On the way on the Route of Delights, one of the German guest routes
Are you interested in enjoyable travel and slow food travel? Then you should take the route of enjoyment in the border triangle Franken, Hessen and Baden look at. We were invited as travel bloggers on a press trip and discovered something delicious for all the senses. The tour of our press trip ran over a section from Bronnbach Monastery via Wertheim to Miltenberg (see map). Among other things, you will be on holiday in a wine region in Germany. The Route of Delights is one of the youngest holiday routes in Germany. It opens up a world full of pleasure for the eyes, ears, palate and nose. But it's not just wine and f that awaits youFranconian specialties. The route runs from Aschaffenburg in Bavaria along the Main via Miltenberg and Wertheim to Würzburg. In addition, the region on the Tauber as far as Auernhofen near Rothenburg ob der Tauber is part of it. The route thus includes great pleasure travel destinations.
Our first stage along the Route of Delights takes us through the Taubertal
The Taubertal between Bronnbach Monastery and Wertheim shows a beautiful mix of nature and viticulture. Vineyards stretch up the hills on both sides of the Tauber River. This landscape is strongly influenced by wine. Here and there there are paths through the vineyards, and in between you will find places where you can take a break and enjoy the view. These picnic areas are great because you can sit there and maybe try a glass of local wine. It's a great experience to just relax and let the area work its magic on you.
In short, the Taubertal is ideal for everyone who likes to be out in nature, wants to do a bit of hiking and is interested in local wine. It offers the perfect opportunity to enjoy the scenery while learning more about the region's wine tradition.
A walk through Wertheim am Main
We then explore Wertheim, a city characterized by its location at the confluence of the Tauber and the Main. Here the quiet atmosphere of the Tauber meets the lively hustle and bustle of the Main. We enjoy the silence on the banks of the Tauber. Here, along this river, time seems to slow down.
Just a few steps away, a completely different picture emerges on the Main. The lively hustle and bustle of the river cruise ships that dock here livens up the atmosphere. The banks of the Main pulsate with energy.
From the harbor on the Main we head towards the city center, with the Spire Tower, Wertheim's landmark, showing us the way. We soon reach the pedestrian zone, surrounded by picturesque half-timbered buildings. There we find a variety of small shops and cafés. The displays feature everything from traditional crafts to modern creations.
Historic cities and cuisine on the Main
Our journey on the Route of Pleasures along the Main then takes us to the Henneburg castle ruins, which proudly tower over the river. As we explore the ancient stones, we have a breathtaking view of the river. Nevertheless, we have the castle ruins to ourselves.
We continue along the river, where the Main follows us Miltenberg leads. The old town of Miltenberg finally welcomes us with its narrow streets and famous half-timbered houses. We stroll through the streets and are transported back to the times when the city was an important trading center.
Our journey then takes us to Bürgstadt. Here, on the banks of the Main, we feel the peace and serenity of the river. Wine and enjoyment play a big role in the town. But we also discover ancient chapels that are worth a visit.
Dinner in the vineyard along the route of delights
Gourmet tours in Germany for all the senses?
On our journey along the Route of Delights we learned, that pleasure is not just something for the palate and the stomach. Pleasure for the eyes is to have a particularly beautiful view in front of you. It is pleasure for the ears to listen to the silence in an old monastery. There are scents that convey well-being. The list of enjoyable experiences is long. But they all have one thing in common. Our senses emerge from the encounter with a general sense of well-being. That and more awaited us on our journey through Main, Tauber and Churfranken:
Pleasure for the Palate
Most people first think of “pleasure” as well-being for the palate. Of course we do too. The region around the Main and Tauber has such delights to offer in abundance. We got to know some of them on our trip along the route of delights.
Wine tasting on the steep slope of Satzenheim on the route of delights
As wine drinkers and friends of good food, we love experiences that bring us closer to wines and culinary delights, to winegrowers and cooks. On this trip we were fortunate enough to attend a wine tasting and dinner in the vineyard. Nowhere does wine taste better, than where it grows. The winery Alte Grafschaft in Kreuzwertheim has been growing wine for over 400 years. In the steep slope Satzenheim, which belongs to the winery, no machines can be used. The terraces are too steep. The wine in these locations is harvested by hand. You can taste that! The wine, which we taste with a beautiful view of Bronnbach Monastery, is extremely subtle. It reveals the influences of the microclimate that prevails on the steep slopes of Satzenheim.
