Höchstadt a.d.Aisch – City History and the Aisch River Meadows
Accommodation in Höchstadt an der Aisch
In Höchstadt a.d.Aisch, aspects of the city’s history meet the Aisch River meadows. Engelgarten lies between the historic city wall and the Aisch; the parish church, castle and city tower represent architectural history spanning several centuries. If you are looking for a holiday apartment, these different interests can shape your choice of where to stay: would you mainly like to explore historic buildings, spend time surrounded by greenery or discover regional topics such as carp?
Church, Castle and City Tower
St. George’s Parish Church is the oldest church in Höchstadt after the St. Nicholas Castle Chapel. Its lower three tower levels date from the 12th and 13th centuries. This places the church within the city’s history, while the dated tower levels provide a specific architectural reference point.
The history of the present-day castle also dates back to the early 13th century: its oldest part is the solid foundation of a tower at the northeastern corner. The castle acquired its present appearance around 1714 under Bishop Lothar Franz von Schönborn. The castle thus brings together an early structural element and a later form. The city tower complements this picture as a surviving gate tower from the 14th century. It belongs to the second of a total of three city walls or fortification rings. Together, the church, castle and tower tell the story of different building periods and a multi-part fortification system.
Green Spaces, Tours and Ice Rink
Engelgarten connects the historic city wall with the Aisch. It has seating, a large children’s play area and panoramic views across the Aisch River meadows. There is also a fitness trail in Engelgarten for families, children and seniors. The site therefore offers both a place to relax and an opportunity to exercise as part of your day’s plans; the play and fitness areas are separate features alongside the views of the Aisch River meadows.
Höchstadt offers themed tours, night watchman tours, guided city tours in historical costume and tours of the Kellerberg cellars. The ice rink adds public skating to these options: it takes place on Mondays and Thursdays from 4:00 to 5:30 p.m. As published season and skating times are date-specific, check the operator’s current information before your visit.
Spix and Carp in Höchstadt
The Spix Museum in Höchstadt is located in the birthplace of naturalist Johann Baptist Ritter von Spix. Interactive exhibits present his life and the history of the house where he was born. A computer-controlled, light-activated rainforest diorama with animal depictions and sounds is especially recommended for children. The museum thus offers a distinct introduction to natural science and the history of the house.
The Aischgrund mirror carp is also one of the regional specialties of Höchstadt a.d.Aisch. It comes from the surrounding Himmelsteiche ponds, carries the protected geographical indication and is prepared in various ways. Its season runs from September to April, the months with an “R” in their names. If you are planning when to travel, this seasonal connection is a clear distinction from the city’s architectural history, which can be explored year-round.
Routes and Day Trips in the Erlangen-Höchstadt Destination
The wider Erlangen-Höchstadt destination offers a range of routes around Höchstadt. The signposted, level Eisvogelweg is a circular route of about 2.6 kilometres through the Franconian pond landscape. The Orchideenweg is about 2.2 kilometres long and follows a combined vehicle and pedestrian route through a cultural landscape of reed-fringed ponds, wet meadows, numerous waterbirds and orchids such as the common marsh helleborine. Mostly level, the Seerosenweg is a pedestrian route of about 2.4 kilometres through the historic Gretelmark woodland, passing forest ponds, water lilies and cattails, as well as kingfishers. The routes are therefore about 2.2 to 2.6 kilometres long; their landscapes and types of route set them apart.
Another nature experience in the Erlangen-Höchstadt destination is the three-kilometre circular route through the Kalchreuth cherry orchards. Information boards cover cherries, the surrounding landscape and Kalchreuth; interactive stations explore nature-related topics. Vestenbergsgreuth offers a different kind of activity: the FreizeitAktiv-Paradies has a summer toboggan run and a miniature golf course. Depending on whether you are more interested in routes through pond and woodland landscapes, nature stations or leisure activities, these options may influence your choice between Höchstadt and other destinations.
Discover more destinations: Adelsdorf, Uttenreuth, Röttenbach, Eckental, Herzogenaurach, Heßdorf, Hemhofen.
Go to the main travel overview: Erlangen-Höchstadt.
