DESTINATION
Style and storybook towns
Take in Franconia’s celebrated beauty in a wine and shopping-fuelled trail, exploring pretty medieval and baroque towns and vertiginous, vine-covered limestone hills along the banks of the Main River.
Day one
Stay: Bestenheider Stuben
This sweet, family-run hotel keeps it simple with crisp wood-clad bedrooms – the twin and quad options turn a girls' trip into a fun sleepover. Bestenheider Stuben, 97877 Wertheim
Stop at: Bronnbach Abbey
In the hills outside Wertheim, this beautiful monastery was founded by Cistercian monks in the twelfth century. Wander the gardens with their fountains and statues, then stop for a coffee in the adjoining Orangerie café. Bronnbach Abbey, 97877 Wertheim
There are pretzels filled every which way at this cute café – try the Obatzda, a classic local cheese spread with a splash of beer...
Head to: Wertheim Village
Designed to look like a typical German country town with its half-timbered façades, steeply-pitched roofs and charming squares, Wertheim Village makes shopping a breeze with complimentary parking, EV charging points and Hands-free Shopping. Wertheim Village, 97877 Wertheim
Shop: Babor
German-engineering and science-backed skincare pioneer Barbor has been creating its precision potions for more than 70 years – long before everyone perfected their ten-step routine. A professional skin analysis in the boutique will pinpoint exactly what your skin needs. Babor, Wertheim Village
Refuel: The Coffee Corner
There are pretzels filled every which way at this cute café – try the Obatzda, a classic local cheese spread with a splash of beer – or opt for a Bavarian breakfast with white sausage, pretzel and sweet mustard. The Coffee Corner, Wertheim Village
Shop: Closed
The Hamburg-based brand’s stonewash jeans with their distinctive X-shaped pockets were cult styles on the ‘90s and ‘00s hip-hop scene. Denim is still at the label’s core, made with eco-friendly washing and dying techniques. Closed, Wertheim Village
Lunch: Elaine’s Takeaway
Elaine’s World’s hip restaurants have slowly taken over Frankfurt and now its upbeat brand of food and fun lands at Wertheim Village with takeaway salads, wraps, coffee and more. Elaine’s Takeaway, Wertheim Village
Shop: Maje
One of those effortless Parisian cool-girl labels (see: Sandro, also in the Village), Maje is the place to hotfoot it to for fringed suede jackets, crochet minidresses and not-your-usual trench coats. Maje, Wertheim Village
Golf: Golfclub Bad Mergentheim
Close to the spa town of Bad Mergentheim, this manicured nine-hole course weaves between tall trees – calling for precision and straight shots. Golfclub Bad Mergentheim
Dinner: Bestenheimer Stube
The menu lists the local suppliers this ingredient-focused restaurant sources from: game from the nearby Jägervereinigung forest, baked goods from Bäckerei Göpfert in Wertheim, and meat from the Heimatshof Raumberg farm in Freudenberg. Bestenheimer Stube, Wertheim
The thrill of discovery
Just an hour from Frankfurt, this year's World Design Capital, discover Wertheim Village as it transforms into an open-air gallery, with captivating installations from artist Cyril Lancelin.
Day two
Head to: Mainschleife, Volkach
Near the town of Volkach, the Main meanders in a dramatic U-shaped turn, almost forming a Weinsel (wine island). It’s a place of vineyards and nature, and a scenic spot for hiking, biking and boating along the river.
Explore: Weinwanderweg along the Main River Wine hiking trails are a particularly clever combination, popular in Germany, Austria and Switzerland. Follow the well-marked Panoramaweg through vineyards such as Eschendorfer Lump as you take in the views. Weinwanderweg along the Main River
The Braun family’s vineyard is loved for its full-bodied Chardonnay and ice wines – there’s... also two oak-built chalets for staying the night amid the vines.
Lunch: Michel Stern, Marktbreit
It’s now the fourth generation of the Michel family that runs this traditional little restaurant in charming Marktbreit. Brother Wolfgang and Stefan look after the cooking and wine, respectively – choose from more than 300 Franconian bottles. *Michel Stern, 97340 Marktbreit *
Wine tasting: Weingut am Kreuzberg
A short drive back along the Main, towards Volkach, delve deeper into Franconia’s wine scene. The Braun family’s vineyard is loved for its full-bodied Chardonnay and ice wines – there’s a sleek tasting bar and also two oak-built chalets for staying the night amid the vines. Weingut am Kreuzberg, 97334 Nordheim am Main
Road trip: Franconia wine country
Take the slow route home, looping through small towns and more wineries. In Volkach, Fahr Away is a brilliant wine bar. At Sommerach, take a tasting at the cooperative Winzer Sommerach and in Iphofen, stroll the old city walls. Franconia wine country
Dinner: Bestenheider Stuben
In summer, nab a table on the lovely terrace to tuck into traditional dishes, such as Franconian sauerbraten – a marinated pot roast with bread dumplings and red cabbage. Bestenheider Stuben, Wertheim
Your weekend suitcase
Levi's®
Sunglass Hut
Maje
139 €
215 €
