Highlights of the Upper Main Valley - Coburg County (Oberes Maintal - Coburger Land)

Coburg

The Upper Franconian town of Coburg lies between the Upper Main Valley in the South and Thuringian Forest in the North, in Germany's Green Heart. Like no other town of only 42,000 residents, this former residence town offers an outstandingly rich heritage of art treasures and monuments; the quantity of Castles and Palaces rightfully locate Coburg on the „Castle Road“.

All this Coburg owes to the Dukes of the former Duchy of Saxony-Coburg and Gotha, who by matrimonial policy formed connections to almost every European dynasties. Important examples include the marriage of English Queen Victoria to her first-degree cousin, Prince Albert of Saxony-Coburg, first Belgian King Leopold I of Saxony-Coburg, and finally the marriage of Princess Sibylla of Saxony-Coburg to Swedish Crown Prince and later King Gustaf Adolf in Coburg, in 1932.

The Fortress of Coburg („Veste Coburg“) and its Collections

Extraordinary collections of armor and weaponry, some of them stemming from the old arsenal of the fortress; hunting weapons and equipment; valuable handicraft; the world's oldest preserved carriages; the large court parlor with its completely intact breeze oven; the Luther Parlor; paintings by Dürer, Cranach the Elder, and Grünewald; the room of unique hunting tarsias: All this makes a visit to the Fortress of Coburg a one-time experience. An audio guide in English or German helps you along; for the kids it comes in a special „ghost tour“ version. Guided tours focusing on certain themes can be arranged by request.

The Fortress of Coburg, also known as the „Franconian Crown“, with its mighty walls and towers rises high above the town. When the sky is clear, visitors can enjoy a formidable view: North to the mountain range „Lange Berge“ and the Thuringian Forest; East to the summits of the Franconian Forest; West to the Upper Rhoen; South-West to Hassberge; South and South-East to the mountain ranges of Steigerwald and Franconian Jura.

Welcome to Sesslach

The smallest town in Coburger Land is truly a treasure of first water. The medieval town center can justlybe called an architectural „Gesamtkunstwerk“ (synthesis of the arts). And not only the fact that the Sesslach citizens brew their own beer in the communal brewery proves that the locals like to celebrate: The numerous festivities such as the carnival procession, the "Altstadtfest" (historic town festival) in the historic center, Pentecost, and the Advent Market show the joyfulness of the local residents.

For Campers, Sesslach is the place to go in Coburger Land. About 100 mobile homes or caravans can use the clean camp site in the periphery.

Further Highlights of the Region

Lichtenfels – the German Town of Basket Making with its widely known Basket Market in September. The neighboring Michelau hosts Europe's only Basket Museum, displaying proof of the ancient as well as of the modern art of braiding.

To experience the Franconian way-of-life and architecture, a visit to Burgkunststadt, the town of half-timbered houses, is recommended. A main feature of this charming, small town are the shoe makers" museum and the market square with its town hall complex.

Weismain, below the mystical Kordigast, and Sesslach are typical Franconian small towns with unadulterated and picturesque medieval townscapes.

Also worth a visit is the „doll town“ Neustadt near Coburg. A sight of international reputation can be found in the Museum of German Toy Manufacturing. Lifelike Kings and Princes, but also simple farming and fishing women have done their part in enriching the collection that now features more than 1000 traditional costumes in doll sizes.