Natural monuments around Bütthard offer insights into the region's ecological diversity and natural beauty. This market town in Germany is situated in a landscape characterized by varied geological conditions, including Muschelkalk soil. The area features notable natural landmarks such as ancient trees and unique rock formations. These natural features provide habitats for diverse plant and insect species, making them points of interest for nature observation.
Last updated: June 24, 2026
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Spiritual places: Places of reflection and inner peace. Cultural treasures: Impressive architecture and often beautiful works of art.
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The existing bench makes it possible to take a lunch break there even on hot days.
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Kunigunde's linden tree "Thousand-year-old" Kunigunde's linden tree ♁⊙ on the west side of the churchyard Right next to the chapel stands the "Thousand-year-old" Kunigunde's linden tree, also named after the saint. According to the legend of the church's founding, it is the same tree in which Kunigunde's veil got caught and the little church was built under her. Since the historical Kunigunde died in 1033, this would confirm the linden tree's age of over 1000 years. The actual age of the tree is highly controversial, however, and very different information can be found in the literature. A dendrological determination of the age of the striking tree is not possible, since its trunk is completely hollow and the core of the trunk is missing. It is often assumed that the linden tree was planted at the same time as the chapel was built, which would make it at least 800 years old. The linden tree itself is a summer linden and a protected natural monument. Over the centuries of its life, its trunk has split into four parts and is completely hollow inside. The remaining remnants of the trunk shell are supported by massive iron rods. To prevent it from breaking apart under the weight of its own crown, a radical pruning is carried out approximately every 25 years - the Kunigundenlinde has been completely decapitated several times in recent decades during renovation work. https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kunigundenkapelle_(Burgerroth)
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After her canonization in 1200, Saint Kunigunde became one of the most popular saints, especially in Franconia. According to legend, the construction of the chapel in Burgerroth can be traced back to her. She had vowed to build three churches and wanted to leave the choice of building sites to divine providence. She let three veils fly from Bamberg Castle: wherever they were found, a church was to be built. One of the veils was carried by the wind to the Old Mountain, where it got caught in a linden tree that still stands there today. The little church was to serve as a parish church for both Burgerroth and the neighboring town of Buch, but the people of Buch felt that the location was too far away. They took the building materials to Buch on their own initiative, but the next day everything was back in its intended place. One carpenter is said to have even laid down on the stones in the evening and woke up on the stones on the Old Mountain the next morning. The people of Buch gave up their resistance and the chapel was built here. Kunigundenstein The saint is said to have prayed at a spot 150 m southeast of the chapel in the direction of Gollach and left her hand, knee and footprints there. https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kunigundenkapelle_(Burgerroth)
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The Kunigunde Chapel, which is dedicated to Kunigunde of Luxembourg, who was particularly revered in the region, was built around 1230 during the heyday of the Staufers. The probable builders are Heinrich von Hohenlohe and his son Konrad von Hohenlohe, who resided in the nearby Brauneck Castle. From 1608 to 1609, extensive repairs and reconstructions were carried out under Prince-Bishop Julius Echter von Mespelbrunn. This reconstruction was intended to consolidate the Counter-Reformation. A stone tablet from 1614 indicates this renovation. In the middle of the 18th century, during the Baroque period, the walls and ceiling were decorated with stucco. In 1762, the current main altar with a depiction of the Holy Family was donated by Thomas Klee from Buch. A final renovation took place around 1900. Regular services, however, only took place on Kunigunde Day (March 3) and on the third day of supplication. After the cemetery had not been used since 1945, the Kunigunden Chapel lost its importance. Excavations were carried out in the chapel from 1961 to 1962 and the subsequent thorough renovation restored it to its current state. https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kunigundenkapelle_(Burgerroth)
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The Kunigunden Chapel near the Auber district of Burgerroth is considered an important late Romanesque building. It was a pilgrimage church and place of worship for the villages of Buch, Burgerroth, Niedersteinach and Brauneck Castle. https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kunigundenkapelle_(Burgerroth)
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The Bütthard area is rich in diverse natural features. You can discover ancient trees, such as the approximately 1000-year-old lime tree at Kunigunden Chapel on the Altenberg, which is a natural monument itself. There are also unique rock formations like Kunigundenstein, a weathered shell limestone rock with historical legends. Additionally, the region features healing springs like Karl's Spring (Karlsquelle) – Bad Mergentheim, known for its mineral composition.
