Franconian Mountain Trail Stage 9: Fuchsmühl - Neusorg

• Partial Closure Weissenstein Castle: The trail leading up to the Weißenstein Castle ruins will remain closed until further notice. For safety reasons, it is not possible to climb up to the castle. For more information: https://naturpark-steinwald.de/ This route is stage 9 of the Fränkischer Gebirgsweg, a long-distance trail in Bavaria; this specific segment starts in Fuchsmühl and ends in Neusorg. The path leads from the pilgrimage town of Fuchsmühl into the heart of the Steinwald Nature Park, passing the impressive Hackelstein rock formation. The itinerary climbs toward the historic ruins of Weißenstein Castle and the Oberpfalzturm observation tower on the Platte summit, offering panoramic views of the Fichtel Mountains before descending through dense forests toward the railway town of Neusorg. Overnight stays are available in guesthouses and traditional inns in Fuchsmühl, Pullenreuth, or Neusorg, as wild camping is strictly prohibited throughout the Steinwald and Fichtelgebirge Nature Parks. Water is reliably available in the villages at each end, but a sufficient supply should be carried for the demanding climbs across the Steinwald ridge. Both trailheads are connected to the regional transport network, with a train station located in Neusorg; 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.