, hence the name.
FAVOURITE LOCATION
ART AND SPIRIT OF THE GOTHIC
Since 2006, the Johanniskapelle Museum in Gerolzhofen has precious and rare Franconian, Gothic-era items on display, such as sculptures and reliefs by Tilman Riemenschneider and Hans Schäufelin.
FAVOURITE LOCATION
THE LAND OF WIDE OPEN SPACES
The UNESCO Biosphere Reserve is not only home to many rare species of plants and animals. The diverse cultural landscapes are also a model for sustainable agriculture. This all adds up to great quality of life.
FAVOURITE LOCATION
WORRY-FREE SWIMMING
The last, official testing classified the water quality as excellent. So feel free to let your kids play to their hearts desire.
FAVOURITE LOCATION
FAMILY ENTERTAINMENT
The Schweinfurt Animal Park does not charge entry fees and aside from the animals, there are QR codes posted all over inviting kids to download exercises that challenge them to figure things out, draw or take pictures. And, of course, there is also a petting zoo.
FAVOURITE LOCATION
PLAYFUL OASIS
There is a small and beautiful space of tranquility in the middle of town: The Lusamgärtchen. It is a small courtyard of a few square meters that has trees and ivy. If you desire some peace and quiet before, during or after a shopping trip, stop by here and be still.
FAVOURITE LOCATION
FOR STARGAZERS
Stargazing walks are a great way to see constellations and to learn everything about their myths. Very romantic.
FAVOURITE LOCATION
TAKING A BREAK FROM SHOPPING
In the summer months, the Vierröhren Fountain Square is a great place to take a break at a street café and enjoy some ice cream while watching the water-spouting dolphins of the fountain and listening to street musicians.
FAVOURITE LOCATION
CHAMBERMUSIC AT THE CASTLE
In the Grand Hall of the Homburg Castle you can enjoy the sounds of times gone by: Concerts played on meticulously restored instruments from the 17th and 18th centuries. During breaks, enjoy a glass of wine and the marvelous view across the Main River Valley.
FAVOURITE LOCATION
NOTICE FOR PARENTS
In the town of Ochsenfurt, next to the town hall building in the old town, there are several wonderful wine taverns. And there is also a small pool full of water right there in the middle of the pedestrian zone. So why is this important? Any ideas? It means that, especially in the summer, you will have at least a couple of hours to yourself while the kids play in the water, time to enjoy a glass of wine.
FAVOURITE LOCATION
SUMMER NEAR THE WATER
In the summer, the Main River Promenade is a great place to enjoy a drink next to the city beach. Or you can rent a BBQ boat with your friends and explore the Main River that way. Simply a dream! BTW, this is also a destination of many tourist cruise ships that allow their passengers time to explore the city.
FAVOURITE LOCATION
THE BEST VILLAGE OF THEM ALL
Sommerach is one of the most beautiful villages in Bavaria, Germany and Europe. It won a gold medal in 2013. A must-see!
FAVOURITE LOCATION
MUCH MORE THAN COFFEE
The Regentenbau of the former Bavarian Kings is the most impressive building in Bad Kissingen. Next to the court garden is one of the most beautiful event locations in all of Bavaria. Enjoy amazing cakes, as well as regional delicacies and exclusive events in a royal ambiance.
FAVOURITE LOCATION
FROM WARHOL TO DALI
An art gallery with spectacular permanent as well as rotating exhibits is housed in a converted swimming pool building. Among others, the famous Gunter Sachs Art Collection is at home here.
FAVOURITE LOCATION
FOR ROMANTICS AND LOVERS
There is no electricity in this fairytale castle. At night, you sit in your room by candlelight. When the proprietor leaves for the evening, you are free to help yourself at the bar. Just write down what you had. And when you walk along the trail in front of the castle in the morning, you are in for a surprise.
