Esper Cave and the Felsensteig
100% of reviewers say this trail is moderate
7.6miLength
1,492ftElevation gain
4–4.5hrEstimated time
Loop
The hike starts in the middle of Gößweinstein (www.ferienzentrum-goessweinstein.de). You will walk over fields and meadows and over the Ludwigshöhe to Leutzdorf. The Esper cave can be found in the forest. The cave roof is partially collapsed. Several caves and cave entrances are located in an imposing rock formation, which is arranged in a semicircle. WATCH OUT! A cave entrance leads to the Klingloch, an approximately 13 m deep shaft, which is not secured! Walk through the forest to Burggaillenreuth and down to the Wiesent. The hiking trail leads you upstream along the Wiesent on shady paths and past the Sachsenmühle and Pfeffermühle. Look for a cozy rest area and eat the Vespers. Next you can tackle the ascent on the Frankenweg via the Felsensteig to Gößweinstein. At the end of the tour you should visit the Gößweinstein castle (www.burg-goessweinstein.de) and the basilica (www.ferienzentrumm-gössweinstein.de). Tip: In Gössweinstein there is also a miniature golf and PitPatanlage (www.minigolf-goessweinstein.de) and the Höhenschwimmbad (www.ferienzentrum-goessweinstein.de), which you should pay a visit to. In Pottenstein is the youth trail "Teufelshöhlenrunde".
This text has been translated.
Top sights
Burg Gößweinstein
Castle
Heinrichshöhle
Cave
Ölberggrotte
Cave
Kapuzinerhöhle
Cave
Basilika zur Heiligsten Dreifaltigkeit
Attraction
Gaillenreuth
Castle
Burg Gaillenreuth
Castle
Die Zinken oder Napoleonsfels
Cliff
Burggaillenreuther Quelle
Spring
Wickenstein
Cliff
Widderpumpe
Attraction
Bärenstein
Viewpoint
Emporwand
Cliff
Untere Gößweinsteiner Wände
Cliff
Schloßberg
Peak
Elisabethengrotte
Cave
Ludwigshöhe
Peak
Bärensteinwände - Small Dervils
Cliff
Höhle Wassergrotte
Cave
Top sights
Burg Gößweinstein
Castle
Heinrichshöhle
Cave
Ölberggrotte
Cave
Kapuzinerhöhle
Cave
Basilika zur Heiligsten Dreifaltigkeit
Attraction
Gaillenreuth
Castle
Burg Gaillenreuth
Castle
Die Zinken oder Napoleonsfels
Cliff
Burggaillenreuther Quelle
Spring
Wickenstein
Cliff
Widderpumpe
Attraction
Bärenstein
Viewpoint
Emporwand
Cliff
Untere Gößweinsteiner Wände
Cliff
Schloßberg
Peak
Elisabethengrotte
Cave
Ludwigshöhe
Peak
Bärensteinwände - Small Dervils
Cliff
Höhle Wassergrotte
Cave
Popular times
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Frequently asked questions
What’s helpful to know about this trail?
Check out this 7.6-mile loop trail near Gößweinstein, Bavaria. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 3 h 45 min to complete. This is a popular trail for hiking and trail running, but you can still enjoy some solitude during quieter times of day. The trail is open year-round and is beautiful to visit anytime.
What is the expected weather this week for Esper Cave and the Felsensteig?
Expected weather for Esper Cave and the Felsensteig for the next 5 days is:
- Sun, September 20 - 58 degrees/drizzle
- Mon, September 21 - 58 degrees/clear
- Tue, September 22 - 61 degrees/clear
- Wed, September 23 - 57 degrees/showers
- Thu, September 24 - 58 degrees/foggy
Where is Esper Cave and the Felsensteig located?
Esper Cave and the Felsensteig is a trail located in Franconian Switzerland-Franconian Jura Nature Park.
How hard is Esper Cave and the Felsensteig?
Esper Cave and the Felsensteig is considered a moderate hike that covers 7.6 mi, with an elevation gain of 1,492 ft. It takes about 4–4.5 hr to complete. Moderate trails often feature gradual climbs or obstacles like rocks or roots.
What is the elevation gain for Esper Cave and the Felsensteig?
Esper Cave and the Felsensteig is considered a moderate hike that covers 7.6 mi, with an elevation gain of 1,492 ft. It takes about 4–4.5 hr to complete. Moderate trails often feature gradual climbs or obstacles like rocks or roots.
Is Esper Cave and the Felsensteig a loop?
Esper Cave and the Felsensteig is a loop trail that covers 7.6 mi, with an elevation gain of 1,492 ft. It takes about 4–4.5 hr to complete. Loop trails have the same starting point and endpoint. You'll follow a single route without retracing your steps.
How long is Esper Cave and the Felsensteig?
Esper Cave and the Felsensteig is a loop trail that covers 7.6 mi, with an elevation gain of 1,492 ft. It takes about 4–4.5 hr to complete. Loop trails have the same starting point and endpoint. You'll follow a single route without retracing your steps.
Are dogs allowed on Esper Cave and the Felsensteig?
Dogs may be allowed on Esper Cave and the Felsensteig. Be sure to check regulations before heading out.
When is the best time of year to hike Esper Cave and the Felsensteig?
Esper Cave and the Felsensteig is open year-round and is beautiful to visit anytime.
How busy is Esper Cave and the Felsensteig?
According to trailgoers, Esper Cave and the Felsensteig is usually somewhat busy. Esper Cave and the Felsensteig is open year-round and is beautiful to visit anytime.
Are there scenic views at Esper Cave and the Felsensteig?
Yes, Bärenstein is located on Esper Cave and the Felsensteig.
Is there running at Esper Cave and the Felsensteig?
Yes, trailgoers have said that Esper Cave and the Felsensteig is good for running. This trail covers 7.6 mi, with an elevation gain of 1,492 ft.
Are there forests at Esper Cave and the Felsensteig?
Yes, Esper Cave and the Felsensteig is a forest trail in Franconian Switzerland-Franconian Jura Nature Park.
Are there wildflowers at Esper Cave and the Felsensteig?
Yes, trailgoers have reported a variety of wildflower types on Esper Cave and the Felsensteig, though the specific types can vary from month to month.
Is there wildlife at Esper Cave and the Felsensteig?
Yes, many trailgoers have spotted wildlife at Esper Cave and the Felsensteig in Franconian Switzerland-Franconian Jura Nature Park. Always observe wildlife from a safe distance.
Last updated on September 18, 2026 at 1:44 pm GMT+0