Mitteleschenbach: Forest Trails and Franconian Village History

Hiking trails around Mitteleschenbach

The municipality of Mitteleschenbach has signposted more than 50 kilometres of new circular hiking trails. A hiking map entitled “Hiking in the Mönchswald – Hiking Tips Around Mitteleschenbach” describes six circular routes. They range from 6 to 14 kilometres in length. This range makes it easier to choose a suitable route: you can select a hike according to the distance you want to cover, without this implying a specific walking time.

Several long-distance hiking trails also cross the municipal area, including the Main-Danube Hiking Trail. The hiking map therefore offers both circular routes of varying lengths and guidance on regional long-distance trails for planning a specific outing. The maps are available free of charge at Mitteleschenbach Town Hall and at the various inns.

The extensive forest around the 526-metre-high Mönchsberg offers opportunities for hiking and cycling. The Mönchswald also shapes the area around the village and offers nature lovers a variety of ways to relax. If you mainly want to spend time outdoors during your trip, these forest and hiking options make a natural focus for your plans.

By bike or with an audio guide

Well signposted Cycle Route No. 8 connects Mitteleschenbach with Lake Altmühlsee, bypassing the Mönchswald ridge. The lake is 14 kilometres away. The cycle route thus complements the hiking trails through the forest landscape with a connection towards Lake Altmühlsee.

The Altmühl-Mönchswald audio tours offer another way to get to know Mitteleschenbach: the audio guide takes you on a tour of the Mönchswald community, about 1.4 kilometres long, with eight listening points. It explores everyday village life in the past, with a focus on work, school and faith. The tour is therefore not just about the route, but also about life in the village in times gone by.

Churches and local history

St Nicholas Parish Church is a simple late-Gothic sandstone building. During its enlargement, a new choir and nave were built in 1895; the older church was retained as the transept. The high altar features a crucifix dating from the late 15th century. The church also contains high-relief figures depicting the Lamentation of Christ, dating from around 1520. The architecture and works of art thus reflect different periods in the village’s history.

St Walburga Cemetery Church is considered the oldest building in Mitteleschenbach. Its altar was consecrated on 13 June 1400 by Auxiliary Bishop Seyfried of Eichstätt. In 1722, the church was enlarged to plans by the building director at the time, Gabriel di Gabrieli; work on the church was completed in July 2020. A virtual visit to St Walburga is also available, allowing you to explore the church this way as well.

Another detail of local history awaits you in the village centre, on the village square: the Goose Fountain is decorated with bronze figures by artist L. Kressel-Orfzky. The figures refer to rural and farming life in times gone by, adding a distinct theme alongside the churches and their art.

Tailor your stay to your interests

If you are considering Mitteleschenbach as a place to stay in a holiday apartment, you can focus your visit on the experiences that interest you most: hiking routes from 6 to 14 kilometres, cycling along signposted Route No. 8, or exploring church architecture and local history. A holiday apartment in Mitteleschenbach is therefore a particularly fitting search option for a trip that includes forest scenery and local discoveries.

For the wider travel overview: Wolframs-Eschenbach.