FAVOURITE LOCATION
LEISURELY CANOE TOURS
A canoe tour through the Saale Valley between Hammelburg and Gemünden is perfect for the entire family. It’s a leisurely paddle past meadows and you may even get a glimpse of a fairy dancing, maybe.
FAVOURITE LOCATION
A BAROQUE SCENE
The Hofgarten surrounding the Residenz Castle is the location of a beautiful, annual wine fest from the end of June to early July. It is simply picturesque! We recommend riding your bicycle to the festival.
FAVOURITE LOCATION
DINNER IN THE CASTLE
The Saaleck Castle was never a home to knights or royalty. Nevertheless, there are endless stories of emperors, kings and noble princesses. You can sense what it was like in the past and let your eyes take in the far views. The food and wine are superb.
FAVOURITE LOCATION
BICYCLING WITH THE KIDS
Ride your bike through the Mainaue Meadow near Hassfurt, right through a bird sanctuary. You can watch birds close up, which is great for kids too. The route is away from roads and traffic and offers easy cruising on a paved or finely graveled path.
FAVOURITE LOCATION
HIKING AMONGST BIRDS AND FLOWERS
The 8.3 km hiking trail takes you through vineyards, past old quarries, old trees and magnificent vistas. Simply beautiful!
FAVOURITE LOCATION
VILLAGE THEATER
Every five years, the entire village of Sömmersdorf gets together and performs a passion play. 500 of the town’s 618 inhabitants are involved in the endeavor! Nowadays, there are also smaller performances in the in-between years.
FAVOURITE LOCATION
MAIN RIVER VALLEY EXPLORATION BY BOAT
Warm summer days are best spent in a row boat, canoe or motorboat.
FAVOURITE LOCATION
TAKING IN LIFE ON THE BRIDGE
Indisputably the most popular place in town. One, two rays of sunshine and just like that the entire bridge is filled with life: People enjoying a glass of wine or each other. Awesome.
FAVOURITE LOCATION
FOR WOODSMEN
The Gramschatzer Wald is a picture-perfect forest. It suits itself for a wonderfully relaxing walk. Or you can take advantage of the possibility to learn how to make herbal salves, forge knives or how to rock climb.
FAVOURITE LOCATION
THE TOWN’S LIVING ROOM
Zeil am Main has one of the most beautiful market squares of any small town. It is a great place for many markets and festivals. Enjoy the shopping.
FAVOURITE LOCATION
A RELAXING STROLL
Enjoy a leisurely stroll through quaint wine towns with many half-timbered houses and crooked alleys. Peace and tranquility.
FAVOURITE LOCATION
THE HAFENLOHR VALLEY
Without a doubt, this is one of the most beautiful valleys in the Spessart Forest. It is so special, locals have been fighting for 40 years to preserve it as is. Today, a new kind of land steward is calling the valley home: water buffaloes.
FAVOURITE LOCATION
THE GREEN HEART OF THE CITY
There are many romantic nooks where you can picnic, exercise or simply relax. Hammocks under big shade trees are just as inviting as are any of the many benches and lounge chairs. A sight to see in the summer is the wild rose promenade and its more than 30 varieties of roses.
FAVOURITE LOCATION
MUSIC IN THE VINEYARD
Jazz matinees, music at night and Dixie evenings at the Hallburg Fortress along the Main River Loop all summer long. The location is a dream. A must-do.
FAVOURITE LOCATION
A TREASURE WORTH BEHOLDING
You have to climb the mountain for a ways before you get your reward: The small but amazing Fürstengarten on the east side of the Fortress Marienberg. Elegant staircases, rose bushes, fountains… anything that makes the Baroque heart jump for joy.
FAVOURITE LOCATION
HIGH ABOVE TOWN
Enjoy a warm summer night under the stars. Look out over the sprawling city. Bring a picnic dinner or just be.
FAVOURITE LOCATION
SUMMER THEATER
In the summer, the courtyard of the Brattenstein Fortress is the venue for the Franken Festival Röttingen. There is also a program for kids.
