Things to See in Volkach: Old Town, Wine and History

Volkach lies at the heart of Franconia's largest contiguous wine-growing region. Around a quarter of all Franconian vineyards are cultivated along the Mainschleife. But the small town has much more to offer besides wine.

Old Town

The Renaissance Town Hall (Rathaus), built in 1544, stands on the market square with an open staircase and a half-timbered oriel. The tourist information office occupies the ground floor today. A few steps away stands the Schelfenhaus, a baroque townhouse from 1721. It was commissioned by Johann Georg Adam Schelf, Volkach's wealthiest citizen and a wine merchant. Today the building houses the town library and the Academy for Children's and Young Adult Literature (Akademie für Kinder- und Jugendliteratur).

The Town Tower (Stadtturm) from the 13th century, also known as the Thieves' Tower (Diebenturm), shapes the town's skyline together with the church tower. Original prison cells are still preserved inside.

Baroque Barn Museum (Museum Barockscheune)

The town museum, housed in a baroque barn, displays Volkach's history across three floors. On the first upper floor you will find a large wooden town model and the Volkacher Salbuch. In the cellar, the original cooper's workshop by Würzburg artist Heinz Schiestl, archaeological finds and a collection of Franconian traditional costumes. Six interactive stations are available for children.

Open Friday 2 pm to 5 pm, Saturday, Sunday and public holidays 11 am to 5 pm. Closed in winter until Easter.

The Vogelsburg

High above the Mainschleife, roughly 70 metres above the Main, sits the Vogelsburg. First documented in 874 as a royal estate of the Carolingians. In 1282 the Carmelites took over the site as a monastery. Since 1957 it has been run by Augustinian nuns. The viewpoint offers what is probably the best panoramic view over the entire Mainschleife, the Wine Island (Weininsel) and the famous Escherndorfer Lump vineyard. The restaurant serves Franconian cuisine and wines.

Franconian Wine Festival (Fränkisches Weinfest)

The Franconian Wine Festival Volkach (Fränkisches Weinfest Volkach) is the largest wine festival in the Franconia wine region. It has been held annually on the second weekend in August since 1949, spanning four days. 50,000 to 60,000 visitors, more than 120 Franconian wines, around 7,000 seats. In 2026 the 76th Franconian Wine Festival takes place from 14 to 18 August.

Boat Trips on the Main

The MS Undine departs from Volkach's Main river pier for round trips along the Mainschleife. About 90 minutes past vineyards and wine villages. Adults 17 euros, children 9 euros.

If you prefer to navigate yourself: the Nordheim–Escherndorf ferry carries pedestrians and cyclists to the opposite bank. It operates year-round, in summer from 6 am to 8 pm.

And Then Back to the Hotel

Volkach is easy to explore on foot. From our hotel it is only a few minutes' walk to the old town. If you want to wind down, the wellness area offers a pool and sauna. Or enjoy a glass of Silvaner in the Vinothek.

---

This article is part of our Mainschleife Guide with all the tips for your stay along the Mainschleife.