After our tour through Franconia took us to Coburg, Forchheim, Nuremberg, Fürth, Kulmbach, and Dinkelsbühl, the Margravial Residence of Ansbach awaited us. The city looks back on a history spanning over 1,200 years, which is also reflected in its cityscape. Due to the variety of architectural styles, Ansbach appeared to us to be very multifaceted and seemed to us like a small, inconspicuous treasure chest that only gradually reveals its magic.
The city in Middle Franconia, with a population of around 42,000, surprised us with impressive architectural monuments and a great mix of Rococo, Baroque and Medieval styles. And of course, we also discovered cool cafés, restaurants and shops in the alleys of the historic old town. In the following article, we will take you on a virtual tour of the city and show you what Ansbach has to offer. Enjoy browsing!
- Interesting facts about the city of Ansbach
- The most beautiful sights in Ansbach
- Restaurants & Cafés
- Events in Ansbach
- Our hotel in Ansbach
- Travel tips for Ansbach
Interesting facts about the city of Ansbach
The city of Ansbach was first mentioned in 1221 and was the royal residence of the Hohenzollerns from 1385 to 1791. The name Ansbach first appeared in 1732; before that, the city was called “Onoltzbach.” Ansbach lies directly on the popular Castle Road, which runs from Bayreuth to Mannheim, passing 70 impressive castles and palaces along the way. Today, Ansbach has approximately 42,000 inhabitants and is the seat of government of Middle Franconia.
One of the most striking architectural landmarks is the Margravial Residence. This is an impressive Baroque building that once served as the seat of the Margraves of Brandenburg-Ansbach and is now a palace museum of the Bavarian Palace Administration. The building also houses the government of Middle Franconia. The architectural splendor continues with the Orangery and the Court Garden, a Baroque garden complex that is used by locals and visitors alike, especially during the summer months.
However, Ansbach is not only known for its imposing residence and the lushly landscaped Court Garden. The city also houses the mysterious story of Kaspar Hauser, who appeared here in the 19th century and claimed to have spent his entire life in complete isolation. This mystery made Ansbach internationally famous and remains a fascinating subject for historical research. We’ll return to this later.
Culturally, Ansbach is vibrant with numerous events, concerts, and festivals. The Bach Week Festival attracts classical music lovers from all over the world and is a highlight in the city’s annual calendar. The Ansbach Rococo Festival also transports visitors to the magic of bygone eras. The Ansbach Spring Festival and the Kirchweih (church fair) are also very popular with young and old. You can find more information about these at the end of the article.
The Most Beautiful Sights in Ansbach
Ansbach awaited us with a fantastic mix of medieval, baroque, and rococo styles. In the following section, we’ll show you which sights in Ansbach you absolutely shouldn’t miss and what you can experience there. We recommend at least 2 full days for Ansbach so you can explore the city at your leisure.
By loading the map, you accept Google’s privacy policy.
Learn more
Load map
1. Ansbach Residence
The absolute top attraction in Ansbach is without a doubt the imposing Margravial Residence, which once developed from a medieval complex. Over the years and through the work of various electors, margraves, master builders, and architects, a sophisticated residential building in the Renaissance, Baroque, and Rococo styles was created. During a guided tour, you can view 27 magnificent rooms with high-quality interiors. Almost all of the furniture from that time is still preserved, offering a wonderful insight into the time of the margraves of that time.
- Address: Promenade 27, 91522 Ansbach
- Opening hours: April to September 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. | October to March 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
- Special feature: Closed on Mondays
- Guided tours: every hour on the hour
- Admission prices: €5 regular; 4 € reduced
2. Court Garden & Orangery
Opposite the Residence is the 18-hectare Court Garden, which was laid out in the 16th century in the French Baroque style. At the center of this lushly planted complex is the palace-like Orangery, which is now used for events, concerts, and as a restaurant/café. In the summer months, you can marvel not only at colorful flowerbeds, but also at strawberry, lemon, olive, and laurel trees. Stroll through the lush garden and unwind. A truly great place in the city of Ansbach!
- Address: Promenade 27, 91522 Ansbach
- Opening hours: 7:15 a.m. to 6 p.m. / 8 p.m. / 10 p.m. (depending on the month)
- Admission prices: free
- Food and drink: Hofgarten Café
- Guided tours: upon request (see also city tours)
3. Alleys of the Old Town
In the baroque and medieval old town of Ansbach, you can take a leisurely stroll. Along the way, you’ll pass noteworthy buildings, squares, and hidden courtyards. You can discover pretty half-timbered houses, for example, on Uzstraße and Büttenstraße. Right next to the parish church of St. Gumbertus is the impressive building of the Bavarian Administrative Court (former Court Chancellery) with its strikingly decorated gables.
