Fichtelgebirge

A granite mountain range with distinctive peaks

Granite is the main feature of the landscape. Other rocks found here include gneiss, basalt, phyllite slate, marble, quartz, proterobas and soapstone. This variety makes the rocks themselves a subject to explore along the way: at Epprechtstein, for example, the quarry trail links numerous granite quarries on the slopes. It starts at the granite labyrinth. If you are interested in how rocks form and are used, this offers a different way to experience the landscape than a summit hike.

Schneeberg and Ochsenkopf give the region its distinctive high points. The Asenturm, built in 1922/23, stands atop Ochsenkopf and houses the highest-altitude restaurant in the Fichtelgebirge. The ruins of Epprechtstein Castle lie on the summit and offer a good panoramic view. Each place has its own character: at Ochsenkopf, the summit meets the tower; at Epprechtstein, castle ruins meet the viewpoint.

Hiking and cycling to suit your interests

The Fichtelgebirge Tourism Centre’s tour portal currently offers more than 260 hiking routes. It includes an interactive map as well as printable PDFs and GPS data for smartphones. You can use the map to choose routes or refer to the information provided while out and about. The number of routes offers a wide choice, but in itself says nothing about the length or difficulty of individual trails.

The “Fränkischer Gebirgsweg” quality hiking trail passes through the Fichtelgebirge’s natural and outdoor recreation landscape. The Bavaria-Bohemia Bridge Cycle Route is also one of the cycling routes in the area. If hiking is the focus of your trip, you can consider the Fränkischer Gebirgsweg; for a cycling holiday, the Bridge Cycle Route is another named option. This makes it possible to look for a holiday apartment suited to your planned trip without letting one particular excursion determine your entire stay.

Lake Fichtel and local wildlife

The southern part of Lake Fichtel serves as a local recreation area, with bathing spots and a restaurant. The northern and eastern parts have a different designated purpose: in 1939, 45.4 hectares were designated as a nature reserve, which was expanded in 1982 to 139.2 hectares as the “Fichtelseemoor Natural Forest Reserve”. If you want to include water and nature in your trip, the lake thus offers both a recreation area in the south and the designated protected and reserve areas in the north and east.

The wildlife enclosure at Waldhaus Mehlmeisel offers another way to discover local nature. A circular trail leads through the local wildlife; a three-metre-high elevated walkway passes above the lynx and wild boar enclosures. For a holiday with a range of interests, a visit here can provide a focus of its own alongside hikes, summit destinations or Lake Fichtel.

Choose accommodation to suit your holiday plans

The Fichtelgebirge Nature Park covers more than 1,000 square kilometres between the centres of Bayreuth, Hof and Weiden and the Czech city of Cheb (Eger). Given its size, it is worth first deciding which experiences you want to shape your trip, then looking for a holiday apartment in the Fichtelgebirge. The routes and named trails provide guidance for hiking enthusiasts; those interested in geology can consider the quarry trail and granite labyrinth. Water, wildlife, peaks and castle ruins offer further themes for your holiday days.

The rivers Main, Eger, Naab and Saale rise in the Fichtelgebirge; they are among the region’s four best-known rivers. Together with its varied rock types and different natural and excursion destinations, they give the mountain range its distinctive character. So choose your accommodation according to which of these aspects you would especially like to explore during your stay.

Discover more destinations

Main-Spessart, Berchtesgadener Land, Miltenberg, Günzburg, Neu-Ulm, Passau, Schwandorf and Würzburg.

For the overarching travel overview: Bavaria.