Merkendorf lies directly on the B 13 and is considered a gateway to the Franconian Lake District. A historic old town, its cabbage-growing tradition and marked trails around the town give the place a distinctive character. Visitors planning a stay can combine culture and history with hiking or cycling; seasonal events add further highlights.
Old Town, City Walls and Museum
The historic old town is enclosed by a city wall around 1,100 metres long, with three gates and eight towers. The late Gothic town hall also shapes the market square. The Protestant Lutheran Church of Our Lady was built in the last third of the 15th century. Together, the wall, gates, towers and late Gothic buildings give the townscape a distinctive historic character.
The Merkendorf Local History Museum is located on the first and second floors of the former tithe barn at Marktplatz 4. Its 310 square metres of exhibition space explore everyday life, homes and work in a small farming town of burghers. During a visit, guests can sit in an old schoolroom or shoemaker’s workshop and look at vintage toys. The museum visit thus focuses on everyday history and vivid insights rather than architecture alone. Next to the Steingruberhaus is a Baroque garden with a fountain, inviting visitors to linger.
Cabbage Tradition and Event Dates
Cabbage growing has been a tradition in Merkendorf since the 18th century. One annual event is the Krautfest, or Cabbage Festival: it takes place on the third Sunday in September in the Heglau district, around the Reuter cabbage farm. Check the current programme locally before your trip. Krautwoche, or Cabbage Week, also combines culinary specialities with a varied programme of events; check the current programme for this as well.
Hiking, Cycling and Courses
There are numerous marked hiking trails around Merkendorf. The Zweistädt hiking trail connects the historic small towns of Merkendorf and Wolframs-Eschenbach. Signposted routes for cycling also start from Merkendorf, including the Krautland Cycle Route, the Stork Cycle Route and the Carp Cycle Route. These offer different ways to explore the surrounding area on foot or by bike.
The Treffpunkt Stadtgraben adventure playground, with its sculpture trail, is an attraction for all ages. In August, the Merkendorf Summer Academy offers sculpture, painting and modelling courses. At the end of each course week, a vernissage is held on Friday at 6 pm, where the works created are presented. As the programme may change, check current course offerings and dates before travelling.
A Campsite Nearby
A campsite is located at the Weißbachmühle recreation centre, about 600 metres from Merkendorf. Its roughly 2,000-square-metre grassy area is separated from the bathing pond by trees. Electricity, water, and supply and disposal facilities are available. The site is suitable for children, families, youth groups and supervised group trips. It is therefore a separate accommodation option nearby, away from Merkendorf’s old town.
Another Perspective in the Wider Ansbach Destination
In the wider Ansbach destination, the Franconia Literary Trail is located in Wolframs-Eschenbach. This accessible circular route around the town fortifications is 2.2 kilometres long. Its 15 information panels cover authors from the Middle Ages to the present day whose works address Franconia. This subject differs from Merkendorf’s town history and cabbage tradition, adding another perspective on the cultural offerings in the wider Ansbach destination.
Discover more destinations: Wörnitz, Weidenbach, Aurach, Insingen, Röckingen, Triesdorf, Buch Am Wald, Flachslanden.
Go to the wider travel overview: Ansbach.
