Franconian Mountain Trail Stage 18: Aufseß - Waischenfeld

This route is the 18th stage of the Franconian Mountain Trail, a long-distance hiking trail in Bavaria; this section begins in Aufseß and ends in Waischenfeld. The trail leads from Aufseß, the “world-record-holding brewery village,” through the heart of Franconian Switzerland, following the romantic and winding Aufseß Valley. The route climbs from the valley floor up to the limestone plateau, passing impressive dolomite rock formations and historic sites such as the castles of Oberaufseß and Unteraufseß, before descending into the picturesque Wiesent Valley to Waischenfeld with its striking castle tower (Steinerner Beutel). Accommodations are available at traditional brewery inns, guesthouses, and hotels in Aufseß or Waischenfeld, as wild camping is strictly prohibited in the Franconian Switzerland-Veldensteiner Forest Nature Park. Water is reliably available in the stage towns, but a sufficient supply should be carried on the sections through the karst landscape and over the forest ridges. Both towns are connected to the regional bus network with connections to Bayreuth, Forchheim, or Ebermannstadt; schedules are available at vgn.de. The Franconian Mountain Trail is a 428-kilometer-long quality trail from Untereichenstein to Hersbruck, which is typically hiked in 21 to 22 stages.