Franconian Switzerland: The 10 beautiful places for excursions
With a wealth of possibilities, Franconian Switzerland in Bavaria is a tempting destination. Adventure seekers will have fun in more than 1,000 caves, and there are over 100 castles, ruins, and palaces whose walls invite exploration. And let's not forget the mountainous landscape and untouched nature, which inspire hiking and climbing, among other activities.
As if all that weren't enough, you can also go on a bat tour, observe woolly pigs, or kiss on the Kissing Trail: Franconian Switzerland is so diverse that one trip alone isn't enough to explore this natural paradise and its numerous gems. We present our favorite destinations.
At the Teufelsloch, which locals like to call the gateway to the underworld, the path leads into the mountain. With a total length of 3,000 meters, the Teufelshöhle near Pottenstein is one of the largest caves in Franconian Switzerland. The underworld of the show cave features impressive cave rooms connected by narrow passageways. Things get exciting in the Bärenhöhle, where bone remains of cave bears and an impressive skeleton replica of one specimen can be admired. These animals lived here more than 30,000 years ago.
During a guided tour of the stalactite cave, visitors can also admire the enormous stalactite ornamentation that has been growing here for over two million years. The Barbarossa Hall, one of the cave's gigantic cavities, is particularly abundant.
Attention: Even in summer you should definitely take a jacket with you, because the temperature in the cave is around nine degrees Celsius all year round.
The cave bear, which weighed up to 400 kilograms, once lived in the Devil's Cave.
Source: imago stock&people
Immerse yourself in the region with a nostalgic trip on the Franconian Switzerland Museum Railway and experience a very special way of traveling from Ebermannstadt to Behringersmühle. The 1960s-style railway passes romantic landscapes, castles, and towering cliffs.
In addition to the connection on selected days, the heritage railway also offers special trips, so-called "Genussfahrten" (enjoyment trips), where, for example, gin or wine is served. The Deutschlandticket (Germany Ticket) is not valid on these trains.
The museum railway in Franconian Switzerland operates sometimes with steam and sometimes with diesel locomotives.
Source: imago stock&people
If you'd like to combine a hike with a visit to the ruins during your trip to Franconian Switzerland, the Neideck Castle ruins near the village of Streitberg are a worthwhile destination. This former high medieval noble castle, with its unique atmosphere, inspired numerous painters and poets during the Romantic period. Today, it is a landmark of Franconian Switzerland.
The Neideck castle ruins are situated in a magnificent location above the Wiesenttal valley.
Source: imago images/imagebroker
Numerous hikes, ranging in difficulty from easy to moderate, lead you to the ruins, situated high above the valley. From the tower, a panoramic view of the Wiesenttal valley and the Streitburg ruins opposite reward the climb. Those in the mood for discovery can explore the stalactite formations in several cave rooms in the Neideck Grotto, located slightly higher up.
The Pottenstein Adventure Rock offers fun and thrills for the whole family. The adventure park doesn't skimp on speed and thrills for those with a head for heights. Children ages six and up can fly 380 meters through the air in a gently swinging witch's broom gondola, and two summer toboggan runs take them 1,000 meters down the mountain.
On the Skywalk, you'll move 130 meters across an observation deck. A semi-transparent floor provides a special thrill, allowing you to see below. From the viewing platform, you can overlook Franconian Switzerland and let your gaze wander to the horizon.
The Skywalk offers the best views for those with a head for heights, at 130 meters.
Source: imago images/Stefan Zeitz
If you're looking to combine the romanticism of half-timbered houses with a spectacular motif, the village of Tüchersfeld is the place to be. About an hour's drive from Nuremberg lies this idyllic village in the Püttlachtal valley. What's special about it: The picturesque half-timbered houses, together with gigantic rock formations that jut vertically into the sky, create a bizarre picture.
The scenery of the rock village is so spectacular that it's a popular photo subject. The rock formations date back to the Jurassic period, about 200 million years ago. At that time, the ocean dominated this patch of land, and the rocks are remnants of the reef that existed at that time. A visit to the Franconian Switzerland Museum, stunningly situated on the cliff, in a building complex dating back to the 18th century, should be on your to-do list.
The Franconian Switzerland Museum in Tüchersfeld, together with the vertical cliffs, forms a magical backdrop.
Source: www.imago-images.de
In addition to ruins, Franconian Switzerland also boasts ancient walls that are still intact. One of these is Rabenstein Castle, situated on a high plateau. It lies high above the Ailsbach Valley. History buffs can book guided tours of the 800-year-old castle and learn more about the era of knights and damsels.
At Rabenstein Castle, the ancient walls come alive with numerous events. You can stay overnight in the on-site hotel.
Source: imago images/Shotshop
A rustic beer garden and a castle restaurant provide culinary delights, and regular events ranging from concerts and horror dinners to wild boar barbecues and a medieval market allow you to immerse yourself in the castle atmosphere. Those who wish can stay overnight. 22 hotel rooms in a historic setting are available. Standard double rooms start at €84 per person, while single travelers pay €127 for a single room.
Raccoons and forest sheep, tawny owls and woolly pigs: Hundshaupten Wildlife Park is home to wild and domestic animals in a park-like landscape. Nearly 40 native and rare animal species are found in the park.
There are also events: In the wildlife park, you can experience a moderated lynx feeding every Saturday at 2 p.m., and guided tours also provide interesting information about the animals and nature.
Cliffs, valleys, and diverse vegetation: The Franconian Switzerland Nature Park is brimming with tranquility and untouched nature. To get to know it better, ranger-led themed tours are offered. You'll discover various aspects under professional guidance.
There's something for all ages. The offerings range from nighttime bat tours and grasshopper-watching hikes to tracking tracks and feathers and even a full-moon campfire tour. Tours must be booked in advance and are often free of charge.
The secrets of the Franconian Switzerland Nature Park will be revealed to you on ranger tours.
Source: imago stock&people
Sure, hikers and cyclists will find a true paradise in Franconian Switzerland. Those looking for something truly romantic can stroll along the charming Kissing Path in Hollfeld. Located between the World Heritage cities of Bamberg and Bayreuth, this Jura town boasts charming details along the short Kissing Path.
The path, which divides into an upper, narrow kissing path and a lower, wider kissing path, is perfect for lovers. The former features an iron gate, also known as the back door of love, cupid angels, and a love bower containing romance novels. The lower kissing path leads past, among other things, a love letter box where you can drop your own love letters, and a gate is provided for engraved love locks.
In addition to excellent hiking and climbing opportunities, as well as mountain biking tours, active holidaymakers in Franconian Switzerland also find ideal conditions for canoeing . On a day trip, you can paddle down the Wiesent River and experience the natural scenery from a different perspective.
You can experience beautiful nature and ruins from new perspectives while paddling in the Wiesenttal.
Source: imago images/Volker Preußer
The routes range from gentle short trips to adventurous tours through Franconian whitewater and can be experienced in single- and double-person kayaks, as well as in three-person canoes. A paddle tour is rewarded with companions such as dippers, brown trout, and bullheads, as well as impressive views of steep slopes and castles.
Looking for more inspiration? You can find tips for all the top travel destinations at reisereporter, and the best travel deals on our deals page .
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