
Zum Riesen (The Giant), Miltenberg (must see)
The Giant is among Germany’s oldest guesthouses still in operation. Its first documented mention appears in 1411, when Conrad Trestram was noted as the innkeeper, though the building likely stands on earlier Gothic foundations. Over the centuries, it has undergone numerous reconstructions, renovations, and expansions, blending historical authenticity with enduring character.
The current visible structure dates from 1590, when the inn was reconstructed in a Renaissance half-timbered style under the direction of carpenter Jacob Stoer. Earlier, in 1589, the owner at the time, Jost Virnhaber, was granted 100 oak logs by the city council for renovation of the building. The timber framing, decorative woodwork, and the overall construction reflect the regional Renaissance craftsmanship.
It has played host to a surprising roster of famous visitors. Rulers, kings, emperors, military leaders, and artists have passed through its doors. Names include King Ludwig of Bavaria, Holy Roman Emperors such as Frederick Barbarossa and Karl IV, and more modern figures including Elvis Presley. The inn has also been known as a “royal inn”.
For today’s visitor, it continues to function as a hotel and tavern with a restaurant, where you can enjoy local Franconian fare and regional beer, often in settings that evoke its medieval and Renaissance past. It’s also notable for its preservation efforts: owners over the years have undertaken renovations in close coordination with historic-monument authorities, ensuring the half-timbered façades, interior decorations, and structural character remain intact.
The current visible structure dates from 1590, when the inn was reconstructed in a Renaissance half-timbered style under the direction of carpenter Jacob Stoer. Earlier, in 1589, the owner at the time, Jost Virnhaber, was granted 100 oak logs by the city council for renovation of the building. The timber framing, decorative woodwork, and the overall construction reflect the regional Renaissance craftsmanship.
It has played host to a surprising roster of famous visitors. Rulers, kings, emperors, military leaders, and artists have passed through its doors. Names include King Ludwig of Bavaria, Holy Roman Emperors such as Frederick Barbarossa and Karl IV, and more modern figures including Elvis Presley. The inn has also been known as a “royal inn”.
For today’s visitor, it continues to function as a hotel and tavern with a restaurant, where you can enjoy local Franconian fare and regional beer, often in settings that evoke its medieval and Renaissance past. It’s also notable for its preservation efforts: owners over the years have undertaken renovations in close coordination with historic-monument authorities, ensuring the half-timbered façades, interior decorations, and structural character remain intact.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Miltenberg. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "911: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
Zum Riesen (The Giant) on Map
Sight Name: Zum Riesen (The Giant)
Sight Location: Miltenberg, Germany (See walking tours in Miltenberg)
Sight Type: Food/Drink
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Miltenberg, Germany (See walking tours in Miltenberg)
Sight Type: Food/Drink
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Miltenberg, Germany
Create Your Own Walk in Miltenberg
Creating your own self-guided walk in Miltenberg is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Miltenberg Introduction Walking Tour
Miltenberg, nestled along the banks of the Main River in Bavaria, is a picturesque town known for its half-timbered houses, medieval charm, and well-preserved old town. A walk through the historic Market Square (Alter Marktplatz), often called the “Schnatterloch,” reveals some of the town’s most iconic architecture, with centuries-old buildings creating a fairy-tale atmosphere. Another... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.7 Km or 1.1 Miles
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.7 Km or 1.1 Miles