Districts of Würzburg
Würzburg is known for its rich history, cultural diversity and impressive architecture. For many young people, a new chapter in their lives begins here every year: their studies. One of the first challenges is finding accommodation and deciding where to live. To make the decision a little easier, we present a selection of Würzburg's districts.
But first a brief overview. Würzburg has 13 districts in total. You can see what they are called and where they are located on the map on the right. The districts marked in red are described in more detail in this PageFlow.
Altstadt (Old Town)
Fact Sheet:
Residents
Area
Proportion of the population aged 18 to 30
History
The old town of Würzburg is the historic centre of the city, consisting of eight areas: Äußere Pleich, Dom, Haug, Innere Pleich, Mainviertel, Neumünster, Peter and Rennweg. Founded in the 7th century, Würzburg was first mentioned in a document in 704. In the Middle Ages, the old town was an economic and social centre. Until the fortifications were removed in the middle of the 19th century, the town only comprised the areas within the Ringpark and the Mainviertel. During the Second World War, the old town was almost completely destroyed and then rebuilt. In 1972, the pedestrian zone was introduced, revitalising the city centre.
Sightseeing
Würzburg's Old Town impresses with its many historical sights and cultural highlights. The magnificent 18th century Residenz is an outstanding example of baroque architecture. St Kilian's Cathedral, one of the oldest church buildings in Germany, attracts visitors with its architecture. Another important landmark is the Old Main Bridge, which connects the centre of the old town with the Main district. Here, the view across the Main invites you to enjoy a "Brückenshoppen" under the eyes of the 12 bridge saints.
Activities
The historic centre of Würzburg offers a wealth of activities and cultural events all year round. In winter, the atmospheric Christmas market attracts visitors, while in summer the lively city festival and the Hafensommer ensure a good mood. A variety of wine festivals, such as the wine village, are highlights for wine lovers. Those interested in culture will find a varied programme at the Mainfranken Theater and in the museums. The Ringpark invites you to relax and linger in green surroundings, perfect for those seeking relaxation and nature lovers. The district offers a variety of party options for students, from cosy pubs and traditional wine taverns to trendy clubs and bars with something for every taste.
Life in the old town
Living in the historic city centre brings many advantages, but also challenges. The proximity to everything and the lively environment characterise the everyday life of student Theresa.
Theresa Ströbel, Student
Sanderau
Fact Sheet:
Residents
Area
Proportion of the population aged 18 to 30
History
Sanderau is the oldest district of Würzburg outside the former city walls and owes its name to the sandy Main floodplains on which it lies. Until its status as a fortress was abolished in the mid-19th century, Sanderau was mainly known for its horticulture and viticulture, as evidenced by street names such as Traubengasse and Weingartenstrasse. After the abolition, the population grew so rapidly that the parish could no longer cope with the increasing number of believers. As a result, in 1895 the construction of the Adalberokirche began, which still dominates the townscape of Sanderau today.
- Bild: Jan Speth (CC-BY-SA 4.0)
Studying in Sanderau
Sanderau is very popular among students. One reason for this is that with the Faculty of Economics at the Neue Universität and the canteen at the Studentenhaus are two absolute hotspots of student life in and around Sanderau. On the other hand, thanks to the good public transport connections, you can get anywhere in the city quickly from Sanderau. You can take the tram to the city centre or the bus to the central library.
Living in Sanderau
Hendrik is also a student at the University of Würzburg and has lived in Sanderau for over 6 years. In this interview, we asked him why he chose this district.
Hendrik Alfsmann, Student
Sanderrasen
The Sanderau offers a popular meeting place for sports and leisure with the Sanderrasen at the Exerzierplatz in front of the Adalberokirche. This public sports ground is used by many students for various ball games, especially in the summer months, but runners can also be seen regularly on the track. Interestingly, until 1924, the Sanderrasen was also the site of the Kiliani Festival, which is now held on the Talavera in the Zellerau district.
Zellerau
Fact Sheet:
Residents
Area
Proportion of the population aged 18 to 30
History
Zellerau, once characterised by agriculture, developed into an important business location in the 19th century as a result of industrialisation. The founding of the Würzburger Hofbräu brewery in 1643 and the construction of the barracks had a lasting impact on the district. From 1882, Zellerau became one of the largest military bases in the German Reich. After the Second World War, many of the barracks buildings were converted into residential and commercial premises, which contributed to the revitalisation of the district. Today, the district is a lively mix of historic buildings and modern residential neighbourhoods.
Places of interest
Zellerau is known for its diversity. One cultural highlight is the Siebold Museum, which is dedicated to the life of the Würzburg von Siebold family of doctors and the scientific discoverer of Japan, Philipp Franz von Siebold (1796 - 1866). A special monument in the district is the Neuner Denkmal, which commemorates the "Wrede" infantry regiment stationed here from 1849 to 1920 and its fallen soldiers. For beer lovers, the Würzburger Hofbräu is a must. This traditional brewery not only offers beer, but also an insight into the art of brewing and the history of Franconian beer.
Activities
In the Zellerau, there are numerous opportunities to organise your leisure time in an active and varied way. The Main meadows invite you to take leisurely walks, cycle tours or relaxed picnics on the banks of the river. The Talavera is a large square that provides space for numerous events and festivals, including the popular spring folk festival and the Kiliani festival. The many restaurants and cafés in the Zellerau offer culinary delights for every taste.
Frauenland
Fact Sheet:
Residents
Area
Proportion of the population aged 18 to 30
- Bild: Jan (CC-BY-SA 4.0)
History
Frauenland in the east of Würzburg got its name because it was originally used for farming by women's convents. This historical use led to the name ‘Frauenland’, which has been retained for the district to this day. Since the beginning of the 19th century, the district has been increasingly built on and expanded. Since the 1970s, the district has also been continuously expanded with the addition of the Julius-Maximilians-Universität campus areas Hubland-Süd and Hubland-Nord. Frauenland is now the most populous district and comprises the neighbourhoods of Frauenland, Hubland, Keesburg and Mönchberg.
Living in Frauenland
The Frauenland district in Würzburg is characterised by an exciting mix of historic old buildings and modern new buildings. Its proximity to the university at Hubland makes the neighbourhood particularly attractive for students and university members. Frauenland is also well connected to public transport, making it quick and easy to get to the city centre and other parts of the city. The location on the hill also offers a great view over Würzburg and its surroundings.
Activities & Highlights
- Many shopping facilities and restaurants
- Near to the university canteen at Hubland
- Area of the former state garden show with many open spaces
- Diverse sports facilities
Further highlights: Keesburg public observatory, various historic churches and monasteries, Wolfgang-Adami-Bad
The sports centre at Hubland offers a wide range of sports facilities for students