Traversed by the Kuhbach River, Höchberg is a small Bavarian town to the west of Würzburg. It was first mentioned in the 8th century and by the 1600s, it was home to a large Jewish community. While the synagogue was destroyed in 1938 and transformed into a Protestant church, the town’s Jewish history is still celebrated through plaques and monuments.
Things to do in Hoechberg
A short drive from Höchberg is the Oberzell Nunnery, which features beautiful old buildings and a peaceful garden. It’s a popular destination for those seeking solitude and contemplation and plays host to courses and workshops throughout the year. Coincide your visit with a service to explore the exquisite church or see what’s growing in the lovingly tended kitchen garden.
Höchberg makes a good base for visiting the city of Würzburg, which is renowned for its Baroque and Rococo architecture. Marvel at the fresco by Tiepolo in the lavishly decorated Residenz, a UNESCO World Heritage-listed palace that dates back to the 18th century. Elevated views across Würzburg and the River Main can be enjoyed from the hilltop Marienberg Fortress.
If you drive in the other direction from Höchberg, you’ll arrive at the Ehemaliges Jagdschloss Mädelhofen. Intended as a prince-bishop’s hunting lodge, it was never completed and only its stone foundations remain today. During a helicopter flight in 1990, the site was rediscovered. Today, a series of information panels help to bring its storied past to life.
Getting around Hoechberg
Höchberg is around 15 minutes’ drive from Würzburg and just over an hour from Frankfurt Airport, which has flights to destinations across the globe. Buses connect to Höchberg and travel throughout the town, connecting most of its attractions. Renting a car is the most convenient way of getting around the area.