Three-Franconia Route

7 Days | rd. 300 km

The Drei-Franken-Route is much more than just a boat trip – it is a journey through the heart of one of Germany’s most diverse cultural landscapes. The name of this special route says it all: it leads through the three Franconian administrative regions of Middle Franconia, Upper Franconia, and Lower Franconia. Each of these regions offers its own character, its own history, and very unique scenic charms. What unites them is a shared love for the Franconian way of life – for good food, fine wine, and traditional beer, all nestled within picturesque nature and culturally rich towns.

Your adventure begins in Nuremberg, the vibrant metropolis of Middle Franconia. This city, whose medieval architecture has been preserved in an impressive way, is the perfect starting point. From the very first moment, you’ll feel the historical atmosphere that unfolds between the mighty Imperial Castle, the winding alleys of the old town, and the gently flowing Pegnitz River. The Main-Danube Canal will guide you gently into nature, past locks and green riverbanks, to Forchheim – the gateway to Franconian Switzerland and your first destination in Upper Franconia. Here, you’ll experience the rustic ambiance of Franconian beer cellars in the famous Kellerwald, a place where conviviality is a way of life.

On the second day, you leave the gentle hills of Upper Franconia behind and glide through the wide valley of the Main River, which now takes you deep into Lower Franconia. Arriving in Schweinfurt, you will discover a city that harmoniously combines historical structures with modern art. The historic old town, lined with small alleys, contrasts impressively with contemporary sculptures in the art park – a reflection of Lower Franconia’s dynamic character.

You continue into the heart of the Franconian wine country: Kitzingen welcomes you on the third day with sunny vineyards, baroque facades, and the legendary leaning tower. Here, the region’s centuries-old winemaking tradition is revealed in all its glory. The wineries invite you to taste, enjoy, and linger – especially during harvest season, a feast for all the senses.

The fourth day offers space for individual discoveries. Würzburg, the splendid residence city with its baroque grandeur and expansive gardens, opens its gates for you, as does the Mainschleife near Volkach – a natural wonder with steep vineyards, old wine villages, and a breathtaking view over the river valley. Both routes showcase the treasures of Lower Franconia and eventually lead you to the tranquil village of Wipfeld, where you can end the day in rural serenity.

On the fifth day, you return to Upper Franconia and reach Bamberg – a true gem of Franconian culture. The UNESCO World Heritage city, with its impressive cathedral, idyllic “Little Venice,” and rich brewing tradition, is a highlight of the journey. The winding alleys invite you to stroll, and the city’s breweries offer authentic Franconian specialties – especially the famous smoked beer.

Finally, the sixth day takes you back to Middle Franconia, to Nuremberg, where your journey began. Along the Main-Danube Canal, you once again experience the tranquility of the river landscape before diving even deeper into the city’s history – whether at the Imperial Castle or in the mysterious Historic Rock-Cut Cellars.

The Drei-Franken-Route is a journey through the soul of Franconia. It combines the special features of Middle, Upper, and Lower Franconia into a unique experience on the water. Historic towns, culinary delights, vineyards, and river valleys – this tour offers impressive variety and lets you discover the beauty of this special region in an entirely new way.

Itinerary (example):

Day 1 Nuremberg – Forchheim: Start in the medieval city of Nuremberg, along the Main-Danube Canal to the charming old town of Forchheim with its famous beer cellars.
Day 2 Forchheim – Schweinfurt: From the beer to the wine region: idyllic journey to Schweinfurt with art park and historic old town.
Day 3 Schweinfurt – Kitzingen: Further into Franconian wine country to Kitzingen – known for the leaning tower and local wineries.
Day 4 Kitzingen – Wipfeld: Optional stop: baroque Würzburg or the picturesque Mainschleife near Volkach. Destination: peaceful Wipfeld.
Day 5 Wipfeld – Bamberg: Bamberg, a UNESCO World Heritage site, enchants with its cathedral, Little Venice, and culinary specialties.
Day 6 Bamberg – Nuremberg: Return to Nuremberg along the Main-Danube Canal, passing diverse natural landscapes.
Day 7 Discover Nuremberg: Explore Nuremberg’s old town, the Imperial Castle, and the Historic Rock-Cut Cellars.

Enjoy Franconian hospitality, culinary highlights, and cultural treasures on this tour – a perfect blend of relaxation and experience.