FAVOURITE LOCATION
MAJESTIC BEAUTY
When the Baroque-era “Kranen” was commissioned at the banks of the Main River in Würzburg in 1773, locals described it as “a work unparalleled in its beauty, sturdiness, size and majesty. A great sight like nothing else along the Main or Rhine rivers.”
FAVOURITE LOCATION
VINEYARD HIGH
The highest vineyard in Franconia is located near the town of Handthal at the Western edge of the Steigerwald Forest. From here you get a great view across the Unterfranken plain. And, of course, there is great Franconian food available here as well.
FAVOURITE LOCATION
CULTURE ON THE WATER
The Hafensommer Festival features up-and-coming as well as established artists from the worlds of music, dance and theater. And it all happens literally on the Main River, on a stage that is docked at the Old Harbor. Different and very cool.
FAVOURITE LOCATION
FAIR FUN IN MARKTHEIDENFELD
The Laurenzi Fair at the beginning of August is always worth a visit; it’s a spectacle that has everything: A rollercoaster, fireworks, a wine village and a beer garden. Anything your heart desires.
FAVOURITE LOCATION
HIKING WITH REWARDS
The sightseeing platform Edelweiss offers a magnificent view across the Main River Valley. Hike in, get there and be rewarded with a glorious view of a wonderful landscape.
FAVOURITE LOCATION
IDYLLIC MAIN RIVER LOOP
Along the Main River Loop, between the towns of Schweinfurt and Würzburg, there is the picturesque wine town of Wipfeld that affords fabulous views across the Main River Valley. Plus you can get a look at the historical “Wengert” vineyard that has been unchanged since 1723.
FAVOURITE LOCATION
CULTURAL HIGHLIGHT
The Museum Georg Schäfer is housed in an impressive building that is both imposing and airy at the same time. The spectacular architecture adds to the atmosphere of the prize-winning collection of outstanding paintings. On exhibit is the most significant, private, 19th century collection of art from the German-speaking realm.
FAVOURITE LOCATION
ENJOYING SUMMER TO THE FULLEST
Sunbathing, a patio on the lake, a nature playground with a mud pit! That is enough for a summer’s worth of fun. Every day.
FAVOURITE LOCATION
THE MOTHER OF ALL FESTIVALS IN LOHR
The end of July spells festival time in Lohr: An early drink for you and a circus performance for the kids, a variety of shows in the evenings and so much more. Just come by and join the festivities.
FAVOURITE LOCATION
HOW ABOUT A SHORT RIVER CRUISE?
If you like boating, then we suggest to explore the Franconian Wine Country by boat. It doesn’t have to be an all-day affair. They even offer brunch tours. How about a cruise for your next birthday?
FAVOURITE LOCATION
SEVEN WONDERFUL SUMMER NIGHTS
During the summer, there are concerts at the Bad Neustadt Market Square on seven Thursday evenings. As the director of the city’s cultural department sums it up: “It is our intention to thoroughly entertain our visitors with music of the highest acumen.” Don’t wait.
FAVOURITE LOCATION
ADVENTUROUS OUTDOOR THEATER
Outdoor theater performances of the dramatic, new adventures of the Knight Florian Geyer during the Peasant’s Uprising mesmerize visitors every year.
FAVOURITE LOCATION
ART AND CULTURE ON THREE LEVELS
The former women’s monastery now houses art and culture on three floors. Exhibits, concerts, lectures, markets and much more are offered on a regular basis.
FAVOURITE LOCATION
NOTHING BUT LIES
At the Kapellenberg Mountain in Eibelstadt, you can learn about the famous Lügensteine (lie stones) that appeared in town in 1725 while walking the Lügenstein Trail.
FAVOURITE LOCATION
HERBS, CABBAGE AND ROOTS
Explore the vegetable-growing techniques of times gone by at the giant teaching garden in Gochsheim.
