Best walking 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 (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...
- 4.8 (23)·Moderate·2.6 km·Est. 0.5–1 hrFamily-friendly hike through the Sackdillingen rock labyrinth This hike starts and ends at the Sackdilling hiking car park at Krottenseer Forst. Torches or headlamps are necessary for exploring the caves. The rocks in the Sackdilling rock labyrinth are reef rocks from the Jurassic period, around 150 million years ago. The impressive rock area is located in the Franconian Switzerland / Franconian Jura Nature Park. The rock labyrinth fascinates visitors with its dizzyingly high rock formations...
- 4.6 (23)·Moderate·3.2 km·Est. 1–1.5 hrFamily-friendly walk in Franconian Switzerland in the Nuremberg-Bamberg-Bayreuth city triangle. Rabenstein Castle is a popular excursion destination in the region. The natural paradise, enthroned on a high plateau above the Ailsbach valley, includes the historic castle with refreshment stops, a mystical stalactite cave, its own falconry and recurring events such as the popular medieval markets. --- Accessible by bus and train
- 4.7 (23)·Moderate·2.6 km·Est. 0.5–1 hrFamily-friendly circular route near Romansthal in Franconian Switzerland. This is the shortest route to the Staffelberg from Romansthal, the "Mountain of Franconia". On nice days, many people are out and about here. There is the Adelgundis Chapel and the Staffelbergklause on the summit. Highlights: - Beautiful views - Staffelbergklause - Adelgundis Chapel
- 4.5 (22)·Easy·6 km·Est. 1.5–2 hrFamily-friendly circular hiking trail in the Franconian Switzerland-Franconian Jura Nature Park, Bavaria. The Leidingshofer Tal nature reserve is a wild and romantic protected area between Heiligenstadt and Leidingshof in Franconian Switzerland. In addition to its unspoilt nature, the Leidingshofer Tal is known above all for its impressive Jura rock faces. There are fantastic views from the Veilbronn pavilion. Adventurous hikers can make a stopover at the Veilbronn high ropes...
- 4.0 (12)·Easy·2.9 km·Est. 0.5–1 hrPopular theme trail in Franconian Switzerland, Bavaria. This family-friendly circular hike takes you into the world of nine well-known Gößweinstein legends. The route is extremely varied; it takes you up the Kreuzberg, between gigantic rocks on a wonderful section of the Franconian Trail, past caves and up to Gößweinstein Castle. Highlights of the hike: - family-friendly - marvellous views of the Wiesenttal valley - Capuchin cave - Gößweinstein Castle
- 4.6 (5)·Easy·4 km·Est. 1–1.5 hrVaried city walk in Franconian Switzerland. From the car park at the cemetery, the route leads to the most important sights of Gößweinstein with several caves, viewpoints and historical highlights. Highlights: - Monastery church of St Mary - Kreuzberg viewpoint - Stations of the Cross - Elisabeth Cave - Gößweinstein Castle - Viewpoint Pavilion Wagnershöhe - War memorial ----------------------------------- Accessible by bus and train
- 4.8 (10)·Moderate·3.7 km·Est. 1–1.5 hrShort, idyllic circular tour in Egloffstein, Bavaria. This short loop leads through the Hundshaupten wildlife park and is fun for the whole family. There are car parks and a bus stop on site. More than 40 native and rare animal species can be found on approx. 40 hectares. Highlights of the tour: - View over the Hüllergraben valley & of Hundshaupten Castle - Native flora and fauna
- 5.0 (2)·Moderate·5.3 km·Est. 1.5–2 hrUnpaved car park after the railway bridge at the edge of the field. The Geiskirche Peilstein is a large cave near Neukirchen. With a height of up to 3.50 metres, it serves as a shelter for animals and people. In winter, the wide-open cave is very attractive due to the ice formations.
Visitor info
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
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Activities
- Backpacking trails in Franconian Switzerland-Franconian Jura Nature Park
- Bike touring trails in Franconian Switzerland-Franconian Jura Nature Park
- Bird watching trails in Franconian Switzerland-Franconian Jura Nature Park
- Camping trails in Franconian Switzerland-Franconian Jura Nature Park
- 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