Discover Frankenwald: Trails, Nature and Culture

Frankenwald is a German upland region, nature park and historic area in northern Bavaria. It stretches from the Main River to the Green Belt along the former inner-German border. Rock formations and valleys, extensive trails, nature and places of remembrance define the region’s many facets. When choosing accommodation, consider whether hiking, cycling, nature or cultural history will be the main focus of your stay.

Landscape between Höllental and the Green Belt

Höllental is a gorge cut through diabase rock. It is three kilometres long and up to 170 metres deep. In 2019, it was designated a National Geotope. The Green Belt in Frankenwald Nature Park is recognised as a National Natural Monument. It provides a refuge for many rare plants and animals and is also an important part of the nationwide and European network of habitats.

The Prinz-Luitpold-Turm stands on Döbraberg. At just under 800 metres, the mountain is the highest point in Frankenwald Nature Park; from the tower, the view stretches far across Frankenwald. The cross-border Schieferland Geopark also explores how the landscape formed and its diversity. It was established in 2009 and designated a National Geopark in 2019. Geotrails, museums and information centres showcase the region’s geological diversity.

Hiking and cycling to suit your interests

Frankenwaldverein’s marked hiking trail network covers more than 4,500 kilometres and extends throughout the region. The 40 FrankenwaldSteigla trails offer another way to plan a hike: they range from 5 to 18 kilometres. This gives you a specific distance to consider when planning, rather than reducing all the hiking options to a single type of tour.

Mountain bikers can choose from routes across all difficulty levels. Cyclists on touring bikes will also find well-marked trails in the nature park, with inns and huts along the way as places to stop. The Obermain-Frankenwald-Tour crosses the rolling heights of Frankenwald and passes the sources of the Main. The region therefore offers different cycling options: routes for mountain bikers, trails for touring cyclists, and a tour that links the hill ranges with the sources of the Main.

Castles Trail, mining and rafting

The Burgenweg (Castles Trail) is a cultural and historical hiking route in Frankenwald. The western section between Mitwitz and Kronach passes the partially reconstructed prehistoric Heunischenburg. It is one of the oldest stone fortifications north of the Alps. The Friedrich-Wilhelm-Stollen near Lichtenberg offers a glimpse into another chapter of regional history, with an informative look at mining in Frankenwald. The Flößermuseum in Marktrodach brings the traditional trade of rafting to life.

You can also experience the history of the rafters on the Wilde Rodach: a raft trip gives visitors a brief glimpse into this historic profession. Trips run in summer; check the dates if you plan to take part in this seasonal activity. Traditions and history are also kept alive in Frankenwald today through numerous historic festivals and church fairs.

Weigh up the experiences you want when searching for accommodation

For hiking, the FrankenwaldSteigla trails, ranging from 5 to 18 kilometres, offer a useful point of comparison; for mountain biking, routes across all difficulty levels are available. Cultural and historical interests point to different activities, such as the Burgenweg, mining or rafting. Shape your search around the kind of trip you want, then decide which experiences to include in your daily plans.

Regional specialities

In Ludwigsstadt-Lauenstein, Frankenwald Confiserie Bauer makes handmade pralines and chocolate specialities from Frankenwald. The café serves homemade cakes to enjoy on site. Check the opening hours before your trip if you plan to visit.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Donau-Ries, Regen, Berchtesgadener Land, Chiemsee, Neumarkt In Der Oberpfalz, Oberpfälzer Wald, Dachau, Romantisches Franken

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