FAVOURITE LOCATION
ON TOP OF THE WORLD
The sightseeing tower at the Zabelstein Mountain is 19 meters high. It is the highest point in the area and when the weather is good, you can see for 80 km.
FAVOURITE LOCATION
NORTH SEA CLIMATE
Bundles of blackthorn branches are integrated in-between the wooden beams of the Bad Kissingen salt graduation tower. The salt water runs through the tower and salt-rich water droplets evaporate into the air, creating a health-producing microclimate. The effects are similar to the climate at the North Sea. Amazing!
Favorite Places
Places that are full of life as well as magical locations where you can just take in the sweeping views.
Mainfranken Companies, In The Middle of Europe
The Mainfranken region offers everything from one-person entrepreneurs to global players (a surprising number of them at that). We have conducted extensive interviews to find out what motivates corporations and employees, how they work and think, and have summarized our findings below.
For more
Top Companies
Take a look at these companies! Just click on the logo to learn more about them.
FAVOURITE MOMENT
CHAMBERMUSIC AT THE CASTLE
once each month
In the Grand Hall of the Homburg Castle you can enjoy the sounds of times gone by: Concerts played on meticulously restored instruments from the 17th and 18th centuries. During breaks, enjoy a glass of wine and the marvelous view across the Main River Valley.
FAVOURITE MOMENT
CULTURE ON THE WATER
July – August
The Hafensommer Festival features up-and-coming as well as established artists from the worlds of music, dance and theater. And it all happens literally on the Main River, on a stage that is docked at the Old Harbor. Different and very cool.
FAVOURITE MOMENT
THE MOTHER OF ALL FESTIVALS IN LOHR
End of July
The end of July spells festival time in Lohr: An early drink for you and a circus performance for the kids, a variety of shows in the evenings and so much more. Just come by and join the festivities.
FAVOURITE MOMENT
VILLAGE THEATER
June – August
Every five years, the entire village of Sömmersdorf gets together and performs a passion play. 500 of the town’s 618 inhabitants are involved in the endeavor! Nowadays, there are also smaller performances in the in-between years.
FAVOURITE MOMENT
FOR ROSEBUSH LOVERS
June
Königsberg and its picturesque half-timbered houses is a jewel. At the castle mountain, 100 cultivators of exquisite roses from all over Germany showcase their creations every year during the month of June.
FAVOURITE MOMENT
ADVENTUROUS OUTDOOR THEATER
July
Outdoor theater performances of the dramatic, new adventures of the Knight Florian Geyer during the Peasant’s Uprising mesmerize visitors every year.
FAVOURITE MOMENT
MUSIC IN THE VINEYARD
summer
Jazz matinees, music at night and Dixie evenings at the Hallburg Fortress along the Main River Loop all summer long. The location is a dream. A must-do.
FAVOURITE MOMENT
SEVEN WONDERFUL SUMMER NIGHTS
July-August
During the summer, there are concerts at the Bad Neustadt Market Square on seven Thursday evenings. As the director of the city’s cultural department sums it up: “It is our intention to thoroughly entertain our visitors with music of the highest acumen.” Don’t wait.
FAVOURITE MOMENT
FAIR FUN IN MARKTHEIDENFELD
at the beginning of August
The Laurenzi Fair at the beginning of August is always worth a visit; it’s a spectacle that has everything: A rollercoaster, fireworks, a wine village and a beer garden. Anything your heart desires.
FAVOURITE MOMENT
A BAROQUE SCENE
June / July
The Hofgarten surrounding the Residenz Castle is the location of a beautiful, annual wine fest from the end of June to early July. It is simply picturesque! We recommend riding your bicycle to the festival.
Things You should not miss
Mainfranken has so much to offer! From big events that draw crowds to small happenings that are fun and unique to this area. A common denominator for all is the beautiful surroundings.
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