After exploring 14 cities in the Franconia region, we now reached the final city on our grand tour. We visited the underdog Schweinfurt and were quite surprised. While other cities boast enormous churches, palaces, castles, or top sights, Schweinfurt is more of a place for a second look. It’s all about art, culture, and plenty of enjoyment.
And so, for example, we were able to spray our first graffiti at the Kunsthalle, meet great locals and their hip shops, sample whiskey, wine, and coffee, discover new favorite works at the Georg Schäfer Museum, and round off the evening in a damn cool beach bar. Thank you Schweinfurt for this little, magnificent “Grande Finale.” In the following article, we’ll take you along and show you our top highlights and sights in Schweinfurt.
- Interesting facts about the city of Schweinfurt
- The most beautiful sights in Schweinfurt
- Restaurants & Cafés
- Events in Schweinfurt
- Our hotel in Schweinfurt
- Travel tips for Schweinfurt
Interesting facts about the city of Schweinfurt
Over the last 20 years, Schweinfurt has developed from a gray industrial city into a modern, multicultural city. Schweinfurt has made a name for itself, especially as a cultural city, as not only the Georg Schäfer Museum and the Kunsthalle attract many tourists to the city every year, but also the theater. The city welcomes visitors with the slogan “Schweinfurt – Industry and Culture” on its highway signs.
Where does the name “Schweinfurt” actually come from? To this day, it is still unclear how the city got its name. For a long time, it was assumed that the name “Schweinfurt” was derived from the Old High German words “swīn” (pig) and “furt” (ford). Historically, Schweinfurt was a place where a ford or a shallow spot in the river (probably the Main) could be crossed, possibly by pigs or other animals.
According to current research, however, it is assumed that the city name developed over the centuries from the names “Suinuurde, Suinfort, Swinvordi, Sweinvort and finally Sweinfurt.” The exact origin of the name “Schweinfurt” varies depending on the source and interpretation. The people of Schweinfurt themselves, however, seem to take the name quite calmly and with a lot of humor. And we also find the connection with pigs quite cute!
The most beautiful sights in Schweinfurt
If you’re looking for an imposing cathedral or a historic residence with princely rooms, Schweinfurt is the wrong place for you. The city still has highlights worth seeing, albeit much more modest. Schweinfurt was heavily damaged during the Second World War, but many testimonies to the imperial city’s past can still be found. We’ve marked our favorite spots and highlights for you on the map below.
By loading the map, you accept Google’s privacy policy.
Learn more
Load map
1. Market Square and Town Hall
In the heart of the city lies the Market Square, which is still a central and very lively location in Schweinfurt today. On market days, the market square is bustling with activity. You can buy fresh fruit and vegetables, baked goods, flowers, and numerous regional specialties here. Market days are always Tuesdays and Fridays from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Wednesdays and Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.
While strolling across the square, we immediately noticed the Friedrich Rückert Monument, which has stood there since 1890. Friedrich Rückert (poet and orientalist) is and was one of the city’s most famous sons. On the south side is the historic Town Hall, which is arguably the city’s most beautiful and impressive building. It was built between 1570 and 1572 and has since been considered one of the most important Renaissance buildings in southern Germany.
2. Judengasse
The Judengasse begins directly behind the town hall and is one of the most beautiful streets in the old town. In the Middle Ages, 16 Jewish families are said to have lived here. The city’s first synagogue was also located in this alley, although it was closed in 1555 after the great expulsion of the Jews. The alley is very quiet, exudes a great atmosphere and has been renovated and restored repeatedly since 1980.
3. Schweinfurt “Zurich”
Don’t miss Schweinfurt’s oldest quarter: Zurich. Zurich means something like “pasture,” and it is believed that large areas for animal husbandry once existed here. Winding, cobblestone streets, renovated historic houses, and idyllic courtyards await you here. The district stretches between Brückenstraße, Rückertstraße, the city wall at Unterer Marienbach, and Paul-Rummert-Ring. Highlights include the Ebracher Hof, St. Salvator Church, and the statue of a swineherd with three pigs. By the way, rubbing the pig’s nose is said to bring good luck.
4. View from the Schrotturm
Just a stone’s throw from the town hall, between Judengasse and Spitalstraße, lies the historic Schrotturm (shot tower). It was probably built in 1611 and has shaped the face of the old town for over 400 years. In the 19th century, the tower was used for the production of shot, which is how it got its name. Today, you can explore the tower on a guided tour and climb the stone steps and narrow wooden stairs. Once at the top, you can look out over the city’s rooftops through the small windows.
