Lower Franconia

Lower Franconia is an administrative district in northern Bavaria that stretches along the Main River and includes nine counties plus three independent cities. The territory lies between the Rhön hills in the west and the Steigerwald forest in the east, containing around three hundred municipalities with headquarters in Würzburg.

The area was originally called Untermainkreis and renamed in 1837 under King Ludwig I. The new name aimed to emphasize its connection to the Franconian cultural region and distinguish it from other Bavarian districts.

Locals often speak Mainfränkisch, a dialect with softer tones than southern Bavarian. Many villages celebrate their Franconian wine festivals wearing traditional costumes with green or red accents.

Most public offices are located in Würzburg, while smaller towns offer local contact points for everyday matters. Travelers can explore the area easily by regional trains or car, with roads and rail lines connecting the main towns.

The area contains over a thousand hectares of vineyards along the Main, making it Germany's second-largest wine region. Local vintners grow mainly Silvaner and Müller-Thurgau, two grape varieties deeply rooted in Franconian wine culture.

Location: Bavaria

Capital city: Würzburg

Elevation above the sea: 289 m

Shares border with: Upper Franconia, Middle Franconia, Stuttgart Government Region, Karlsruhe Government Region, Darmstadt Government Region, Kassel Government Region, Thuringia

Website: http://unterfranken.de

GPS coordinates: 50.02447,9.93190

Latest update: December 13, 2025 15:34