From its sources in the Fichtelgebirge and the Franconian Alb, the Main winds its way through the low mountain ranges, thenfrom Bamberg to Aschaffenburg through the idyllic wine-growing regions of Franconia before flowing into the Rhine after passing the Hessian state border. The trip offers plenty of variety. In addition to theFrankfurt metropolis and numerous old princely residences such as Hanau or Würzburg, tranquil towns with a long wine-growing tradition, cosy taverns and hearty food await you.
The Main was already an important waterway for transporting goods for the Celts. The Romans established their camp Mogontiacum, today's Mainz, at its mouth into the Rhine.
Around the current-rich riverwith changing water levels In 1883, it was decided to build five dams between the estuary and Frankfurt. The expansion was continued. It was not until 1962 that work on the last section from Schweinfurt to Bamberg was completed. Since then, the Main34 Locks. By adding the Main-Danube Canal in 1992, it once again became a section of continuous inland waterwaysbetween the North Sea and the Black Sea. The river can also be travelled in stages. There is a lot to explore in just one long weekend.
There are marinas galore. Chartering is also possible. If you want to spend the night ashore, there are numerous campsites, guesthouses and hotels.
Almost at the mouth of the river, at km 1.2, you will find the Rhein-Main Bootscenter Winkel & Rehorst ( www.boote-winkel.de ) with slip ramp and crane. An ideal starting point for a quickin the harbour of Oppenheim to fill the tank on the Rhine, because the only petrol station on the Main is in Eibelstadt, otherwise only canister refuelling is possible. Soon the jetties of the Yacht Club Untermain in Raunheim come into view, but most of them will probably also pass Höchst andFrankfurt am Main as the first destination. The overnight stay in the modern Marina Westhafen ( www.marina-westhafen.eu ) should not be missed. To explore the metropolis with its enormous range of museums, entertainment and culinary diversity, a stopover of several days is advisable.