- Address: Am Schrotturm, 97421 Schweinfurt
- Opening hours: April to October | always 2-3 p.m.
- Prices: €6; Tickets for the tour are available at the Tourist Information Office
5. City Wall at the Lower Wall
More than half of the historic city center is still surrounded by the historic city wall. We find the section at the Lower Wall with the decorative powder towers. Here you can clearly see the ramparts with their moat and outer wall. While the city wall once served to secure the city, today it is a small recreational area for residents and visitors. Here on the Lower Wall, one of the towers houses the cozy wine bar “Türmle” with a fine menu and wine list.
6. Motherwell Park
An evening stroll through the 3.1-hectare Motherwell Park, located in the northern part of the old town, is also recommended. Here, you can relax among the flowers and sculptures by the lake, watch the ducks, and follow the historic paths of the former ramparts. There are seating areas and a playground on site. From the park, an idyllic path leads through the so-called Philosophers’ Walk to the old town and further to the banks of the Main River.
7. Museum Georg Schäfer
Schweinfurt is known for its vibrant cultural scene with various museums and galleries, including the Museum Georg Schäfer. This renowned art museum specializes in 19th-century European art. We have to admit that we were quite impressed by the modern, architecturally appealing building itself. This award-winning structure is considered one of the most outstanding examples of contemporary museum architecture in Germany.
The museum was founded in 2000 and named after Georg Schäfer, an important art lover and collector from Schweinfurt. It houses an impressive collection of paintings, sculptures, and art objects from the 19th century. Here you will find beautiful works by well-known artists such as Caspar David Friedrich, Carl Spitzweg, Max Liebermann, Édouard Manet, Pierre-Auguste Renoir, and many others. We particularly liked the two paintings “The Bookworm” and “The Cactus Friend” by Carl Spitzweg.
- Address: Brückenstraße 20, 97421 Schweinfurt
- Opening hours: Tuesday 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Wednesday to Sunday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Admission prices: €5 regular | Reduced: €4 (special exhibitions between €9 and €15)
- Special feature: free admission on the first Thursday of the month
8. Kunsthalle
Another important institution for art lovers is the Kunsthalle in Schweinfurt. This is a museum and exhibition space for contemporary art. On almost 2,200 square meters, you can experience masterpieces of art from the 1950s to the present day. The building itself is also special, as the Kunsthalle is located in the former public and indoor swimming pool, which the Schweinfurt industrialist Ernst Sachs donated to the city in 1933.
In the spacious nine-meter-high hall, which once housed the swimming pool, changing exhibitions are now regularly presented. What’s also really cool is that the art gallery also hosts workshops, guided tours, and concerts. For example, we were able to take part in a graffiti workshop and immortalize ourselves artistically on one of the two cubes outside.
- Address: Rüfferstraße 4, 97421 Schweinfurt
- Opening hours: closed on Mondays; daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Thursdays 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.
- Admission prices: €5 regular | €4 concessionary; free admission on the first Thursday of the month
- Program & Workshops: Click here for the plan
9. Dahms Winery
We love wine, and especially after so many “beer-heavy” cities, we were particularly happy to finally be able to visit a winery again. The wines of the Dahms family winery come from the steep slopes of “Schweinfurter Peterstirn” and “Mainberger Schlossberg.” Here, high-quality wine is grown with great love for nature. From Rondo to Scheurebe, these are varietal, often medium-bodied wines that you can purchase at very fair prices.
Weddings are also popular at this historic estate, but otherwise, the winery is not open to visitors. However, the winery usually opens its doors twice a year and hosts the popular summer wine festival. We can also recommend the Dahms Wine Bar, located at Brückenstraße 23. We enjoyed a small wine tasting there afterward. You can purchase various wines in the shop next door.
10. City Beach
You’ll find a really cool spot right on the banks of the Main River in Schweinfurt. The city beach has been an institution since 2014 and a popular summer location in the city. Here you can relax during the day or end the evening with a beer or cocktail. Various events also take place, and there’s also a stand-up paddleboarding rental service. With sand under your feet and a view of the water, it’s a wonderful place to spend time.
- Address: Am Unteren Marienbach 14, 97421 Schweinfurt
- Opening hours: during the season from 3 p.m. to 11 p.m.
- Admission prices: free; Drinks and snacks are available on site.
