Discover Altenkunstadt: History and Kordigast

In Altenkunstadt, commemorative culture, local history and Kordigast, the local mountain, come together. The synagogue, historic sites in the district of Strössendorf and trails on Kordigast offer different ways to spend your time: explore cultural history, enjoy the outdoors or combine the two.

Synagogue and Castle History

The Altenkunstadt synagogue was built in 1726. Since 1993, the former synagogue has served as a memorial and place of remembrance, as well as a cultural venue for the municipality of Altenkunstadt. The building’s history and its role as a municipal memorial and cultural venue together define the site.

Strössendorf, a district of Altenkunstadt, has a long architectural history, with its castle at its heart. It was built in the 12th century and gradually transformed into the present-day palace over time. High above the Main, Strössendorf’s palace and church form a striking ensemble visible from far away, framed by tall trees. Here, the building’s historical development meets its prominent position above the river.

Kordigast: Summits, Trails and Fossils

Kordigast is the local mountain of the municipality of Altenkunstadt and has two summits: Großer Kordigast is 536 metres high, while Kleiner Kordigast is 538 metres high. This means the smaller of the two summits is actually higher. The mountain’s history also stretches far back: Kordigast is known to have been inhabited by Celts as early as the 5th century BC.

Family-friendly hiking trails follow the Schlauwienix nature trail to the Spielwienix adventure playground on Kordigast. Another opportunity to explore can be found next to the Waldfrieden car park: at a designated fossil-hunting spot, young geologists may, with a little luck, find fossils from the Jurassic period. Finding one is very much a lucky moment in the search.

Cycling Towards Altenkunstadt

A specific cycling route is also described: the Ziegenfeldertal Cycle Route runs from Hollfeld, connecting to the Hochweg Fränkische Schweiz, via Kleinziegenfeld and along the Weismain watercourse through the town of Weismain to the Altenkunstadt/Burgkunstadt area on the Main. Check current route conditions before setting off.

Culture and Basketry in Lichtenfels

Within the wider Lichtenfels destination, local history and basketry are distinct highlights. Lichtenfels Old Town has retained its typically Franconian character; the Bamberger Tor and Kronacher Tor gates are still standing, and parts of the old town wall remain visible. The Lichtenfels Korbmarkt takes place every year on the third weekend in September. Check the event dates for your planned visit.

The 14-kilometre Pfad der Flechtkultur (Basketry Trail) circular route connects Lichtenfels and Michelau along nature trails through the Main floodplains. Its 23 information panels cover the history and tradition of basket making, the basket industry and basket trading along the Upper Main. Near Oberwallenstadt, highlights along the route include a willow maze for children, a willow shell in the riverside swimming area, a woven tipi at the Ortswiesensee Oberwallenstadt and other woven art installations.

Choose the Right Search Location

When looking for accommodation, you can choose a location based on what you want to focus on: if you want the synagogue, Strössendorf and Kordigast to define your stay, start with Altenkunstadt. If the surviving town gates and the Basketry Trail are your priority, look to Lichtenfels.

Discover more destinations: Redwitz an der Rodach, Marktgraitz, Hochstadt am Main, Hochstadt-Marktzeuln, Ebensfeld, Burgkunstadt, Bad Staffelstein, Michelau In Oberfranken.

View the wider travel guide: Lichtenfels.