Velden: History and Hiking Trails

Velden combines medieval history with hiking trails through a forested low mountain landscape. The town is a state-recognized resort and lies in the Franconian Switzerland – Veldenstein Forest Nature Park. This gives you two distinct focuses to consider when planning your holiday: the town’s history and excursions to castles, caves and rock formations in the surrounding area. When choosing your holiday apartment, consider whether Velden should primarily be a starting point for hikes or whether you would rather focus on the town’s historic character.

From Royal Estate to Market Town with Town Walls

The original royal estate of Velden developed into a market town in 1275. In 1376, Emperor Charles IV granted the town its municipal rights. The fortifications, also known as the town walls, date from the 14th century. These milestones tell the story of Velden’s development over several centuries: from a royal estate to a market town and then a town with its own fortifications. If you like to include historic places in your travel plans, you will find a specific point of interest here without losing sight of the landscape just beyond the town gates.

The fishing waters of Velden also have a history passed down through the generations: even in the past, they were widely valued for their abundance of fish. This gives you two ways to get to know Velden: through its medieval roots and its natural resources, which were once highly prized.

Hiking Destinations Around Velden

Many kilometers of well-marked hiking trails lead from Velden to the castles of Veldenstein, Hohenstein and Hartenstein. Other destinations include Petershöhle, Geislochhöhle and Maximiliansgrotte caves, as well as bizarre rock formations in the surrounding area. These destinations offer different themes for planning your hikes: castles and caves sit alongside striking rock formations, while the trails wind through the landscape. You can choose the focus of your trip based on which of these destinations interests you most.

This distinction matters when choosing a holiday destination: if you want to focus on hiking, the trails leading from Velden are a useful guide. If you are more interested in history, the town walls offer a different connection to the town. You can also take both perspectives into account when planning a trip, without giving equal weight to every hike and visit. Check current trail conditions when planning specific hikes.

More Things to Do in the Nürnberger Land

Across the wider Nürnberger Land destination, more than 3,000 kilometers of well-marked hiking trails and well-developed cycling routes of varying difficulty run through the area. One specific hiking option in the Nürnberger Land is the “Hohenstein (634 m) – SevenSummits” route in Kirchensittenbach: it is 10.1 kilometers long, with 406 meters of ascent and 397 meters of descent.

Culture and relaxation are also distinct options for excursions in the Nürnberger Land. The German Shepherd Museum in Hersbruck displays clothing, equipment and handicrafts made by shepherds from around the world. Fackelmann Therme Hersbruck offers relaxation in state-recognized therapeutic water and a sauna area with seven saunas. It is accessible to people with disabilities; elevators lead to the foyer and the thermal baths, and from there to the sports and leisure pool and the sauna park. If these facilities are important to your plans, check the current conditions before visiting.

Velden itself is part of the Franconian Switzerland – Veldenstein Forest Nature Park. The Nürnberger Land is part of the Franconian Switzerland – Franconian Jura Nature Park.

Discover More Destinations

Pommelsbrunn, Hersbruck, Röthenbach An Der Pegnitz, Schnaittach, Simmelsdorf, Reichenschwand, Kirchensittenbach, Burgthann

Back to the overview of the wider destination: Nürnberger Land.