Restaurants & Cafés
You can eat incredibly well in Schweinfurt. In the old town, you’ll find numerous excellent restaurants and cafés that invite you to feast. We’ve visited a few establishments, which we’d like to introduce to you in more detail below.
Chumbos Mexican Grill: Are you in the mood for Mexican cuisine? Then head to the Chumbos Mexican Grill restaurant. When the weather’s good, you can sit on the terrace and enjoy the delicious food.
Whiskey Gents: This super hip shop not only has tons of whiskey, but also cool clothes and, above all, delicious coffee. Be sure to stop by!
Kleine Kaffeerösterei: Looking for excellent coffee? Then head to the Kleine Kaffeerösterei. We definitely sipped the best espresso in town here.
Weinstube Dahms: Fancy a glass of wine? At the Dahms wine bar in the old town, you can get delicious wines and also purchase them in the adjacent shop.
Han Asia Kitchen: The Han Asia Kitchen restaurant serves authentic Asian dishes in a great atmosphere in the historic Ebracher Hof. Super delicious and highly recommended!
Simply Life Café: Is this the cutest café in town? Incredibly delicious breakfast dishes are served here with great attention to detail. And the owner is also incredibly charming.
Latevi’s: Fancy some African food in Schweinfurt? Then stop by the Latevi’s restaurant. They also offer vegetarian dishes.
Türmle Schweinfurt: Ready for a nightcap? A super cozy atmosphere and a fine menu and wine list await you at the Türmle wine bar.
Events in Schweinfurt
Schweinfurt is also known for its diverse music scene, ranging from classical music to modern concerts. There is also the annual folk festival, the Schweinfurt Christmas market, and many other events. Here are a few special events:
Schweinfurt Folk Festival: The Schweinfurt Folk Festival takes place once a year. More than 50 rides, showmen, stalls, a large marquee, and plenty of entertainment for young and old await you here. More about it here.
Honky Tonk: The Honky Tonk Festival is one of the most popular events in the city. The program is diverse. Most recently, over 50 artists from a wide variety of musical genres performed on 30 stages, providing a great atmosphere. More about it here.
Schweinfurt Wine Festival: Every summer, the Schweinfurt Wine Festival takes place on the market square in front of the town hall. Then there are authentic Franconian wines, regional specialties, and an attractive stage program. More about that here.
Nachsommer: During Nachsommer in Schweinfurt, you can expect first-class acts and fantastic events covering a wide range of genres, including jazz, soul, boogie-woogie, a cappella, and pop. More about that here.
Pflasterklang: Every summer, Schweinfurt’s street music festival “Pflasterklang” fills the city center with music from over 40 musicians and groups of all styles. And in addition to the music, jugglers, artists, magicians, and street painters promise entertainment. More about that here.
Christmas Market: Schweinfurt also offers residents and visitors an atmospheric Christmas market on the market square. Around 50 stalls, a giant Christmas tree, an illuminated historic town hall, and much more await you. More about this here.
Our hotel in Schweinfurt
We stayed at the 4* Panorama Hotel*, which is located on the eastern edge of the old town. From the hotel, you have a magnificent view over the city’s rooftops. Our room was beautifully bright and spacious, with a bathroom with shower, seating area, desk, wardrobe, TV, and Wi-Fi. The hotel also has a fitness center and a great sun terrace. A varied breakfast buffet is served in the morning. We can recommend the hotel. Book a room here*.
- Hotel Ross*
- Alte Reichsbank*
- Ebracher Hof*
- Mercure Hotel*
Travel Tips for Schweinfurt
By car: You can use the A70 and A71 motorways to get to Schweinfurt. The city is located in Lower Franconia and is easily accessible from cities such as Würzburg, Nuremberg, and Bamberg. It only takes about 50 minutes by car to get to Bamberg, and only 35 minutes to Würzburg. Book a rental car here*.
- Hamburg: 487 km
- Berlin: 447 km
- Cologne: 343 km
- Munich: 289 km
- Stuttgart: 190 km
- Frankfurt: 162 km
- Nuremberg: 120 km
By train: You can, of course, also travel comfortably by train. Schweinfurt has a train station that is connected to the German rail network. Thanks to the optimal connections to the ICE long-distance train service, the cities of Würzburg, Bamberg, Erfurt, and Nuremberg are easily accessible. Schweinfurt’s main train station is located west of the city, but buses run every 10 minutes to the city center and the central bus station at Roßmarkt. Book train tickets now*.