Schweinfurt, Germany

Schweinfurt is a city in the administrative region of Lower Franconia, on the northwestern part of Bavaria, Germany. The city covers 36 sq km (14 sq mi) and has a population of 53,000 people (2012 estimate). It is situated on the right bank of the river Main, which is canalized in this area.

The history of Schweinfurt goes back to AD 790, though there is substantial evidence of settlements appearing in the area at least fifty years before that. A feud between the Earl of Henneberg with the Prince-Bishop of Würzburg led to its total destruction in 1250, following which it was rebuilt.

Rückert Memorial and Town Hall of Schweinfurt, Bavaria, Germany
Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Schweinfurt-017.jpg
Author: Dr Volkmar Rudolf


Schweinfurt embraced the Lutheran faith in the Protestant Reformation of 1542. The Second Margrave War (1554) caused it to be destroyed once again, and again rebuilt. Over the 17th and 18th centuries, it became predominantly Roman Catholic, with successive waves of Catholic migration into the town.

Schweinfurt became part of the Kingdom of Bavaria in 1814. During the Second World War, it was the site for the production of ball-bearings. This caused it to be bombed repeatedly by Allied forces, crippling its industrial capacity and at the cost of thousands in civilian casualties. After the war, the US military maintained a presence here.

Today Schweinfurt is a modern Bavarian town with an economy based on metal industry. It is still producing ball-bearings in vast quantities.

How to go to Schweinfurt

The nearest major city is Würzburg to the southwest. From Würzburg, take Autobahn 7 heading north till the Schweinfurt/Werneck Interchange (Kreuz), then continue east on Autobahn 70 to reach Schweinfurt.

Evangelical Lutheran Parish Church of St Johannis Schweinfurt
Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Schweinfurt_2011_001.JPG
Author: Tilman2007

Places of Interest in Schweinfurt

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