Schweinfurth

Schweinfurt is a city in Lower Franconia in Bavaria, Germany. It is located on the River Main, about 20 kilometers (12 miles) west of Würzburg. Schweinfurt has a population of around 53,000 people.

The city's history dates back to the 8th century, with its first documented mention in 790. Schweinfurt was a free imperial city within the Holy Roman Empire for centuries. Its strategic location on the Main River made it an important trading center. The city experienced significant industrial development in the 19th and 20th centuries, particularly in ball bearing manufacturing. This led to Schweinfurt being a target during World War II, most notably the Schweinfurt-Regensburg raid in August 1943.

Today, Schweinfurt is an industrial and cultural center. Its economy is diverse, with strong sectors including mechanical engineering, automotive supply, and plastics processing. Notable companies have origins or significant operations in the city. The city offers several attractions, including the Schweinfurt Museum, which houses art and local history collections, and the Georg-Schäfer-Museum, known for its collection of German art. The historic market square, Marktplatz, is a central hub for the city. Schweinfurt is also a gateway to the Franconian Lake District.