Hotels, guest houses & inns in Lower Franconia *
Discover selected gourmet hotels and inns for connoisseurs along our tour on the Route of Pleasures. We got to know three of them ourselves on our travels in the region: the Gasthaus zur Krone, the Gasthof Zum Stern and the Landhotel Adler. If you click on the headings, you will receive further information about the accommodations and can then easily book them online:
Gasthaus zur Krone, Großheubach*
The Gasthaus zur Krone in Großheubach is a real treasure for lovers of Franconian cuisine. With a passion for regional products, the kitchen conjures up dishes that cleverly combine tradition and modernity. In addition to the exquisite selection of dishes, the inn also impresses with a carefully curated wine list that presents the best wines in the region. A visit here promises cozy hours in an authentic atmosphere.
Gasthof-Landmetzgerei Zum Stern, Rüdenau*
In picturesque Rüdenau, the Gasthof-Landmetzgerei Zum Stern invites you to a very special culinary experience. The combination of inn and in-house butcher shop guarantees fresh and high-quality meat dishes. Here, every bite becomes a homage to artisanal tradition, served in an environment that invites you to linger.
Adler Landhotel, Bürgstadt*
The Adler Landhotel in Bürgstadt represents a perfect symbiosis of elegance and rural charm. The cuisine impresses with creative compositions that focus on local ingredients and add flavor accents. Each room tells its own story with its individual design and offers modern comfort. The Adler Landhotel is an ideal choice for guests who value a personal touch as well as culinary highlights.
Helmstetter Winery, Bürgstadt*
Wine lovers and connoisseurs will get their money's worth at the Helmstetter winery in Bürgstadt. The winery combines traditional winemaking art with innovation, which is reflected in every glass. During wine tastings, guests can discover the variety and quality of the in-house wines. At the same time, they gain deep insights into the world of viticulture. An unforgettable experience for everyone who appreciates the fine wine.
Hotel-Restaurant Schwan, Wertheim*
Located directly on the banks of the Main, the Hotel-Restaurant Schwan in Wertheim welcomes its guests with open arms. The historical charm of the house combined with contemporary comfort creates a welcoming atmosphere. The cuisine is a paradise for gourmets who appreciate innovative interpretations of regional specialties. The terrace with a view of the Main also offers the perfect setting for enjoyable moments in a picturesque setting.
Map of our tour along the Route of Delights
Dinner in the vineyards of the Schlör winery on the route of delights
The gently undulating vineyards above the Bronnbach monastery, which belong to the Schlör winery, are completely different. Here we meet wine lovers for dinner on a warm midsummer evening. No car noise disturbs the silence in the vineyards. The only lights we see in the distance after dusk are the lamps in Bronnbach Monastery. Otherwise you only see forest and wine as far as the eye can see. Star chef Ralf Kronmüller (one Michelin star) serves us grilled specialties. There is also fresh bread and delicious, juicy olives from Sicily. Filippo Pizzo's family harvests these from their own olive groves. We taste one great wine after another. No wonder! Konrad Schlör's wines have been showered with awards for a long time. Today he is one of the best winemakers in Germany. An evening we won't soon forget!
A herbal menu in the Gasthaus zur Krone on the route of delights
The next evening, a herbal menu with regional specialties awaits us in the small town of Großheubach am Main. Cooking is done with ingredients from the region and from the family's own butcher's shop. The chef's wife, Sommelière Niki Restel, serves matching wines from the region. Our evening in Großheubach will be a real gourmet experience. Then we taste our way through Michael Mayer's delicious brandies. He burns them from extraordinary ingredients. Mayer's distillery “Destilleum” was born out of a hobby. He says that he started burning fruit brandies as a teenager. Today he distills everything from herbs to types of fruit to Chinese lemongrass and ginger. What comes out of it tastes delicious. We particularly like the fact that Michael Mayer is grounded despite the numerous prizes he has received. He is not interested in mass production. The quality of his products is much more important to him, and that is excellent.
Coffee Specialties in the Coffee Room in Wertheim
I love a cup of coffee in between. I leave everything behind and give myself a break to relax. Sipping a cup of coffee and pondering my thoughts helps me gather new ideas. Therefore my coffee breaks are sacred to me. The small standing café "Kaffeeraum" in Wertheim is such a place where I like to take a break. The aromas of great coffees flow towards me as soon as I enter the café. I just can't resist it. The coffee made from lupine takes some getting used to. This is produced at the Biolandhof Klein. It may taste vegan, but it's not mine. I prefer Arabica beans with their strong aroma.
