Frankenweg stage 1: Blankenstein / Saale - Schwarzenbach am Wald
18miLength
3,576ftElevation gain
8.5–9.5hrEstimated time
Point to point
Natural route section in the Franconian Forest, Thuringia
The first section of the Frankenweg begins in the Franconian Forest. From the Wiedeturm observation tower you have a wonderful view over Blankenstein. Through the Höllental you pass the famous "Hirschsprung", a large deer sculpture on a rock. In the local nature reserve you can enjoy the wild and romantic atmosphere on the small bridges over the Selbitz. There are places to stop for a break.
Highlights:
- Wiedeturm observation tower
- "Höllental" with "Hirschsprung"
- Friedrich Wilhelm Stollen
This text has been translated.
Top sights
Hazel Hill
Peak
Blick zum Hirschsprung
Viewpoint
König David
Viewpoint
Höllental
Valley
Besucherbergwerk Friedrich-Wilhelm-Stollen
Attraction
Gesteinsfaltung
Cliff
Selbitz
River
Alter Steinbruch
Cliff
Wolfstein
Peak
Mannequin head
Peak
Weidenstein
Peak
Wasserturm
Attraction
Froschbachtal
Attraction
Popular times
When is the trail busiest?
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Frequently asked questions
What’s helpful to know about this trail?
Head out on this 18.0-mile point-to-point trail near Blankenstein, Thuringia. Generally considered a challenging route, it takes an average of 8 h 26 min to complete. This is a popular trail for backpacking and hiking, 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 Frankenweg stage 1: Blankenstein / Saale - Schwarzenbach am Wald?
Expected weather for Frankenweg stage 1: Blankenstein / Saale - Schwarzenbach am Wald for the next 5 days is:
- Sun, September 20 - 60 degrees/clear
- Mon, September 21 - 57 degrees/clear
- Tue, September 22 - 60 degrees/clear
- Wed, September 23 - 65 degrees/clear
- Thu, September 24 - 68 degrees/clear
Where is Frankenweg stage 1: Blankenstein / Saale - Schwarzenbach am Wald located?
Frankenweg stage 1: Blankenstein / Saale - Schwarzenbach am Wald is a trail located in Franconian Forest Nature Park.
How hard is Frankenweg stage 1: Blankenstein / Saale - Schwarzenbach am Wald?
Frankenweg stage 1: Blankenstein / Saale - Schwarzenbach am Wald is considered a hard hike that covers 18 mi, with an elevation gain of 3,576 ft. It takes about 8.5–9.5 hr to complete. Hard trails usually cover longer distances, and may have long or steep climbs or more difficult obstacles.
What is the elevation gain for Frankenweg stage 1: Blankenstein / Saale - Schwarzenbach am Wald?
Frankenweg stage 1: Blankenstein / Saale - Schwarzenbach am Wald is considered a hard hike that covers 18 mi, with an elevation gain of 3,576 ft. It takes about 8.5–9.5 hr to complete. Hard trails usually cover longer distances, and may have long or steep climbs or more difficult obstacles.
Is Frankenweg stage 1: Blankenstein / Saale - Schwarzenbach am Wald a point to point trail?
Frankenweg stage 1: Blankenstein / Saale - Schwarzenbach am Wald is a point to point trail that covers 18 mi, with an elevation gain of 3,576 ft. It takes about 8.5–9.5 hr to complete. Point-to-point routes have a different starting point and endpoint. The length of the trail refers to one-way travel on this route. Don't forget to plan for transportation when exploring point-to-point routes!
How long is Frankenweg stage 1: Blankenstein / Saale - Schwarzenbach am Wald?
Frankenweg stage 1: Blankenstein / Saale - Schwarzenbach am Wald is a point to point trail that covers 18 mi, with an elevation gain of 3,576 ft. It takes about 8.5–9.5 hr to complete. Point-to-point routes have a different starting point and endpoint. The length of the trail refers to one-way travel on this route. Don't forget to plan for transportation when exploring point-to-point routes!
Are dogs allowed on Frankenweg stage 1: Blankenstein / Saale - Schwarzenbach am Wald?
Dogs may be allowed on Frankenweg stage 1: Blankenstein / Saale - Schwarzenbach am Wald. Be sure to check regulations before heading out.
When is the best time of year to hike Frankenweg stage 1: Blankenstein / Saale - Schwarzenbach am Wald?
Frankenweg stage 1: Blankenstein / Saale - Schwarzenbach am Wald is open year-round and is beautiful to visit anytime.
How busy is Frankenweg stage 1: Blankenstein / Saale - Schwarzenbach am Wald?
According to trailgoers, Frankenweg stage 1: Blankenstein / Saale - Schwarzenbach am Wald is usually somewhat busy. Frankenweg stage 1: Blankenstein / Saale - Schwarzenbach am Wald is open year-round and is beautiful to visit anytime.
Are there scenic views at Frankenweg stage 1: Blankenstein / Saale - Schwarzenbach am Wald?
Yes, according to trailgoers, Frankenweg stage 1: Blankenstein / Saale - Schwarzenbach am Wald features multiple scenic viewpoints. Some of the viewpoints include Blick zum Hirschsprung and König David.
Are there rivers at Frankenweg stage 1: Blankenstein / Saale - Schwarzenbach am Wald?
Yes, Frankenweg stage 1: Blankenstein / Saale - Schwarzenbach am Wald is near Selbitz.
Is backpacking allowed at Frankenweg stage 1: Blankenstein / Saale - Schwarzenbach am Wald?
Backpacking is allowed on Frankenweg stage 1: Blankenstein / Saale - Schwarzenbach am Wald. Backpacking trails are typically longer and are often point-to-point trails. Camping accommodations vary, and can include campsites, dispersed camping, huts, or in-town accommodations. You should always double check if a permit is required.
Are there forests at Frankenweg stage 1: Blankenstein / Saale - Schwarzenbach am Wald?
Yes, Frankenweg stage 1: Blankenstein / Saale - Schwarzenbach am Wald is a forest trail in Franconian Forest Nature Park.
Are there wildflowers at Frankenweg stage 1: Blankenstein / Saale - Schwarzenbach am Wald?
Yes, trailgoers have reported a variety of wildflower types on Frankenweg stage 1: Blankenstein / Saale - Schwarzenbach am Wald, though the specific types can vary from month to month.
Last updated on September 12, 2026 at 12:13 am GMT+0