Franconian Switzerland has long been a household name for hikers and other outdoor enthusiasts. The region offers perfect conditions for getting out and about in nature. Reason enough to explore Franconian Switzerland in more detail or to rediscover it. We present you outdoor tours for every interest and level: Whether hiking, climbing, biking or paddling – here you will find the right route.
Franconian Switzerland is one of the oldest German vacation regions and is located between Bamberg, Bayreuth and Nuremberg. There are over 35 medieval castles and palaces here, over 1,000 caves and numerous romantic mills.
By the way, Franconian Switzerland owes its name to the travel writers of the 19th century: Because the area with its mountains, valleys and rocks reminded them of Switzerland, they christened the former “Muggendorfer Gebürg” with its present name. Even today, it is primarily the diverse landscape of Franconian Switzerland that attracts tourists.
Hiking in Franconian Switzerland
Franconian Switzerland is one of the most popular hiking areas in Germany. The characteristic rocky and hilly landscape offers the right routes for families as well as for ambitious hiking enthusiasts.
The upper Wiesenttal valley, for example, is more relaxed. There is a lot to discover here, especially for families: Caves, rocks and castles provide enough variety along the way to get children excited about hiking.
For those who are drawn to higher altitudes, the tour along the Walberla, as the Ehrenbürg is also popularly called, is recommended. The starting point of the circular route is Kirchehrenbach. From there you hike up to the summit of the Walberla (531m). Over the saddle you continue to the Rodenstein and then in a big loop back to the starting point. The hiking trail is very well maintained and also easy to do for children.
The Franconian Switzerland Tourist Office has also put together a collection of the 25 most beautiful hiking tours. The route descriptions are available online as well as a free tour booklet.
One day tour is not enough for you? Maybe you’ll like the following two long-distance hiking trails in Franconian Switzerland.
Long-distance hiking in Franconian Switzerland
For hiking tours of several days in Franconian Switzerland, the two best-known long-distance hiking trails are particularly suitable: the Franconian Trail and the Franconian Mountain Trail. Both are not limited to Franconian Switzerland, but lead almost through the whole of Franconia:
The Franconian Way
The Franconian Way has its northern starting point in Untereichenstein in the Franconian Forest. The first part is characterized by lush green forests, which can be overlooked from numerous vantage points. The picturesque Höllental valley is also on the way. Via the culturally and culinary interesting towns of Kronach and Kulmbach you finally reach the Main valley, over which you can enjoy fantastic views again and again. The next 100 kilometers are characterized by bizarre rock formations, mysterious caves and picturesque villages – here you are in the middle of Franconian Switzerland. Finally, you reach the Nuremberg region. Small towns and castles provide variety. The climbs become gentler and the Frankenweg leads through medieval Berching into the Altmühltal National Park. Passing the picturesque Jura heights and juniper heaths, you reach the Franconian Lake District before reaching the destination of the long-distance trail in Harburg in the Swabian Alb – all in all, about 520 kilometers. Campsites are not available everywhere, but there are numerous alternative options. You can find more information and options for overnight stays at frankenweg.de (link just in German).
The Franconian Mountain Trail
Franconian Switzerland is also part of the Franconian Mountain Trail. The long-distance hiking trail stretches over 428 kilometers and leads from the Franconian Forest through the Fichtel Mountains and Franconian Switzerland to the Nuremberg region. So here, too, you’re traveling from north to south and can take in the picturesque nature of Franconia. The infrastructure of the trails is excellent – this also applies to the signposting as well as the accommodations along the way. To reach the local campsites, however, you sometimes have to take a detour.
Reading tip: Long-distance hiking trails Germany – the most beautiful routes
Cycling in Franconian Switzerland
Whether mountain bike or touring bike – it will never be boring on two wheels in Franconian Switzerland.
The first address for mountain bikers in Franconian Switzerland is the MTB Center Heiligenstadt. Here, a network of three routes with a total length of 128 km and almost 2500 meters of altitude has been created: The “Matzenstein“, the “Gleisberg Tour” and the “Altenberg Tour“. All routes are worked out as circuits, so you can start at different places. In addition, there is always the possibility to shorten routes and thus make smaller tours. All courses are optimally signposted. Tiresome orientation by means of hiking map, compass or even GPS are superfluous here.
If you are looking for less adrenaline and want to let the landscape take its toll on you, you can use the touring bike to explore the region’s 58 circular and 14 long-distance bike tours. An overview of all the bike routes is available in the free bike map or in the online tour portal of the tourist office.
Climbing in the Franconian Jura
The Franconian Jura is considered an Eldorado for climbers and has been attracting climbing enthusiasts from all over the world to Franconian Switzerland for 200 years with legendary rocks and routes. There are 12,000 climbing routes on about 800 individual rocks here. There is something for all rock enthusiasts – from professionals to beginners of all courage and skill levels. Here you can find an overview of the different rocks and routes.
If you don’t have any experience yet and would like to try out the hobby, you can contact one of the local climbing schools and attend a course.
Also interesting: Sport climbing Saxon Switzerland – Tips and information
Paddling on the Wiesent
Do you prefer to experience nature and sights from the water? Then the Wiesent is exactly the right place for your next canoe or kayak tour. With easy whitewater of level 1 in only a few places, the river is easy to navigate and also suitable for families. There are several boat rentals and the entry and exit points are flexible.
Nature conservation is very important in Franconian Switzerland. Therefore, there are clear rules for paddling on the Wiesent: Boating is just allowed between May and September and then only between 9 am and 5 pm. As is often the case, the earlier you start, the more peace and quiet you will have on the river. Especially on weekends there is a lot of activity and it can happen that all rental boats are occupied.
It is best to inform yourself in advance. Then you can relax and enjoy the almost untouched nature along the Wiesent.
Conclusion: Pure outdoor enjoyment in the middle of Germany
A wide range of outdoor activities is possible in Franconian Switzerland. In addition, the region is well prepared for tourists. So you are guaranteed not to be left behind in terms of culinary delights. After all, Franconian Switzerland has the highest density of breweries in the world and Franconian cuisine is also known far beyond the region’s borders. Perfect for all outdoor fans who want to stop for a hearty meal after a long day in nature.
