Würzburg celebrates its research and academic community
09/29/2026Würzburg epitomises the fascinating blend of tradition and innovation, history and the future. To mark the ‘125th anniversary of the Nobel Prize’, the city is inviting visitors to free themed guided tours on 3 October.
Wilhelm Conrad Röntgen’s discovery of X-rays in 1895 and his being awarded the first Nobel Prize in Physics in 1901 are closely linked to Würzburg. Today, the city is a major centre for cutting-edge research, science and future technologies.
The current application for the ‘Excellence Strategy’ by the Julius-Maximilians-Universität Würzburg also underscores this positive development. On 2 October 2026, the Excellence Commission will decide on the inclusion of up to five additional centres of excellence as part of the Excellence Strategy.
A theme day on innovation and science
“Würzburg is already an excellent centre for science and research. With its application, the University of Würzburg has once again taken on this challenging competition – and this application alone demonstrates the outstanding quality and international standing of our research landscape,” says Lord Mayor Martin Heilig. “Regardless of the outcome, we want to come together the day after to celebrate what sets Würzburg apart as a centre of knowledge. After all, excellent research is an important part of our city’s identity and, at the same time, a key building block for its future.”
“With our theme day, we want to bring innovation and science to life right in the heart of the city and invite residents to become part of this dynamic development of our city,” says Åsa Petersson, Head of the Location Marketing Unit and initiator of the theme day.
Free guided tours – registration required
On Saturday 3 October, the city invites you to find out more about Würzburg’s research and knowledge landscape. From 10.00 am to 4.00 pm, free guided tours will set off from the Falkenhaus every hour on the hour.
The two-hour tours will be led by specially trained guides and will cover topics from science, research, business and urban development. The route includes a visit to the Röntgen Memorial and concludes with a stroll across the Old Main Bridge. For logistical reasons, the number of participants is limited. Places are allocated on a ‘first come, first served’ basis. Advance online booking is required.
