Discover Frankenwald: Nature, Cycling Routes and History

Frankenwald combines the landscapes of a German low mountain range with natural and cultural attractions that open up a wide range of travel possibilities. In northern Bavaria, the nature park stretches from the Main River to the Green Belt along the former inner-German border. If you’re looking for a holiday apartment, you can start by considering whether geology and nature, cycling, or the region’s history will be the main focus of your trip.

Rock Formations and Nature Along the Green Belt

Höllental is a three-kilometre-long gorge, up to 170 metres deep, carved through diabase. It has been designated a National Geotope since 2019. The Höllental geological discovery trail leads to tunnels, mountain formations and rock formations. This makes it an ideal focus for anyone who wants not only to admire the landscape, but also to learn about its geological features.

The Green Belt tells another story of nature. It is recognised as a National Natural Monument and provides a refuge for many rare plants and animals. At the same time, it is an important part of the nationwide and European network of biotopes. Its location along the former inner-German border is part of today’s landscape as well as its history. Anyone hoping to discover nature and the region’s past together will find a different perspective here than among the rock formations of Höllental.

Hiking and Cycling to Suit Your Interests

The Frankenwaldverein hiking trail network covers more than 4,500 kilometres of marked paths and runs throughout the region. The 40 FrankenwaldSteigla offer a more compact way to explore: their routes range from 5 to 18 kilometres. The stated distances can help you choose routes that fit your day’s plans, without having to commit to a single type of hike. The Burgenweg also offers something different: it is a cultural and historical hiking trail in Frankenwald.

For cycling trips, there are curated mountain bike routes of every difficulty level. Nature Park Frankenwald is also an area for mountain bikers and touring cyclists; well-marked trails, inns and huts as waypoints are all part of what it offers. The Obermain-Frankenwald Tour crosses Frankenwald’s rolling hills and follows the source areas of the Main River. There are several kinds of cycling trips to choose from: mountain bike routes, touring cycle paths and a route connecting the highlands with the Main’s sources.

Traces of Fortifications, Mining and Rafting

There are also specific places to explore the region’s cultural history. The partially reconstructed prehistoric Heunischenburg is on the western section of the Burgenweg between Mitwitz and Kronach. It is one of the oldest stone fortifications north of the Alps. At Lichtenberg, the Friedrich-Wilhelm-Stollen offers a vivid insight into mining in Frankenwald; the Flößermuseum in Marktrodach brings the traditional trade of rafting to life. Together, these places offer different perspectives on the region’s past.

You can also experience rafting on the Wilde Rodach: during raft trips, visitors still get a brief glimpse into the historic work of the raftsmen. The trips take place in summer. Today, traditions and history in Frankenwald are also kept alive through numerous historic festivals and church fairs. If you’re travelling with children or bringing together different interests in your group, you can include these living traditions in your holiday plans alongside hiking, cycling and nature.

A View Across the Heights of Frankenwald

The Prinz-Luitpold-Turm stands on the Döbraberg, which, at just under 800 metres, is the highest point in Nature Park Frankenwald. From the tower, you can see far across Frankenwald. Another regional discovery awaits in Ludwigsstadt-Lauenstein: Frankenwald Confiserie Bauer makes handmade pralines and chocolate specialities from Frankenwald; the café serves homemade cakes to enjoy on site.

When looking for a holiday apartment, it can help to decide first what you’d like to focus on: nature and geology, cycling and hiking tours, or cultural and historical attractions. The places and experiences in Frankenwald offer a range of themes for planning your trip, without requiring you to commit to just one kind of holiday.

More destinations to consider for your trip: Weilheim-Schongau, Roth, Kempten, Neu-Ulm, Nürnberger Land, Fichtelgebirge, Deggendorf and Upper Bavaria.

For the broader travel overview: Bavaria.