Wertheim

City, country, river – and castle

Where the rivers Main and Tauber meet, surrounded by lovely countryside, lies the romantic, medieval town of Wertheim. Its iconic landmark, the second largest stone castle ruin in South- ern Germany, stands high above the old town. Elaborately decorated half-timbered houses, small squares and narrow alleyways, as well as many other sights, characterise the townscape. Other attractions include the first-rate art collections and visiting exhibitions in the ‘Grafschafts- und Glasmuseum‘ and the ‘Schlösschen im Hofgarten‘ museum.

History

  • 7. Jhd. first settlement on the site of what is today Kreuzwertheim
  • 779 First authentic mention of Wertheim
  • 1009 Market rights granted by King Heinrich II
  • 1103 First documentary mention of the ‘county’ of Wertheim
  • 12th century Building of castle begins
  • 1306 Wertheim receives its town charter and thus also the right to mint coins
  • in the 16th century Wine growing is the principal activity
  • 1556 Death of the last Count of Wertheim, Count Michael III, whereupon the ‘county’ passes to Count Ludwig of Stolberg
  • from 1598 Takeover of government by Count Ludwig of Löwenstein-Wertheim
  • 1634 Destruction of castle in 30 Years War, since when it has just been left as a ruin
  • 1806 Napoleon draws up new frontiers, which divide the region. Wertheim is incorporated into the Grand Duchy of Baden; Napoleon imposes tolls on the Main bridge between Wertheim and Kreuzwertheim
  • 1913 Start of first incorporation into today’s industrial region of Wertheim-Bestenheid
  • after 1945 Establishment of glass industry by displaced persons in Wertheim-Bestenheid
  • 1972/1976 With the incorporation of 15 surrounding communities, Wertheim becomes the regional administrative centre (‘Große Kreisstadt’ or major district town)

Highlights

Eating and drinking

Wine, game and green spelt typify Main-Tauber-Franconian cuisine. For centuries, wine has been grown in Wertheim and its region. The Grafschafts- und Glasmuseum offers wine tasting sessions, as do the following vineyards and wineries: Alte Grafschaft, Winzerkeller im Taubertal, Winzerhof Martin Baumann, Weingut Oesterlein and Weinkeller Friedrich. Don‘t forget to try Wertheim‘s ‘Buddescheißer‘, a cocktail of the local grappa brandy and peach liqueur.

Program offers

Map

Tourismus Region Wertheim GmbH
Gerbergasse 16
97877 Wertheim
+49 (0) 93 42 93 50 9-0
info@tourismus-wertheim.de