Küps: Castle History and Porcelain Tradition

Küps combines a rich castle history with a porcelain tradition that has shaped the town for more than 190 years. Three castles with distinct character, a 17.5-kilometre circular hike and traditional markets offer tangible ways to explore the town’s history. The Porcelain Route also passes through Küps, placing the local tradition on a route that extends as far as the Czech Republic. Architectural history, craftsmanship and hiking offer different focal points for planning your trip.

Castles with distinct character

The Middle or Old Castle is the oldest castle in Küps and was the first residence of the earliest local nobility, Wolfram von Chubece. It was built on a flat rocky plateau jutting out towards the Rodach; a moat protected the complex on the landward side. The bridge is also part of the site’s history of access: at first, the only way in was across a drawbridge, which was replaced in 1746/47 by a stone arched bridge decorated with a coat of arms.

The Rear or New Castle was built in its present form in 1730 by Sigmund Karl von Redwitz. The New Castle stands in the centre of Küps, above the Rodach valley. The Upper Castle has a different focal point: its main building was constructed in its present style around 1615 and is distinguished by striking runic half-timbering. The rocky plateau, valley setting and half-timbering provide different ways to explore Küps’s historic buildings.

The municipality of Küps is often called the “municipality of castles.” The Castle Circular Hiking Trail covers 17.5 kilometres, passing eight castles and their remains. The castles along the route are privately owned, so their interiors are not open to visitors. This distinction is important when planning your trip: the route brings together the area’s castles on a hike, rather than as a programme of interior visits.

Porcelain, markets and a route to the Czech Republic

Porcelain has shaped Küps for more than 190 years. The tradition is carried on, among others, by Lindner Porzellan, established in 1932, and by the Stumpf Porcelain Factory, which specialises in products for clubs and associations. Porcelain production thus adds another theme to the castle history when planning your trip.

Traditional markets are held several times a year around the town hall in Küps. If you plan to visit a market, check the dates in advance, as individual dates may change. The Porcelain Route also passes through Küps: it runs via Bayreuth and Bamberg to Küps and Kronach, then continues via Selb and Weiden in der Oberpfalz to Karlovy Vary and Ostrov in the Czech Republic. For travellers interested in porcelain, the route connects Küps with other places along its cross-border course.

Landscape in the Kronach district

The Kronach district also offers a scenic perspective for planning the rest of your trip. The larger northeastern part extends into the Franconian Forest, a densely wooded, gently rounded upland range with many valleys and elevations of around 500 to just over 700 metres. The remainder of the district lies in the northern part of the Upper Main Hills. This area descends southwest from the Franconian Forest to elevations of around 300 to 500 metres and features escarpments and terraces. Those wishing to compare landscapes in the Kronach district will find a contrast between wooded uplands and hill country.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Tschirn, Steinwiesen, Marktrodach, Stockheim in Upper Franconia, Kronach, Teuschnitz, Ludwigsstadt and Mitwitz.

Return to the main travel overview: Kronach.