Aschaffenburg is a city of contrasts. Located in northern Bavaria, it is often referred to as the 'Bavarian Nice' due to its mild climate and Mediterranean-inspired flair.
Visitors can explore a mix of historic places, quiet natural spaces and urban convenience.
The city's identity is shaped by its location on the banks of the River Main. This provides scenic backdrops for many of its attractions, from royal palaces to peaceful parks.
Aschaffenburg's charm lies in its balance: the grandeur of its Renaissance castle contrasts with its compact, walkable old town.
View over Aschaffenburg
Aschaffenburg is located in northern Bavaria, on the western edge of the state near the border with Hesse. The city lies on the River Main, a major waterway that winds through southern Germany.
Its central location makes it an easy starting point for exploring the surrounding area. is Frankfurt, one of Germany's largest cities and an important international hub is just over 40 kilometres to the west.
This proximity to Frankfurt is significant; it allows Aschaffenburg to retain a small-town feel while offering visitors quick access to the amenities of a global city.
Würzburg, another historic city known for its baroque architecture and wine-making traditions is situated to the south-east. Beyond Würzburg is the Romantic Road, a famous tourist route featuring picturesque landscapes, medieval towns and fairytale castles.
Geographically, Aschaffenburg is in the Spessart region, an area known for its forests and rolling hills. This environment shapes much of the city's character and provides ample opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking and cycling.
The wide bends of the River Main run through the city, adding not only scenic beauty but also practical transport links, as boat trips and river paths connect Aschaffenburg with neighbouring towns.
Frankfurt Airport is by far the largest and most convenient international airport for those travelling to Aschaffenburg.
Distance to Frankfurt Airport: 44km
Distance to Nuremberg Airport: 182km
Distance to Stuttgart Airport: 193km
Stuttgart Airport is another larger destination for flights from around the world, while Nuremberg Airport is a smaller regional option.
The train station in Aschaffenburg is a short walk to the north of Johannisburg Castle. Aschaffenburg lies on the busy high-speed rail link between the Ruhr area, Frankfurt and Munich.
The A3 motorway passes just to the north of Aschaffenburg. The motorway links the city to Frankfurt to the west and Würzburg to the south-east. The B26 runs west from Aschaffenburg towards Darmstadt, and it connects with the B469 heading south. The B26 on the other side of the city runs almost directly east to connect with some more of the Main river towns when the river turns back to the north.
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The town of Aschaffenburg has a long and varied history that dates back to ancient times. Its fertile land and proximity to the River Main made the area attractive to settle.
Archaeological evidence suggests that Celtic tribes lived here before the Roman Empire expanded into the area. Under Roman rule, a small settlement called Ascapha developed as an outpost on important trade routes.
Aschaffenburg came under Frankish control in the 8th century and began to grow in importance.
The town's real historical rise began in the 10th century when it became part of the Archbishopric of Mainz, one of the most powerful ecclesiastical states in the Holy Roman Empire. Aschaffenburg served as a secondary residence for the archbishops, who turned the town into an administrative and cultural centre.
This influence is still evident in the town's most famous landmark, Johannisburg Palace, which was commissioned by Archbishop-Elector Johann Schweikhard von Kronberg in the early 17th century.
The Johannisburg palace on the banks of the River Main
Aschaffenburg suffered greatly during the Thirty Years' War (1618-1648). The town was plundered several times and the population was hard hit. However, it recovered in the following centuries and became increasingly important thanks to its location on the River Main.
Aschaffenburg became part of the Kingdom of Bavaria in 1814, a turning point in its government and cultural direction. The Industrial Revolution brought significant economic changes to Aschaffenburg. Railways were built and industries such as paper, textiles and engineering flourished.
The city's strategic location also made it a target during World War II, resulting in heavy bombing that destroyed much of the historic centre, including parts of Johannisburg Castle. Post-war reconstruction efforts restored many of these landmarks, preserving the city's connection to its storied past.
Aschaffenburg's crown jewel is Schloss Johannisburg, a magnificent Renaissance palace dominating the skyline.
The castle, built of red sandstone between 1605 and 1614, was the former residence of the prince-bishops of Mainz. Today it houses several museums, including an extensive art gallery with German and Dutch paintings.
The castle grounds also provide stunning views of the River Main.
One of Aschaffenburg’s most curious attractions is the Pompejanum, a striking replica of an ancient Roman villa from Pompeii.
Built in the mid-19th century by King Ludwig I of Bavaria, the villa was intended as a tribute to classical culture and a source of inspiration for artists and architects. The interiors are decorated with colorful frescoes and mosaics, evoking a vivid sense of Roman domestic life.
The Pompejanum in Aschaffenburg
The surrounding gardens, filled with Mediterranean plants, create a tranquil setting overlooking the river.
This 10th century basilica is one of the oldest surviving buildings in Aschaffenburg.
Its Romanesque-Gothic architecture reflects centuries of change, and its treasure trove includes priceless artefacts such as medieval manuscripts and ecclesiastical relics.
The adjacent abbey museum displays exhibits explaining the religious and cultural history of the city.
Schönbusch Park is just outside the city centre. It was created in the late 18th century and is designed in the English landscape garden style, with rolling meadows, lakes, and winding pathways.
Visitors can stroll through the grounds or rent a small rowboat to explore the central pond. There's also a small palace in the park, which was historically used as a royal retreat and now serves as an event space.
Schönbusch Park in Aschaffenburg
For those looking to relax in the city itself, Schöntal Park is close to the old town. The park includes ponds, the overgrown ruins of a medieval monastery and plenty of shady benches. It's a great place to take a leisurely stroll before heading back to enjoy Aschaffenburg's cafes and shops.
The Aschaffenburg tourist office is located in the big open square right next to the Johannisburg palace. It is open all year round from Monday to Friday and with reduced hours on Saturdays.
Website: tourist-aschaffenburg.de