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Best long trails in Franconian Switzerland-Franconian Jura Nature Park

Best long trails in Franconian Switzerland-Franconian Jura Nature Park

4.1(1,225 reviews)

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Bavaria
: 
#8 of 21 nature parks

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In the north of Bavaria, between the cities of Nuremberg, Bamberg and Bayreuth, lies the Franconian Switzerland - Franconian Jura Nature Park, which was known as the Franconian Switzerland - Veldensteiner Nature Park until 2018. With an area of 2346 km², it is the second largest nature park in the state after the Altmühltal Nature Park.

On marvellous hiking trails through romantic valley sections and wide Jura plateaus, you can relax and discover a lot - the region is not called the land of castles, caves, rocks and valleys for nothing. The show caves can be explored with an experienced cave guide. Canoeing, exploring museums or visiting castles and monasteries - the numerous information centres in the park will tell you all about what is possible.

Top sights

Glocke
Glocke
Cliff
Spitzer Turm
Spitzer Turm
Cliff
Predigtstuhl
Predigtstuhl
Cliff
Adamsfelsenhöhle
Adamsfelsenhöhle
Cave
Nasenwand
Nasenwand
Cliff
Vogelherdgrotte
Vogelherdgrotte
Cave

Top trails

  1. #1 - The Karstological Hiking Trail

    4.5 (81)·Moderate·12.6 km·Est. 4–4.5 hr
    Family-friendly circular route in Middle Franconia. The karst hiking trail near Neuhaus an der Pegnitz is an extraordinary hike that leads through an impressive karst landscape to grottos and caves, stone witnesses, sacrificial stones and the largest stalactite in Germany. The circular route starts and ends at Neuhaus railway station. The trail has many steep ascents and descents and sturdy footwear is recommended. Caution! Some of the markings are only recognisable at a late stage. The...

  2. #2 - Pommelsbrunn 1,000-Meter High-Altitude Trail

    4.6 (67)·Hard·22.9 km·Est. 8–9 hr
    This varied circular walk starts right in the village of Pommelsbrunn and winds its way through the hilly landscape of the Franconian Switzerland Nature Park. Two interconnected loops take you over several hills, including the Leitenberg and the Kreuzberg. Along the way, historic sights such as the ruins of Lichtenstein Castle and the Altes Haus castle site invite you to explore. The unspoilt paths lead through peaceful woodland and over rocky terrain to impressive rock formations. The...

  3. #3 - Cave Hike: Muggendorf Circular Route

    4.6 (69)·Moderate·12.4 km·Est. 4–4.5 hr
    Varied circular route in the Franconian Switzerland-Frankenjura Nature Park, Bavaria. This romantic hiking trail starts in Muggendorf, from where you first follow the hiking sign with the vertical red line. The first exciting highlight of this tour will soon be reached: The Oswald Cave, which is finally crossed completely (don't forget your flashlights!). It continues through the forest to the Zwecklesgraben, from where the path is marked with a yellow ring. In the further course of the...

  4. #4 - Pottenstein Circular Route

    4.5 (39)·Hard·16.4 km·Est. 5–5.5 hr
    Varied circular route in the Franconian Switzerland Nature Park from Pottenstein. The beautiful hiking route leads through forests, along small streams and over hills with interesting rock formations and caves, which are so often found in the Franconian Jura. With a bit of luck, game and other native animals can be spotted along the idyllic trail. The trail starts at the Weihersbachtal car park, which is subject to a charge. The "B470" bus stop is also nearby. Highlights: - Pottenstein...

  5. #5 - Esperhöhle Cave

    4.7 (27)·Moderate·10.9 km·Est. 3.5–4 hr
    Start: Tourist Information Gößweinstein, accessible by bus and train/parking nearby Highlights: - Pilgrimage basilica of the Holy Trinity in Gößweinstein - Esper cave - Gaillenreuth Castle with refreshment stops - Sachsenmühle beer garden directly on the river with a beautiful panorama - Historic Gößweinstein Castle

  6. #6 - Brauereienweg

    4.1 (41)·Moderate·13 km·Est. 3–3.5 hr
    Varied circular hiking trail from Aufseß in Franconian Switzerland. Four well-known breweries are visited on this beautiful circular route: Stadter Brewery, Reichold Brewery, Kathi-Bräu Brewery and Rothenbach Brewery. During the tour, you can enjoy the beautiful landscape of Franconian Switzerland. Highlights: - Unteraufseß Castle - Purchase of a brewery pass on completion of the hike ----------------------------- Accessible by bus and train

  7. #7 - Burgruine Neideck – Ruine Streitburg von Muggendorf

    4.7 (27)·Moderate·10 km·Est. 3–3.5 hr
    Popular, scenic hiking trail in Franconian Switzerland, Bavaria. From Muggendorf, the trail first leads to the Neideck ruins. From there, continue to the Binghöhle cave and the Schauertaler Turm viewpoint. On the way back, you make a detour to the Streitburg ruins and several viewpoints before passing the Kneipp facility in Muggendorf on the way back to the starting point. Highlights of the hike: - Neideck castle ruins - Wiesentbrücke bridge - Prince Rupprecht Pavilion - Schauertal Tower -...

  8. #8 - Rundwanderung Walberla

    4.6 (23)·Moderate·11.7 km·Est. 3.5–4 hr
    Family-friendly hike in Ehrenbürg near Wiesenthau, Bavaria. A wonderful circular hike around Ehrenbürg with moderate slopes and varied landscapes (forests, meadows, villages). From the Zeugenberg you have an unrivalled view of the lower Regnitz, Ehrenbach and Wiesenttal valleys. Highlights of the tour: - Ehrenbürg nature reserve - St Walpurgis - View of Leutenbach - Wiesentthal view

  9. #9 - Gößweinstein - Pottenstein - Schleife über Tüchersfeld

    4.2 (20)·Moderate·14.3 km·Est. 4–4.5 hr
    Varied circular hike from Pottenstein in the Franconian Switzerland - Franconian Jura Nature Park. This beautiful circular walk takes you from Pottenstein via the Kreuzkapelle chapel to Gößweinstein, where the basilica is well worth a visit. You return to the starting point via Tüchersfeld with its famous rock formations and the Franconian Switzerland Museum. ---------------------------------------------------- Accessible by bus and train

  10. #10 - Paradiestal

    4.5 (28)·Moderate·10.9 km·Est. 2.5–3 hr
    Family-friendly circular hike near Stadelhofen in Franconian Switzerland. This trail explores Franconian Switzerland. It starts at the car park near Stadelhofen, but you can also start at Treunitz. On the hike, you can see the various rock formations and landscapes, including the Nasenlöcherfelsen, the Blue Sea and the Wüstenstein. ------------------------------ Accessible by bus and train
Showing results 1–10 of 417
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Visitor info

Accessibility
Facilities

The information centre in the "Old Train Station" in Muggendorf, for example, is open daily from 8.30 am to 6 pm between April and October.

Activities

Attractions

Suitability

Points of interest