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Best river trails in Franconian Switzerland-Franconian Jura Nature Park

Best river trails in Franconian Switzerland-Franconian Jura Nature Park

4.1(1,412 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 - 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...

  2. #2 - 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...

  3. #3 - 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...

  4. #4 - 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 -...

  5. #5 - 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.

  6. #6 - 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

  7. #7 - 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

  8. #8 - Brauereienweg

    4.1 (41)·Moderate·8.1 mi·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. Meanwhile, 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

  9. #9 - Burgruine Neideck – Ruine Streitburg von Muggendorf

    4.7 (27)·Moderate·6.2 mi·Est. 3–3.5 hr
    Popular, panoramic hiking trail in Franconian Switzerland, Bavaria. The first stop are the Neideck ruins. From there on to the Bing cave and the lookout point Schauertaler Turm. On the way back, you make a detour to the Streitburg ruins and several viewpoints before you return to the starting point past the Muggendorf Kneipp facility. Highlights of the hike: - Neideck castle ruins - Wiesent Bridge - Prince Rupprecht Pavilion - Schauertal tower - Streitburg ruins - Muschelquelle

  10. #10 - Rabenstein Rundweg

    4.6 (23)·Moderate·2 mi·Est. 1–1.5 hr
    Family-friendly walk in Franconian Switzerland in the city triangle Nuremberg-Bamberg-Bayreuth. Rabenstein Castle is a popular 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
Showing results 1–10 of 394
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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 river trail to hike in Franconian Switzerland-Franconian Jura Nature Park?

According to users from AllTrails.com, the best river trail to hike in Franconian Switzerland-Franconian Jura Nature Park is Pottenstein Loop, which has a 4.7 star rating from 80 reviews. This trail is 4.8 mi long with an elevation gain of 715 ft.

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

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

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

There are 394 river trails in Franconian Switzerland-Franconian Jura Nature Park.These river trails have an average 4.1-star ratingfrom NaN AllTrails community reviews.

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

Frankenweg (Fernwanderweg) has the most elevation gain for river 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