Top Sighs in Forchheim, Germany Pfalz and Archeological Museum, Medieval Wall Paintings, and Old Town

Traces of Celtic settlements dating back to 500 BC have been found in the Fränkische Schweiz (Franconian Switzerland) region but Forchheim entered modern history after Frankish tribes arrived in the area during the 8th century. In 805, Charlemagne stopped over while on his Bohemian expedition.

A Kaiserspfalz (Imperial palace) was erected and several imperial visits as well as Reichstage (parliaments) took place in Forchheim during the early years of the empire. From 1007 until secularization in 1803, Forchheim was part of the Bishopric of Bamberg.

The Election of Konrad I

The most momentous Reichstag in Forchheim was in 911 when Konrad I (911-918) was elected the first German king. The principle of elected monarch was applied. Although most kings managed to get their sons elected as successors, up to the end of the Holy Roman Empire of the German Nation in 1806, all German kings were formally elected.

Konrad’s reign was largely unsuccessful but he redeemed himself on his deathbed by advising that his chief protagonist Heinrich, duke of Saxony, be elected to succeed him rather than his own brother. Heinrich and his three successors named Otto succeeded in establishing what would be known later as the Holy Roman Empire.

Little hints of the lovely old town center of Forchheim when you approach by autobahn via its rather drab industrial outskirts. Similarly, it is a 10-minute walk from the station before the old town reveals its beauty.

The top site in town is the Pfalzmuseum Forchheim (Palatinate Museum), Kapellenstraße 16, tel 09191-714-326. This local history museum is located in the so-called Kaiserpfalz (picture below left). It was long rumored that this bishop’s palace was built on the foundation of Charlemagne’s palace but modern researchers consider that highly improbable. Still, the building is an impressive sight. The building dates back to the 14th and 16th centuries. It has four wings and is entered via a bridge over part of a moat that formerly encircled the whole building. The main sight is wall drawings from the 14th century. These fell out of favor during the Baroque and were covered until a chance rediscovery in the 19th century. These are amongst the oldest and most important wall painting in southern Germany. The building further houses the local history and traditional dress museums.

The largest part of the Kaiserpfalz building is used by the Archäologie-Museum Oberfranken (Archeological Museum Upper Franconia). The emphasis is on pre and early history of the Fränkische Schweiz. Opening hours are May to October from Tuesday to Sunday from 10 am to 5 pm: November to April on Wednesday and Thursday from 10 am to 1 pm and Sunday from 1 to 5 pm. Admission is €3.

The most beautiful part of Forchheim is at the Rathausplatz where several buildings kept their historical appearance. The Forchheimer Rathaus (Town Hall) (picture above right) dates partly from 1402. Note the small statue of the man baring his bottom to potential attackers – typical medieval humor. The other half-timbered buildings on the square are mostly 16th century.

The St Martinskirche (St Martin’s) is dedicated to St Martin of Tours, the patron saint of the Franks (and Germany). Small parts of the church dates from the 9th century but most of it is 14th century. The interior is mostly restrained Baroque but some Late Gothic art works can still be seen.

Forchheim was a fortress of the Bamberg bishopric and large sections of the defensive walls are integrated into the city park. The sections close to the Pfalzmuseum with the Saltoturm (Tower) are particularly impressive.

Top Sights in Forchheim, Germany

Pfalz and Archeological Museum, Medieval Wall Paintings, and Old Town

Forchheim in the Fränkische Schweiz (Franconian Switzerland) in Germany has an old town with defensive walls and the Kaiserpfalz with museums and medieval wall paintings.