Yes, the Naturdenkmal Mühlberg near Bütthard is particularly notable for its rich biodiversity. This area, characterized by its south-facing slope and lean Muschelkalk soil, supports over 360 plant species, including rare pasqueflowers and various orchids like lizard orchid and military orchid. It also provides a vital habitat for numerous butterfly and insect species.
Several natural monuments in the area hold historical significance. The ancient lime tree at Kunigunden Chapel on the Altenberg is tied to local legends involving Empress Kunigunde. Similarly, Kunigundenstein is a rock formation where Saint Kunigunde is said to have knelt in prayer, leaving imprints. The healing spring, Karl's Spring (Karlsquelle) – Bad Mergentheim, also has a rich history, discovered in 1828 and forming the basis for Bad Mergentheim as a spa town.
Yes, several natural monuments are suitable for families. The Karl's Spring (Karlsquelle) – Bad Mergentheim and Wilhelmsquelle are located within the spa gardens, offering a pleasant environment for a family stroll. The Rose and Japanese Gardens in the Kurpark, Bad Mergentheim are also family-friendly and freely accessible.
The natural monuments around Bütthard, especially areas like Naturdenkmal Mühlberg with its heat-loving plants, are best visited during spring and summer. This allows you to witness the full bloom of diverse flora, including pasqueflowers and orchids, and observe the numerous butterfly and insect species that thrive in the warmer months.
Yes, the Kapellen- und Bildstockwanderweg (Chapel and Shrine Hiking Trail) of the Wittighausen municipality passes directly through the semi-arid grassland of Naturdenkmal Mühlberg, making it accessible for hikers. For more general hiking options, you can explore routes like the 'Gasthaus Zum Stern – Foxglove tree loop from Bütthard' or 'Historic Baptism Site – Lake Marstädter loop from Oesfeld' found in the Hiking around Bütthard guide.
Beyond visiting the monuments themselves, the Bütthard region offers various outdoor activities. You can enjoy hiking on trails like the 'Viereckschanze Stalldorf 1 – Stalldorf Rectangular Fort 1 loop from Simmringen' or 'Gasthaus Zum Stern – St. Peter and Paul Church loop from Bütthard'. For cycling enthusiasts, there are MTB trails and road cycling routes available, such as those in the MTB Trails around Bütthard guide and Road Cycling Routes around Bütthard guide.
Yes, the Rose and Japanese Gardens in the Kurpark, Bad Mergentheim and the Wilhelmsquelle are noted as wheelchair accessible, offering inclusive options for visitors to enjoy the natural beauty.
The Zwei Kapellenlinden (Two Chapel Lime Trees) are two lime trees designated as natural monuments within the district of Würzburg, where Bütthard is located. While specific details are not readily available, their designation suggests they are significant due to their age, size, or a historical association with a nearby chapel, making them notable natural landmarks in the region.
Visitors appreciate the unique combination of natural beauty and historical context. Many find the ancient lime tree at Kunigunden Chapel fascinating, especially being able to enter its hollow trunk. The legends associated with Kunigundenstein also captivate visitors. The beautifully landscaped spa gardens around the healing springs like Karl's Spring are also highly praised for their splendor and tranquility.
Yes, at Naturdenkmal Mühlberg, an information board is available to educate visitors about the local flora and fauna, highlighting the diverse plant species and the ecosystem of the area. This provides valuable insights into the unique biodiversity found there.


Extend your search for the best caves by checking out these guides of the top ones around Bütthard: