The Bauhofstadel at the Franconian Open-Air Museum in Bad Windsheim was built between 1441 and 1444. Its late-medieval roof structure spans an interior of around 360 square metres without supports. This combination of a historic building and a wide, unobstructed span makes the barn a tangible introduction to the history of construction. A tour of the Franconian Open-Air Museum takes you through 700 years of everyday life in Franconia; the Bauhofstadel represents one chapter in this long history.
Carp farming and everyday life in Franconia
In Neustadt an der Aisch, the focus shifts from architectural history to carp farming. The Aischgrund Carp Museum explores the more than 1,250-year tradition of this economic sector across ten rooms. The Aischgrund mirror carp is one of Neustadt’s local specialities. From September to April, it is served, among other ways, fried until crisp or poached in a seasoned broth—two preparations you can look out for on the menu.
When planning your culinary outings, it is worth distinguishing the season for carp dishes from the dates of the Carp Tasting Weeks. These take place every year from 1 September to 1 November at selected restaurants in the district. Check which establishments are currently participating before your trip. The Game Weeks also have their own place in the annual calendar: they take place every November and offer game meat prepared in various ways. Check the current programme in advance.
Brine, trails and different scales
Another highlight is the salt lake at the Franken-Therme in Bad Windsheim. It is fed with fully saturated brine, whose high salt concentration creates a unique floating experience. Alongside cultural history and regional specialities, wellness and brine are distinct themes to explore.
The district of Neustadt a.d.Aisch-Bad Windsheim is nestled between the Steigerwald and Frankenhöhe nature parks and is particularly well suited to exploring on foot or by bike. In Neustadt an der Aisch, the NeuStadtAktivWeg offers a way to find your bearings on a town-wide scale: this circular route, about two kilometres long, links numerous stops and attractions. A blue “n” marks the way; the route starts at the free car park at the fairground and motorhome parking area.
For longer cycling trips, there are routes on a different scale. The almost 100-kilometre long-distance cycle route “vom Main zur Zenn” (From the Main to the Zenn) crosses the district and connects Kitzingen with Fürth. The district-wide cycling network also offers themed loops for different abilities, from leisurely rides to more sporty cycling. The town-centre circular route and the long-distance cycle route serve different planning needs: one connects destinations within Neustadt, while the other travels across the district and beyond.
Castles and getting here
The striking buildings beyond the museums also contribute to the area’s appeal: Frankenberg Castle in Weigenheim and Hoheneck Castle in Ipsheim are among the district’s excursion destinations, particularly for their impressive appearance. They complement the insights into everyday life in Franconia with two distinctive castle and fortress complexes.
For train travel, Neustadt an der Aisch is a useful point of reference: it is a stop on the Würzburg–Nuremberg railway line and can be reached by bus, regional express and S-Bahn within the Greater Nuremberg Transport Association. Check current connections before departure. Within the district, NEA Mobil takes passengers to their chosen destination by prior booking. Find out about the service’s booking terms in advance.
Discover more destinations: Uffenheim, Neustadt An Der Aisch, Dietersheim, Burghaslach, Bad Windsheim, Ergersheim, Burgbernheim, Markt Erlbach, Ippesheim, Scheinfeld, Neuhof An Der Zenn, Uehlfeld, Simmershofen, Oberscheinfeld, Wilhelmsdorf, Weigenheim, Obernzenn, MĂĽnchsteinach, Markt Bibart, Langenfeld, Ipsheim, Gutenstetten, Emskirchen, Baudenbach, Gerhardshofen.
To the overview of destinations: Bavaria.
