Franconian Mountain Trail Stage 21: Plech - Hersbruck

This route is stage 21 (the final stage) of the Fränkischer Gebirgsweg, a long-distance trail in Bavaria; this specific segment starts in Plech and ends in Hersbruck. The path leads from the gateway of the Veldenstein Forest through the scenic "Hersbrucker Schweiz," characterized by its rugged dolomite cliffs and expansive forest plateaus. The itinerary traverses the scenic Pegnitz Valley, passes through the historic town of Velden with its picturesque town hall, and climbs toward the Houbirg mountain—site of a prehistoric Celtic hillfort—before descending into the traditional town of Hersbruck. Overnight stays are available in hotels, traditional guesthouses, and specialized hikers' accommodations in Plech, Velden, or Hersbruck, as wild camping is strictly prohibited throughout the nature parks. Water is reliably available in the towns along the route, but a sufficient supply should be carried for the final climbs and forested ridges. Both trailheads are connected to the regional transport network, with Hersbruck serving as a major rail hub for the S-Bahn and regional trains to Nuremberg; schedules are available at vgn.de. The Fränkischer Gebirgsweg is a 428 km (266 miles) premium trail running from Untereichenstein to Hersbruck, typically completed in 21 to 22 stages.