If you stroll a few meters further, you can marvel at the Margrave George Fountain, which originally dates back to 1515 and is located in front of the Old Town Hall. Another eye-catcher in Ansbach’s Old Town is the traditional inn “Schwarzer Bock”, which was probably built in the 11th century. The old half-timbered house with its red wooden beams immediately catches the eye. On Martin Luther Square is the imposing St. John’s Church, which was built in the Gothic style in the 15th century.
The old town also features the impressive gates Schnaitberger Tor and Herrieder Tor. The latter is, so to speak, the landmark of the city of Ansbach and was built between 1750 and 1751. Not far from the Herrieder Gate is the Ansbach Synagogue, with its bimah, Torah shrine, and women’s gallery. You can visit the synagogue as part of a guided tour. It’s best to just let yourself drift through the alleys of the old town, because that’s how you discover the most beautiful places anyway.
4. Parish Church of St. Gumbertus with Princely Crypt
Another sight in Ansbach is the Parish Church of St. Gumbertus, on the site of which a Benedictine monastery was founded in 748. Over time, a settlement developed around this monastery, from which Ansbach later developed. Notable features include the three towers, which tower above all other buildings, and the simple yet impressive Rococo-style church interior. The Gumbertus Church also boasts the largest Baroque organ in Franconia.
The church combines many different architectural styles from the 11th to 18th centuries. You can discover, among other things, the Romanesque crypt, built around 1040, and the northern aisle with the St. George’s Chapel from the 14th century. The bell tower was built in 1594 and the baroque nave in 1738. Since 1976, 25 magnificently decorated sarcophagi containing the mortal remains of members of the House of Hohenzollern have been located beneath the Swan Knights Chapel.
- Address: Johann-Sebastian-Bach-Platz 3, 91522 Ansbach
- Opening hours: daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Admission prices: free
- Guided tours: see also city tours
5. The Behringershof
Next to the St. Gumbertuskirche is the beautiful and idyllic inner courtyard “Behringershof”. This former monastery courtyard dates back to the 16th century and is particularly impressive due to its two Renaissance stair towers and beautifully landscaped flowerbeds with fountains. Today, the building houses the Evangelical Lutheran parish office. Here you can enjoy the peace and quiet, read a book, or simply unwind.
6. Kaspar Hauser
Do you know Europe’s most famous foundling? Kaspar Hauser was a historical figure who achieved a certain level of fame in Ansbach in the 19th century. He appeared in the city in 1828 and claimed to have spent his entire life in isolation in a dark dungeon, without contact with the outside world. Kaspar Hauser could barely speak and had trouble integrating into society.
His mysterious story fascinated people, and he became the focus of speculation and rumors. There were many attempts to clarify his origins and identity, but they remained largely unexplained. Kaspar Hauser was murdered in Ansbach in 1833, and the circumstances of his death are still unclear. If you want to learn more about him, you should stop by the Margrave Museum. For a digital city tour: In the footsteps of Kaspar Hauser.
7. Margrave Museum & Kaspar Hauser
The Margrave Museum is located in the heart of Ansbach’s old town. In this charming building complex dating from the 14th to 18th centuries, you can learn more about the city’s history and the era of the Margraves. On the ground floor, you can also explore the Kaspar Hauser Department and learn more about Europe’s most famous foundling. Numerous originals, such as watercolors painted by the artist himself, commemorate his life and work. His blood-stained underwear, which he allegedly wore during the assassination attempt in the Hofgarten, was also on display there.
- Address: Kaspar-Hauser-Platz 1, 91522 Ansbach
- Opening hours: Tuesdays to Sundays 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
- Admission prices: Adults €3.50, children reduced
- Guided tours: as part of city tours
8. Ansbach Sculpture Tour
The city of Ansbach boasts numerous sculptures, both modern and historical in character. You can take a tour of the city and discover the various objects. It’s best to use the “digiwalk” app or the brochure, which explains all the sculptures in more detail and also tells you where to find them. We visited some of the 49 stations, such as the Anscavallo sculpture, the “Two Angels” and “Kaspar’s Tree.”
9. Ansbach Unpackaged
During our exploration, we discovered the store “Ansbach Unpackaged”, which is located at Schaitbergerstraße 1. Here you will find over 1,200 products for everyday needs, such as solid soaps, fresh fruit and vegetables, baked goods, grains, flour, pasta and other pasta products, herbs, spices, oils, tea, canned goods, and much more. The focus is primarily on short transport routes, sustainable production without packaging, and fairly traded regional products. You can find an overview of the product range here: ☞ Ansbach Unpackaged Product Range.
