Welcome to Mainfranken! Don’t Miss these 10 Highlights
For an Unforgettable Start to your Studies in Mainfranken
Mainfranken warmly welcomes you! As an international student, you’ll find not only excellent universities with practical teaching and modern facilities here, but also a beautiful environment that makes it easier for you to settle in.
Studying in Mainfranken means: living, learning, and immersing yourself in one of Germany’s most beautiful regions. Between Würzburg and Rhön, Schweinfurt and Spessart, there’s so much to discover. Whether amidst half-timbered houses and fortresses, wellness or wanderlust – here you’ll find a real plus in quality of life.
1) The Residenz and the Court Garden: a stroll through history
Once you arrive in Würzburg, there’s no way around the Residenz – a masterpiece of Baroque architecture and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Opulent halls and paintings on the walls tell stories of another time. Directly behind it, the Court Garden invites you to take a breath. For walks, reading, or simply soaking up the sun between lectures – a favorite spot for many students, right in the heart of the city.
2) Bridge hopping on the Old Main Bridge
Mainfranken is famous for its Franconian wine. A glass of wine on the Main Bridge is practically a must for students. With a glass of Franconian wine in hand and a view of the Main and the fortress, the so-called bridge hopping is particularly enjoyable.
3) Cycling along the Main
Relaxed or sporty – the Main Cycle Path offers perfect opportunities to explore the region by bike. Many students rent a bike and discover places like Ochsenfurt or Kitzingen along the river.
4) Picnicking in the Ringpark
In the middle of the city yet surrounded by greenery: The Ringpark encircles Würzburg’s city center like a green ribbon and is one of the most popular retreats for students. Whether alone or with friends, a picnic in the city’s green lung is the perfect opportunity to take a break from university life and simply unwind.
5) Sunset over the vineyards
As the day slowly draws to a close, Mainfranken shows its most beautiful side. Whether from the terroir f in Randersacker or high up on Marienberg Fortress – here you can enjoy a breathtaking view over the vineyards and the Main valley. With some snacks and cold drinks, you’re perfectly equipped for a relaxed evening.
6) Eating Franconian food & trying regional cuisine
Whether “Schäufele”, “Blauer Zipfel”, or a plate of Obatzda with fresh bread – Franconian cuisine is hearty and diverse. Many traditional guesthouses offer affordable dishes – perfect for a sociable evening with fellow students and an ideal opportunity to get to know Mainfranken culinarily.
7) Schweinfurt City Beach: Summer feeling on the Main
Right on the banks of the Main in Schweinfurt, a true summer oasis awaits you: The Schweinfurt City Beach is a popular meeting point for everyone looking for relaxed vibes and a holiday atmosphere right in the city. Sun on your face and a cool drink in hand – here, studying almost feels like vacation.
8) By boat to Veitshöchheim: Castle, garden & Main romance
From the Alte Kranen in Würzburg, one of the most beautiful tours on the Main begins: With the excursion boat, you leisurely travel downstream, past vineyards and idyllic nature. There, one of Europe’s most significant Rococo gardens awaits you, with artfully designed paths, water features, and over 200 sculptures. Right next to it is Veitshöchheim Castle, once the summer residence of the prince-bishops, now a fascinating place to marvel and linger.
9) Networking at international events
The offerings for international students in Mainfranken are diverse – new contacts and friendships quickly form here. The Würzburg International Network of Julius-Maximilians-Universität Würzburg regularly organizes a variety of cultural events, such as pub crawls, wine hikes, or karaoke events. The Technical University of Würzburg-Schweinfurt (THWS) offers a free Orientation Programme before the start of the semester – with practical information about studying, daily life, and the region. In parallel, the Buddy Program runs: experienced THWS students pick you up at the train station, show you the campus and the city, and organize leisure activities.
10) From lecture to vision: Off to the TGZ!
The future starts here: Whether in Würzburg, Schweinfurt, or Bad Kissingen – the Technology and Start-up Centers (TGZ) offer space for start-ups, research, and international cooperation. Whether at Campus Startup Night, Coding Nights, or networking events: Here you can meet founders, gain insights into new technologies, and even try things out yourself. Many events are open to all students – even without a business plan.
Image credits:
Cover image & images 1-4: Region Mainfranken GmbH
Images 5-6: AI-generated with ChatGPT (OpenAI), symbolic image
