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Best trail running trails in Franconian Switzerland-Franconian Jura Nature Park

Best trail running trails in Franconian Switzerland-Franconian Jura Nature Park

4.2(910 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 - 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

  5. #5 - Rock Garden Sanspareil

    4.5 (20)·Easy·1.7 mi·Est. 0.5–1 hr
    Popular loop 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 formations and...

  6. #6 - Staffelberg Mountain

    4.2 (29)·Moderate·3.1 mi·Est. 1.5–2 hr
    Popular hike in the Franconian Switzerland-Frankenjura Nature Park, Bavaria. The Staffelberg, Bad Staffelstein's local mountain, can be seen from afar. The witness mountain is very interesting from a geological point of view and was already used for settlements around 5000 BC. Today the 539 m high summit is a popular hiking and excursion destination. On the high plateau of the Staffelberg there is the possibility to stop for refreshments at the Staffelbergklause (closed mondays and...

  7. #7 - Sinterstufen - Lillachquelle

    4.5 (21)·Easy·2.1 mi·Est. 0.5–1 hr
    Charming trail in the Franconian Switzerland-Frankenjura Nature Park, Bavaria. This beautiful hiking trail starts in Weißenohne at the train station and leads to the Lillachquelle. Along the Lilach, this path mainly takes you through shady forest paths. The hike takes about 2 hours. Highlights: - River source Lillachquelle - Lillach sinter terraces - Former monastery mill - Monastery Church of St. Boniface

  8. #8 - Von Pottenstein zur Teufelshöhle

    4.4 (20)·Moderate·5.2 mi·Est. 2–2.5 hr
    Popular circular hike from Pottenstein in Franconian Switzerland. Duration: approx. 2 hours Highlights of the hike: - Viewpoint Hohe Warte over Pottenstein - Pottenstein Castle - Himmelsleiter observation tower - Pottenstein Devil's Cave - Schöngrundsee -------------------------------------------- Accessible by bus and train

  9. #9 - Paradiestal

    4.5 (28)·Moderate·6.8 mi·Est. 2.5–3 hr
    Family-friendly circular hike near Stadelhofen in Franconian Switzerland. This path explores Franconian Switzerland. It starts at the parking lot at Stadelhofen, but you can also start at Treunitz. On the hike, one can see the various rock formations and landscapes, including the Nostril Rock, the Blue Sea, and the Desert Stone. ------------------------------ Accessible by bus and train

  10. #10 - Loop trail Riesenburg - Engelhardsberg - Schottersmuehle

    4.6 (13)·Moderate·2.8 mi·Est. 1.5–2 hr
    Popular 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 (collapse cave), which was already visited by King Ludwig I. As the hike continues, you pass the pretty little towns of...
Showing results 1–10 of 159
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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 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 4.3 mi long with an elevation gain of 1,125 ft.

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 42.2 mi 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 8,779 ft of total ascent. The park's runner-up is LOWA Ultratrail Fraenkische Schweiz ULTRATRAIL 66km 2025/26, which has 8,556 ft of elevation gain.

Activities

Attractions

Suitability

Points of interest