Best trail running trails in Franconian Switzerland-Franconian Jura Nature Park
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
Top trails
- 4.5 (101)·Moderate·6.9 km·Est. 2.5–3 hrAdventurous circular hiking trail in the Franconian Switzerland-Frankenjura Nature Park, Bavaria. Caves are to be discovered, and views are enjoyed on this popular circular route in Franconian Switzerland. Since the very well-marked path leads through some dark caves, a flashlight or a smartphone with a light function is recommended. An exhilarating hike for the whole family! There are rest stops in Muggendorf. Highlights of the hike: - Oswald Cave - Miracle Cave - Cave of jokes -...
- 4.7 (80)·Moderate·7.7 km·Est. 2–2.5 hrOfficial circular hiking trail near Pottenstein in Bavaria. The Pottenstein circular hiking trail, also known as the romantic tour, inspires with beautiful landscapes, idyll and tranquility. This route from Potterstein first leads along the Püttlach for almost 9 kilometers. The trail marker here is a red cross on a white background. Later it follows another trail marker, a blue vertical bar. The starting point, Pottenstein, is a state-approved climatic health resort. With Pottenstein Castle...
- 4.5 (81)·Moderate·12.6 km·Est. 4–4.5 hrFamily-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...
- 4.1 (41)·Moderate·13 km·Est. 3–3.5 hrVaried 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
- 4.2 (29)·Moderate·5 km·Est. 1.5–2 hrPopular hike in the Franconian Switzerland-Franconian Jura Nature Park, Bavaria. The Staffelberg, Bad Staffelstein's local mountain, can be seen from afar. The witness mountain is highly interesting from a geological point of view and was already inhabited around 5000 BC. Today, the 539 metre-high peak is a popular hiking and excursion destination. On the high plateau of the Staffelberg, you can stop for refreshments at the Staffelbergklause (closed on Mondays and Tuesdays). Highlights of...
- 4.5 (20)·Easy·2.7 km·Est. 0.5–1 hrPopular circular route in the Franconian Switzerland-Frankenjura Nature Park, Bavaria. This short walking route leads through the beautiful Sanspareil rock garden and is perfect for a walk with the whole family. The Sanspareil rock garden was built in the mid-18th century according to the ideas of Margrave Friedrich von Bayreuth and Margravine Wilhelmine von Bayreuth. The English landscape garden, which is under monument protection, contains a medieval castle complex, fascinating rock...
- 4.5 (21)·Easy·3.4 km·Est. 0.5–1 hrCharming trail in the Franconian Switzerland-Franconian Jura Nature Park, Bavaria. This beautiful hiking trail starts in Weißenohne at the railway station and leads to the source of the Lillach. The trail runs alongside the Lilach, mainly along shady forest paths. The hike takes approx. 2 hours. Highlights: - Lillach spring - Lillach sinter terraces - Former monastery mill - Monastery church of St Boniface
- 4.4 (20)·Moderate·8.4 km·Est. 2–2.5 hrPopular circular hike from Pottenstein in Franconian Switzerland. Duration: approx. 2 hours Highlights of the hike: - Hohe Warte viewpoint over Pottenstein - Pottenstein Castle - Sky ladder viewing tower - Pottenstein Devil's Cave - Schöngrundsee lake -------------------------------------------- Accessible by bus and train
- 4.5 (28)·Moderate·10.9 km·Est. 2.5–3 hrFamily-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
- 4.6 (13)·Moderate·4.5 km·Est. 1.5–2 hrPopular loop trail in the Franconian Switzerland-Franconian Jura Nature Park. A hike on this loop trail near Waischenfeld promises a lot of variety over a short distance. Right at the beginning there is a climb to overcome. However, the effort is immediately rewarded with great views from the "Wiesenttalblick" view point and a gigantic natural monument: the Riesenburg (Versturzhoehle), which was already visited by King Ludwig I. As the hike continues, you pass the pretty little towns of...
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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.
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best hiking trail for running in Franconian Switzerland-Franconian Jura Nature Park?
According to users from AllTrails.com, the best hiking trail for running in Franconian Switzerland-Franconian Jura Nature Park is Muggendorf Cave Trail, which has a 4.5 star rating from 101 reviews. This trail is 6.9 km long with an elevation gain of 343 m.
What is the longest running trail in Franconian Switzerland-Franconian Jura Nature Park?
According to AllTrails.com, the longest running trail in Franconian Switzerland-Franconian Jura Nature Park is LOWA Ultratrail Fraenkische Schweiz ULTRATRAIL 66km 2025/26. This trail is estimated to be 67.9 km long.
How many running trails are in Franconian Switzerland-Franconian Jura Nature Park?
There are 159 running trails in Franconian Switzerland-Franconian Jura Nature Park.These running trails have an average 4.2-star ratingfrom 910 AllTrails community reviews.
Which running trail has the most elevation gain in Franconian Switzerland-Franconian Jura Nature Park?
Jura.Ultra.Trail "Route 66" (FS*TRailissimo) has the most elevation gain for running trails with 2,676 m of total ascent. The park's runner-up is LOWA Ultratrail Fraenkische Schweiz ULTRATRAIL 66km 2025/26, which has 2,608 m of elevation gain.
Top nature parks
Activities
- Backpacking trails in Franconian Switzerland-Franconian Jura Nature Park
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- Mountain biking trails in Franconian Switzerland-Franconian Jura Nature Park
- Road biking trails in Franconian Switzerland-Franconian Jura Nature Park
- Rock climbing trails in Franconian Switzerland-Franconian Jura Nature Park
- Running trails in Franconian Switzerland-Franconian Jura Nature Park
- Scenic driving trails in Franconian Switzerland-Franconian Jura Nature Park
- Via ferrata trails in Franconian Switzerland-Franconian Jura Nature Park
- Walking trails in Franconian Switzerland-Franconian Jura Nature Park
Attractions
- Cave trails in Franconian Switzerland-Franconian Jura Nature Park
- City walks in Franconian Switzerland-Franconian Jura Nature Park
- Easy trails in Franconian Switzerland-Franconian Jura Nature Park
- Event trails in Franconian Switzerland-Franconian Jura Nature Park
- Forest trails in Franconian Switzerland-Franconian Jura Nature Park
- Hard trails in Franconian Switzerland-Franconian Jura Nature Park
- Lake trails in Franconian Switzerland-Franconian Jura Nature Park
- Long trails in Franconian Switzerland-Franconian Jura Nature Park
- Moderate trails in Franconian Switzerland-Franconian Jura Nature Park
- Pub walks in Franconian Switzerland-Franconian Jura Nature Park
- River trails in Franconian Switzerland-Franconian Jura Nature Park
- Short trails in Franconian Switzerland-Franconian Jura Nature Park
- Trails with historic sites in Franconian Switzerland-Franconian Jura Nature Park
- Trails with views in Franconian Switzerland-Franconian Jura Nature Park
- Waterfall trails in Franconian Switzerland-Franconian Jura Nature Park
- Wildflower trails in Franconian Switzerland-Franconian Jura Nature Park
- Wildlife trails in Franconian Switzerland-Franconian Jura Nature Park
Suitability
- Child-friendly trails in Franconian Switzerland-Franconian Jura Nature Park
- Dog-friendly trails in Franconian Switzerland-Franconian Jura Nature Park
- Partially paved trails in Franconian Switzerland-Franconian Jura Nature Park
- Paved trails in Franconian Switzerland-Franconian Jura Nature Park
- Trails for dogs on lead in Franconian Switzerland-Franconian Jura Nature Park
- Wheelchair-friendly trails in Franconian Switzerland-Franconian Jura Nature Park