Burgthann: Castle, Trails and Kirchweih Traditions
Accommodation in Burgthann
In Burgthann, the history of a medieval castle, a local history museum and trails through varied landscapes come together. Kirchweih customs and events also shape the local calendar. This gives you a range of options when planning your trip—from history and culture to outdoor activities.
The Castle and Local History Museum
Burgthann Castle was built in the 12th century by the Reichsministerialen, the Knights of Thann, on the Göckelsberg in Burgthann. The main castle measures 65 by 41 metres and comprises an east and a south wing. At its centre rises the 35-metre-high castle tower: these dimensions and building sections give the complex a clearly defined layout.
The castle houses the local history museum. It shows how people used to live, attend school and endure hard times. The craft workshops add to this glimpse of everyday life: visitors can see a shoemaker’s workshop, a tailor’s workshop and a small barber-surgeon’s room with the instruments of the last barber-surgeon in Burgthann-Oberferrieden. The castle thus brings together the history of its architecture and tangible insights into life and work in the past.
Trails and Landscape
The 85.7-kilometre Franconian Dune Trail passes through Burgthann as a circular route. Trail No. 050 is described by a series of places: it runs from Altdorf railway station via Prackenfels, GrĂĽnsberg and Burgthann to Ochenbruck-SĂĽd. The two routes can therefore be distinguished by the information provided: the Dune Trail is given as a loop with an overall distance, while the stops along Trail No. 050 help you follow its route.
The landscape within the municipality offers another focal point. The Schwarzach Valley combines deciduous and mixed forests with flowering meadows and valley floodplains crossed by the gently flowing Schwarzach. Along the Ludwig-Donau-Main Canal, also known as “The Old Canal” in Burgthann and the surrounding area, the towpaths are used for hiking, jogging, Nordic walking and cycling. The canal is considered both a romantic relic of the industrialisation era and an important local recreation area. The castle, valley floodplains and canal paths thus showcase different aspects of a stay in Burgthann.
Kirchweih and Events
Local traditions take place in several locations and at different times. The Kirchweih tradition in Burgthann and the districts of Grub, Schwarzenbach, Oberferrieden, Ezelsdorf, Unterferrieden and Mimberg includes live music and regional specialities, as well as bringing in and raising the Kirchweih tree and the dancing that follows. The Burgthann Kärwa usually begins on the penultimate weekend in June and opens the local Kirchweih season; exact dates vary from year to year.
The Eppelein Festival is also held at the castle every three years. The Burgserenade is organised in the castle courtyard by the Burgthann choir society every two years. Knowing the different schedules can help when planning your trip around an event. Be sure to check the exact dates in advance.
Burgthann and the NĂĽrnberger Land
In the wider destination of the NĂĽrnberger Land, more than 3,000 kilometres of excellently marked hiking trails and well-developed cycling routes offer varying levels of difficulty. The Franconian Dune Trail also passes through sandstone gorges, sand dunes and shady forests there. Burgthann can therefore be considered a specific local focus, while the NĂĽrnberger Land offers a wider selection of hiking and cycling routes.
Start by choosing the experiences that matter most for your trip.
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Back to the main travel overview: NĂĽrnberger Land.
