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Best forest trails in Franconian Switzerland-Franconian Jura Nature Park

Best forest trails in Franconian Switzerland-Franconian Jura Nature Park

4.1(2,386 reviews)

·

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 wonderful 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 points 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 - Muggendorf Cave Trail

    4.5 (101)·Moderate·4.3 mi·Est. 2.5–3 hr
    Adventurous loop hiking trail in the Franconian Switzerland-Frankenjura Nature Park, Bavaria. Caves are to be discovered, and views are enjoyed on this popular loop 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 - Rosenmüller...

  2. #2 - Pottenstein Loop

    4.7 (80)·Moderate·4.8 mi·Est. 2–2.5 hr
    Official loop 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...

  3. #3 - The Karstological Hiking Trail

    4.5 (81)·Moderate·7.8 mi·Est. 4–4.5 hr
    Family-friendly loop 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 loop starts and ends at Neuhaus railroad station. The trail has many steep ascents and descents and sturdy footwear is recommended. Caution! Some of the markings are only visible at a late stage. The trail is very muddy when it...

  4. #4 - Pommelsbrunn 1,000-Meter High-Altitude Trail

    4.6 (67)·Hard·14.2 mi·Est. 8–9 hr
    This varied loop trail starts right in the village of Pommelsbrunn and winds its way through the rolling landscape of the Franconian Switzerland Nature Park. Two interconnected loops lead 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 natural trails lead through quiet forest sections and over rocky terrain to impressive rock formations. The...

  5. #5 - Cave Hike: Muggendorf Loop

    4.6 (69)·Moderate·7.7 mi·Est. 4–4.5 hr
    Varied loop 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 will eventually be completely crossed (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...

  6. #6 - Pottenstein Loop

    4.5 (39)·Hard·10.2 mi·Est. 5–5.5 hr
    Varied loop 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 Castle -...

  7. #7 - Walberla

    4.6 (31)·Moderate·2.5 mi·Est. 1–1.5 hr
    Family-friendly circular hike in the Franconian Switzerland Nature Park near Wiesenthau. The scenic hiking route leads through the Ehrenbürg nature reserve, which consists of two individual mountains connected by a saddle. This picturesque tour takes you to both peaks, Walberla and Rodenstein, along the reconstruction of the Celtic ring wall, to the church of St. Walpurgis and past the hermit's cave. There are sections with steps along the way. Highlights of the route: - Church of St....

  8. #8 - Loop through the rock gorge

    4.6 (39)·Moderate·4.1 mi·Est. 2.5–3 hr
    There is a lot to discover on this circular hiking trail. It goes to the Bing cave, a stalactite cave that belongs to the "Jurassic Cave Adventure World". If you want, you can make a detour to the Wedenbach waterfall and the historic Streitburg in town. There is a Kneipp facility and always beautiful views of the landscape.

  9. #9 - Esperhöhle Cave

    4.7 (25)·Moderate·6.8 mi·Est. 3.5–4 hr
    Start: Tourist Information Gößweinstein, accessible by bus and train / parking spaces nearby Highlights: - Pilgrimage basilica for the Most Holy Trinity Gößweinstein - Esper cave - Gaillreuth Castle with refreshment stops - Sachsenmühle beer garden right on the river with a beautiful panorama - Historic Gößweinstein Castle

  10. #10 - Püttlach Loop

    4.6 (31)·Moderate·4.4 mi·Est. 2–2.5 hr
    Idyllic walk in Pottenstein, Bavaria. From the car park, the route leads through the beautiful and shady forest along the Püttlach. This route is located in the popular Franconian Switzerland - Veldensteiner Forst Nature Park. There is a car park right next to the forest café where the hike can be started. Highlights: - Püttlach valley - Püttlachtal Kneipp facility - Hydroelectric power station - Adam's Rock Cave - Small waterfalls
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Visitor info

Accessibility
Facilities

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

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Frequently asked questions

Where is the best forest trail to hike in Franconian Switzerland-Franconian Jura Nature Park?

According to users from AllTrails.com, the best forest trail to hike in Franconian Switzerland-Franconian Jura Nature Park is Muggendorf Cave Trail, which has a 4.5 star rating from 101 reviews. This trail is 4.3 mi long with an elevation gain of 1,125 ft.

What is the longest forest trail in Franconian Switzerland-Franconian Jura Nature Park?

According to AllTrails.com, the longest forest trail in Franconian Switzerland-Franconian Jura Nature Park is Frankenweg (Fernwanderweg). This trail is estimated to be 324.6 mi long.

How many forest trails are in Franconian Switzerland-Franconian Jura Nature Park?

There are 669 forest trails in Franconian Switzerland-Franconian Jura Nature Park.These forest trails have an average 4.1-star ratingfrom NaN AllTrails community reviews.

Which forest trail has the most elevation gain in Franconian Switzerland-Franconian Jura Nature Park?

Frankenweg (Fernwanderweg) has the most elevation gain for forest trails with 50,206 ft of total ascent. The park's runner-up is Franconian Mountain Trail, which has 38,776 ft of elevation gain.

Activities

Attractions

Suitability

Points of interest