After a leisurely breakfast at the hotel or in one of the many cafés, such as Fräulein Liese or Café Caro, we start the day at a relaxed pace.
10:00 a.m. – Self-guided city tour
We begin the tour at the oldest and highest point of the Old Town, “Stiftsplatz”. The “Stiftsbasilika” and the neighbouring “Stiftsmuseum” are not only architecturally impressive but also house significant art treasures, including works by Lucas Cranach the Elder and his workshop, as well as by Matthias Grünewald.
Our route continues through the Old Town, past lovingly preserved half-timbered houses and the former Jesuit College, which today houses the Kunsthalle and the Christian Schad Museum. In a comprehensive exhibition unique worldwide, the museum is dedicated to the life and work of one of the most significant artists of the modern era. Through the works of Christian Schad, the art movements of the 20th century are reflected upon and placed in their historical context.
11:00 a.m. – 1-hour guided city tour
Those who prefer a guided tour can join a knowledgeable city tour and gain deeper insights into the city’s history, architecture, and art.
12:30 p.m. – Aschaffenburg’s culinary delights
All that art and history is sure to make you hungry. Fortunately, Aschaffenburg has plenty to offer culinary-wise, thanks to its geographical location alone. The selection ranges from Bavarian and Franconian to Hessian specialties. Right near the Christian Schad Museum, traditional restaurants like “Schlappeseppel,” “Fegerer,” or “Biersepp” serve regional cuisine. The “Wurstbendel” in the city center offers a unique concept: In 2020, they invented the “Brizza”—a pizza made from pretzel dough that combines Bavarian tradition with southern flair.
2:00 PM – Johannisburg Castle
No trip to Aschaffenburg is complete without a visit to Johannisburg Castle. The four-winged red-sandstone structure, together with the castle church, is considered one of the masterpieces of the German Late Renaissance. Inside, visitors will be amazed by, among other things, the world’s largest collection of cork models of ancient Roman buildings. In the princely living quarters, visitors can also try to guess which room King Ludwig I of Bavaria once spent 21 summers in.
The Bavarian State Painting Collections showcase one of the most significant collections of the late 18th century here, featuring around 280 paintings by Flemish, Dutch, Italian, French, and German masters. Lovers of 16th-century art will also find one of the largest collections of works by Lucas Cranach the Elder and his workshop.
4:30 p.m. – Off to the south!
From the castle, we follow the Main Terrace through the castle gardens to the “Pompejanum”, a faithful replica of a Roman villa with a Mediterranean garden. The floral diversity of the landscape garden and the views of the Main River, the city, and the Spessart Mountains provide a charming conclusion to the afternoon. In the evening, Aschaffenburg offers a wide range of cultural activities. Whether it’s an event in the classical auditorium of the City Theater, cabaret in the “Hofgarten” in the former orangery in “Schöntal Park”, or a concert in the legendary Colos Hall—the cultural offerings are as varied as they are high-quality.
In the Evening – Discover Culture
In the evening, Aschaffenburg offers a wide range of cultural activities. Whether it’s an event in the classicist auditorium of the Stadttheater, cabaret at the Hofgarten in the former orangery in Schöntal Park, or a concert in the legendary Colos Hall—the cultural offerings are as varied as they are high-quality.