- Address: Schaitbergerstraße 1, 91522 Ansbach
- Opening hours: Tuesday to Saturday 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. (times vary in the afternoon)
- Homepage: Ansbach unverpackt
10. Antiques Max Eichinger
Do you like browsing through antique shops and hope to find a gem or two? Since 1884, you’ll find a wide selection of paintings, porcelain, faience, jewelry, clocks, furniture, books, and much more at the Eichinger Antiquitäten store. Everything beautiful and valuable is traded here. The rooms are located in the so-called Brandenburger Haus, a significant historic property in the heart of the old town. We also particularly liked the inner courtyard, where the Margravial Post Office once stood.
- Address: Neustadt 4, 91522 Ansbach
- Opening hours: Monday to Friday 10 a.m. – 6 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
- Homepage: Antiquitäten Max Eichinger
Restaurants & Cafés
Green & Bean: We’re always on the lookout for really good coffee. We found it at Green & Bean, where we not only got great coffee but also delicious cake. In good weather, you can sit comfortably outside.
Restaurant Kaspar Hauser: We enjoyed incredibly delicious food at Restaurant Kaspar Hauser. Here you can get mostly vegan and vegetarian dishes, as well as some meat dishes, in a super cozy atmosphere.
Gasthaus Zum Mohren: Fancy a beer under the trees? At Gasthaus Zum Mohren, you can get delicious regional cuisine at reasonable prices. In good weather, you can sit outside in the beer garden.
Café Restaurant “Alte Residenz Apotheke”: At the “Alte Resi,” we had delicious and healthy bowls for lunch, as well as homemade cheesecake. The selection of vegetarian dishes here is especially great!
Danys Cupcakery: Do you also have a little sweet tooth and want to enjoy a little treat now and then? Then head to Danys Cupcakery. Here you can find these little cakes in a variety of variations.
Restaurant Bratwurst Glöckle: In this restaurant you can get Franconian specialties, such as Franconian Feuerwurst, homemade dumpling soup, original Ansbacher Bratwurst and much more.
LaCrêpe: In this super cute café you can get delicious and freshly prepared crêpes. The portions are more than sufficient, and they also offer a variety of waffles on site.
Events in Ansbach
Ansbach offers a variety of events and festivals throughout the year, including the Ansbach Bach Week and the traditional Christmas market. In the following section, we have summarized some of the most important events for you.
Ansbach Rococo Festival: This festival is an annual highlight and takes place in the summer (June/July). It features theater performances, concerts, ballet, and other cultural events that celebrate the region’s Rococo heritage. ☞ More information here.
Ansbach Bach Week: The Ansbach Bach Week is a renowned music event dedicated to the music of Johann Sebastian Bach and other composers from the Baroque period. This event takes place every two years for a full 10 days. ☞ More information here.
Kasper Hauser Festival Week: Various events take place during the festival week, including lectures, readings, exhibitions, and artistic performances that focus on Kaspar Hauser and his story. ☞ More information here.
Spring Festival & Kirchweih: The Spring Festival in May and the Kirchweih in July are very popular with locals and visitors alike. Live music, a fair, delicious delicacies, stalls, and parades await you here. ☞ More about this here.
Christmas market: The Christmas market in Ansbach is a popular meeting place in the run-up to Christmas. Here you can drink mulled wine, enjoy regional delicacies, and buy handmade gifts. ☞ More about this here.
Our hotel in Ansbach
We stayed at the Hotel Das Hürner*, which is located not far from the old town on Schloßstraße. The hotel has a brewery restaurant where you can enjoy Franconian specialties and also serve the hotel’s own Hürner beer. Our double room was comfortably furnished, clean, and featured a comfortable bed, TV, safe, bathroom with shower, and storage space. The hotel also offers apartments and suites, some of which are equipped with a kitchenette. A continental breakfast buffet is served in the morning. Book a room here*.
Travel Tips for Ansbach
There are several ways to get to Ansbach, depending on where you’re starting from. Ansbach is located between Stuttgart, Würzburg, and Nuremberg in southern Germany. Here are the best options:
By car: Ansbach is located in Bavaria and is easily accessible via the A6 and A7 motorways. From Stuttgart, it’s only 155 km to Ansbach, and from Würzburg, only 85 km. Interesting towns such as Rothenburg ob der Tauber and Dinkelsbühl are also not far from Ansbach. Book a rental car here*.
Distances to Ansbach:
- Hamburg: 585 km
- Berlin: 482 km
- Cologne: 384 km
- Dresden: 357 km
- Munich: 204 km
- Stuttgart: 157 km
- Nuremberg: 44 km
By train: Ansbach has a train station that is well integrated into the German rail network. You can travel to Ansbach by train from various German cities. Deutsche Bahn offers regular connections from cities such as Nuremberg, Munich, Stuttgart, and Frankfurt to Ansbach. Book train tickets here*.