Fragrances give pleasure to the nose on the route of pleasure
Pleasant smells and scents ensure well-being just as much as things that taste good. Such experiences can also be discovered on the Route of Delights:
A Perfume specially created for Wertheim
Two young ladies from Wertheim came up with something: Melanie Hemberger and Nadja Langguth run the "cream potty". It is a concept store in which women in particular should feel comfortable. In addition to high-quality women's fashion, there are tasty accessories, cosmetics, care and treatments. The two entrepreneurs crowned their small world of beautiful things with their own perfume: "From Wertheim with Love" they call their fragrance creations. A lovely and a bitter version appeals to both women and men.
Herbs smell and taste along the route of delights
A visit to the Churfranken herb garden at Erlenbach is pure delight, too. This is an ideal stop on a hike on the Franconian Red Wine Trail, which passes right by. On terraces you can taste and smell various types of herbs. They are available to anyone for use in their own kitchen. Everyone is allowed to pick herbs here. Have you ever smelled a fennel agastache? And did you know that there are different types of thyme? We learn that from a noted herb specialist. Herb book author Engelbert Kötter shows us, how herbs taste and smell during our dinner at the Gasthof zur Krone.
Pleasure for Eyes and Ears
Culture and history in Bronnbach Abbey on the route of delights
Our journey begins with a feast for the eyes and ears: the former Cistercian abbey of Bronnbach Monastery is located in the Tauber Valley. We spend the first night of our trip in the bursariat of the monastery. With its sparse furnishings, our room is reminiscent of monastic renunciation. All the more we enjoy the nocturnal silence that prevails in this monastic seclusion. On the other hand, the impressions left by the monastery itself are quite different: the Romanesque church with its richly decorated, baroque altars is impressive. The Gothic cloister is idyllic and inviting. The monastery also has a vinotheque in the former cellarium, where you can taste the wines.The Wertheim holiday region
Another eye-catcher is the view from the Spitzen Turm in Wertheim. From the top of this tower you have a great view of the Main, where there is a lot of boat traffic. There are river cruise ships, which regularly dock in Wertheim and release their passengers for a visit of the city. Most river passengers take the small train up to the castle ruins. We set off on a tour through the pretty old town of Wertheim.
History on the Henneburg
The next day our journey continues to the castle ruins of Henneburg. The former Staufer castle is no longer completely preserved. But a keep, the drawbridge and loopholes in its outer walls suggest, that it was once built for defense. However, when you read about the history of the castle, you quickly learn, that it was not really strategically important. Rather, it was left to decay. That's one of the reasons, why it's so well preserved today. Beautiful views of the Main and the surrounding area from the castle are worth the visit.
This is what you need for hiking on the Route of Pleasures
- With this packing list for hikers you will never forget anything on your hikes.
- Comfortable You need walking shoes for wide feetwhere you can walk well even on rough paths
- An backpack is definitely practical for everything you need on the go.
- Along the Walking there are often benches for one Picnic on the roadside.
- Hiking destinations in Franconia offer beautiful photo opportunities. Therefore, you should have yours Camera .
Franconias oldest Chapel in Bürgstadt
A pleasure for the eyes is the St. Martin's Chapel in Bürgstadt. Due to radiocarbon datings, it is known that the chapel was built in the 10th century. It is completely painted with picture cycles. In addition, the crucifixion group over the sanctuary originates from the school of Tilman Riemenschneider. We were very impressed by the little chapel. It is usually closed. If you want to visit it, you need to get the key in the nursery Kling, Martinsgasse 22.
Half-timbered Houses in Miltenberg
A highlight of the half-timbered architecture is the city of Miltenberg on the Main, which is also on the Route of Delights. With its well-preserved medieval cityscape, it is a special feast for the eyes.
Update: All providers at the You can download Route of Delights in .pdf format. Or you can get it from one of the participating businesses.
Do you want to discover the route of pleasure with a motorhome?
- Do you want to rent a mobile home? Then you will find information and a selection of booking options. Or would you rather stay in one instead? roof tent on the car? In addition, the overnight stay in camping tents is possible.
