Best hard 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 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
Top trails
- 4.6 (67)·Hard·14.2 mi·Est. 8–9 hrThis 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...
- 4.5 (39)·Hard·10.2 mi·Est. 5–5.5 hrVaried 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 -...
- 4.7 (11)·Hard·13.9 mi·Est. 7.5–8.5 hrEndurance takes centre stage on this challenging circular tour through the heart of Franconian Switzerland. The route combines several steep ascents and descents and offers a comprehensive tour through the green Wiesenttal valley and its iconic limestone cliffs. A mixture of shady forest paths, meadow crossings and paved hiking trails that require a steady pace to cover all the metres in altitude can be expected. A particular highlight is the view of the Neideck castle ruins, a fortification...
- 4.9 (14)·Hard·9.6 mi·Est. 5–5.5 hrDiverse circular hike from Streitberg in Upper Franconia. The hike takes about 4 hours Highlights of the hike: - Neideck castle ruins and viewpoint - Trainmeuseler fountain - Shell spring water source - Rock formation Felsentor ----------------------------------------- Accessible by bus and train
- 4.6 (12)·Hard·9 mi·Est. 5–5.5 hrPopular circular trail in the Franconian Switzerland Nature Park. This strenuous, sometimes very steep path leads to over 30 natural caves (caves and stalactite caves). The rocks are limestone deposits from the ancient Jurassic Sea, similar to coral reefs. The path also leads past the "Petrus" rock tower. A visit to "heaven" is worthwhile here. The Hirschbach Tourist Association, 1975 of the "MSC Hirschbach," laid out the hiking trail and marked it throughout with the number 3 on a green...
- 4.4 (19)·Hard·9.8 mi·Est. 5–5.5 hrVaried hiking trail in the Franconian Switzerland-Frankenjura Nature Park, Bavaria. Over a length of 15 km, this route leads from Pottenstein - best known for its castle, which is one of the oldest castles in Franconian Switzerland - through the valley of the Puettlach. Again and again you come across interesting rock formations and caves on the way. On the Schlossberg near Hollenberg there are other impressive wall relicts: the ruins of the late medieval castle Hollenberg. Highlights of...
- 3.6 (6)·Hard·10.3 mi·Est. 5–5.5 hrPicturesque valleys and sleepy villages, caves and rock towers - all of this is available on this interesting circular route in Franconian Switzerland. Starting point: Tüchersfeld car park / bus stop Highlights: - Zeckenstein lookout point - Franconian Switzerland Museum - Old Linden tree natural monument - Kohlstein Castle - Passage cave Schlupflochfelsen, Rennerfels floor cave, Neumühlhöhle, Ludwigshöhle - Rabenstein Castle - Horse hole, Kühloch
- 4.7 (9)·Hard·10.5 mi·Est. 5–5.5 hrPopular circular hike from Forchheim in the Franconian Switzerland Nature Park - Franconian Jura. The hiking trail leads once around Forchheim Kellerwald and Rettern and offers great views from the Burgstall Retterner Kanzel and the Walberla lookout point. ------------------------------------------ Accessible by bus and train
- 4.9 (7)·Hard·26.4 miThe route profile of the Franconian Switzerland Marathon is relatively flat and runs entirely on the car-free B 470 through the heart of wild and romantic Franconian Switzerland - from Walberla to Neideck: First, the route heads from Ebermannstadt towards Forchheim to the first junction to Weilersbach. There you make the first turn and return to Ebermannstadt. After passing the 10km mats in Ebermannstadt, the runners follow the B 470 to the next turning point between Muggendorf and...
Visitor info
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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Activities
- Backpacking trails in Franconian Switzerland-Franconian Jura Nature Park
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Attractions
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Suitability
- Dog-friendly trails in Franconian Switzerland-Franconian Jura Nature Park
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