Schlüsselfeld

Old Town, Market Square and Marienkirche

The Historic Circular Trail is an approximately 2.4-kilometre walk through the medieval old town. Its 28 stops explore the history and stories of Schlüsselfeld. For anyone who wants to discover the town on foot, it provides a clear route for a walk, with the stops focusing on historical topics.

One of the town’s notable buildings is the baroque Marienkirche Schlüsselfeld. Dedicated to the patronage of “Mary, Help of Christians,” it is considered a faithful replica of the famous pilgrimage site of Mariazell in Styria. The miraculous image is located in the high altar beneath a baldachin supported by twelve columns. Crowns were acquired for the Madonna and the infant Jesus; on feast days, the miraculous image is dressed in specially made garments.

The church’s baroque furnishings also include two side altars, the pulpit and a typically Franconian Baroque organ. The altar of celebration, installed in 1998, completes the furnishings. Anyone interested in sacred art and baroque design will find several specific details here that shape a visit to the church.

The market square also features an ensemble of different elements, including the St Peter’s Fountain, restored baroque townhouses and a row of lime trees. The Upper Gate is part of the medieval late-Gothic fortifications. Schlüsselfeld still has the right to hold a market within its town walls on six Sundays each year.

Forest Trails, Cycling Route and Kneipp Facility

The Forest Discovery Trail starts in Schlüsselfeld and follows forest tracks. It has eight stops along its 2.5-kilometre route, offering entertainment for adults and children. Alongside the historical walk, this provides another route with nature and activity stops. The stated distances make it easier to distinguish between these options when planning your day, without implying a specific walking time.

The Prince-Bishop’s Tour is on a different scale, making it an option for a longer cycling trip: it is 204 kilometres long, and the stated route begins and ends in Schlüsselfeld. The tour is signposted throughout in both directions. Anyone considering a cycling holiday can therefore regard Schlüsselfeld as the starting and ending point of this described route; the short walk through the old town and the long cycling tour appeal to different interests.

The Schlüsselfeld Kneipp facility is set in natural surroundings on the Reichen Ebrach. Its pool is around 15°C and is fed by the river. This is a distinctive detail for anyone considering an experience by the water during their stay.

Culture and Seasonal Traditions

The cultural programme “Culture in Old Walls,” established in 1997, includes theatre, cabaret, poetry readings, music, and artistic and non-fiction exhibitions. Since then, it has attracted a loyal following.

Another tradition is the Schlüsselfeld Nativity Trail. At around thirty locations in Schlüsselfeld, it displays lovingly crafted nativity scenes from different periods and styles. Traditionally, the trail opens on the first Sunday of Advent with the large nativity scene in the market square. Anyone interested in nativity art can use this date as a seasonal reference when planning a trip.

When choosing a holiday apartment in Schlüsselfeld, you can consider whether you would like to focus your stay primarily on the old town and church art, the trails and nature experiences, or cultural and seasonal impressions.

Schlüsselfeld has its own exit onto the A3 motorway between Nuremberg and Würzburg and is part of the Greater Nuremberg Transport Association (VGN).

If you would like to consider other places for your holiday planning: Hirschaid, Scheßlitz, Breitengüßbach, Viereth-Trunstadt, Heiligenstadt In Oberfranken, Kemmern, Litzendorf and Lisberg.

For the broader travel overview: Bamberg.