- Check our packing list for campers to see whether you have packed everything for your motorhome tour.
- Practical accessories for the mobile home you can also find here.
- A campsite on the Tauber between Bronnbach Abbey and Wertheim is Camping Forelle, Zum Ottersberg 14, 97877 Wertheim. Camping Maintal is located between Wertheim and Miltenberg, Schloßstraße 42, 97903 Collenberg. Both campsites are located directly on the rivers (Tauber or Main). Here you can have your meal in the evening in one Dutch Oven or on the portable grill or about the campfire prepare. You can also find Dutch oven accessories here.
- You want to know where you can in Germany and are looking for parking spaces and campsites? You can find information about this under this link.
- Why is a folding e-bike useful when camping?
Have you already been on the route of pleasure?
What culinary experiences have you experienced? What can you recommend to other travelers? For example, were there any experiences that you particularly enjoyed? Share your tips with us and our readers in the comments. You will appreciate it for your own trips along the Route of Delights, and we would also be happy to hear your recommendations.
Travel Tips to Savor for Franconia
- Click here and plan your tour on the Route of Pleasures with the App from Outdooractive*.
- Tips for a Wine Weekend - 5 Franconian wine villages on the Main
- More recommendations for Wine tours in Franconia
Travel Arrangements
Parking at the airport
Here you can reserve your parking space at the airport.
Arrival by plane, car and train
Arrival by plane, bus or train*. The nearest airport is Frankfurt. You can then continue your journey there by rental car. It is also possible to travel to Miltenberg by train.
Car Rentals:
Cheap car hire - book quickly and easily!
Accommodation on the route of the pleasures
Hotels and accommodation in Miltenberg and surroundings * For example, you can book through our partner booking.com. Also offers Wertheim different accommodations *.
What else is there to discover in Franconia?
- Tour through the Franconian wine country for connoisseurs and pleasure hikers
- How did the farmers once live in Franconia?
- Franconian cuisine tastes delicious
- 5 wine places for a wine weekend in the Main Valley
- Miltenberg, the half-timbered city on the Main
- Take a vacation on the Main in Miltenberg
- Ochsenfurt sights
- Wine hiking in Franconia
- Monastic gardens in Lower Austria
By the way: Further suggestions for Vacation in Germany by car You can find it here, for example. More Enjoyment travel tips you can also find here. Cities to Savor you can for example here. More beautiful cities in Germany is also available here. And when you Slow Travel Tips looking, then have a look here.
Do you know this?
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Source: own research on site. We would definitely like to thank Mainland Miltenberg – Churfranken eV and Tourismus Wertheim for inviting us to this trip. However, our opinion is unaffected by this. It will definitely remain our own.
Text: © Copyright Monika Fuchs and TravelWorldOnline
Photos: © Copyright Monika Fuchs as well TravelWorldOnline
Video: © Copyright Petar Fuchs and TravelWorldOnline
I had never heard of the "Route of Delights" either. But that all reads great - and I would also like to take a look at the St. Martins Chapel.
Dear Barbara,
yes, the route of pleasure is still quite new. If you like wine regions and good food, you've come to the right place. There is a lot to discover. The St. Martins chapel impressed us very much. It is an extraordinary church.
Best regards,
Monika
We don't live that far from Franconia, but I had never heard of the “Route of Delights”. Thank you for your article and inspiration, especially because I also like to drink wine and for us culinary delights and travel go hand in hand! :)
Hello Klaus,
This is probably also because the "Route of Delights" has only been around since the end of 2015. It is still in the early stages, but should be expanded as the other German holiday roads with signs, etc. So far there is a website and a fairly informative brochure that shows the way to the participating companies.
Have fun discovering
Monika
In some places that you visited, I was already and can only confirm how enjoyable it is there.
How does the Wertheimer perfume smell?
Hello Antje,
the Wertheimer perfume is available as rose fragrance and with a slightly tarter note for men. We both enjoyed it because they are very refreshing scents. Real summer scents!
Best regards,
Monika
It looks like an interesting tour. Vineyard, monastery garden, thyme - I can literally smell and taste everything here. And if it is still a "young" holiday street, there is a chance that the pleasure attractions are not yet overcrowded.
It's a route that lets a visitor look behind the scenes. We really liked it because it gave us the feeling that we really got to know the region. We not only saw the sights, but also met interesting people who gave us an insight into their work. A great experience.