Discover Höchstadt a.d.Aisch

Höchstadt a.d.Aisch combines historic buildings with a park on the Aisch and a regional carp tradition. Different eras meet in the townscape: St. George’s Parish Church, the castle and the town tower each tell their own chapter of local history. Engelgarten adds a green touch by the water.

Church, castle and town tower

St. George’s Parish Church is the oldest church in Höchstadt after the castle chapel of St. Nicholas. Its lower three tower levels date from the 12th and 13th centuries. The castle’s history also goes back a long way: the oldest part of the present building is the massive foundation of a tower at its northeast corner, dating from the early 13th century. The castle acquired its present appearance around 1714 under Bishop Lothar Franz von Schönborn.

The surviving town tower is a gate tower from the 14th century. It belongs to the second of a total of three town walls or fortification rings. The church, castle and tower make Höchstadt’s past visible in tangible buildings: anyone interested in architectural history will find different eras and functions in one place, rather than just a single historic building.

By the water: Engelgarten and activities

Engelgarten lies between the historic town wall and the Aisch. Seating areas, a large children’s play area and panoramic views across the Aisch floodplains define the park. There is also a fitness trail for families, children and seniors. Engelgarten therefore offers space for a break as well as opportunities to be active outdoors; its varied facilities appeal to different interests without requiring a set program.

Guided explorations are also available in Höchstadt. These include themed tours, night watchman tours, tours in historic costume and tours of the Kellerberg. The different formats offer a range of perspectives, from the town’s history to the Kellerberg. Public skating takes place at the ice rink on Mondays and Thursdays from 4:00 to 5:30 p.m. Since published season and skating times depend on the date, it is best to check the latest schedule before your visit.

Carp tradition and regional outings

In the wider Erlangen-Höchstadt destination, the Aischgründer Spiegelkarpfen is one of the regional specialties in Höchstadt a.d.Aisch. It comes from the surrounding Himmelsteiche fishponds, has protected geographical indication status and is served in various preparations. Its season runs from September to April, the months with an “R.” This provides a clear seasonal guide for anyone planning a culinary-focused trip.

Other examples in the wider Erlangen-Höchstadt destination show how nature and family interests can be combined in different ways. In Kalchreuth, a three-kilometer circular trail leads through cherry orchards; information boards cover cherries, the landscape and the town, while activity stations focus on nature. In Vestenbergsgreuth, FreizeitAktiv-Paradies offers a summer toboggan run and a mini-golf course.

The routes also vary in theme and distance: the Eisvogelweg near Höchstadt is a signposted, level circular trail of about 2.6 kilometers through the Franconian pond district. The Orchideenweg is about 2.2 kilometers long and is designed as a route for vehicles and pedestrians through a cultural landscape of reed-fringed ponds, wetlands, waterfowl and orchids such as the marsh helleborine. The Spix Museum in Höchstadt is housed in the birthplace of naturalist Johann Baptist Ritter von Spix. Interactive exhibits tell the story of his life and the house; a computer-controlled, light-animated rainforest diorama features animals with sound effects and is particularly recommended for children.

Choose the right location for your interests

If you would also like to visit different places and landscapes in the wider Erlangen-Höchstadt destination, include these preferred destinations when deciding where to stay. This way, your search reflects the experiences that are actually at the heart of your trip.

Discover more destinations: Hemhofen, Baiersdorf, Röttenbach, Erlangen, Herzogenaurach, Kalchreuth, Bubenreuth.

Back to the destination overview: Erlangen-Höchstadt.