Franconian hiking dreams — 24 stages of Germany’s Frankenweg

Your journey on the Frankenweg literally begins “in hell”. But don't worry - it is one of the most beautiful sections of the long-distance hiking trail. You start right where the Rennsteig begins: at the "hub of hiking". At this point, five very different long-distance hiking trails meet.



You now follow… read more

Today you mainly hike through the pretty valleys of the Franconian Forest on your way to Elbersreuth. But at the beginning of the stage, it first goes up to the Döbraberg. Take your time on the ascent, because today's stage is refreshingly short.



At the top of the Döbraberg, climbing the steel Prinz Luitpold… read more

On the third stage you leave the Rodach valley and take big steps towards the Middle Ages with its majestic castles and fortresses.



The Frankenweg leads you through forest and across extensive meadows and fields to the Radspitze with its slate summit. There is a 20 meter high observation tower on it… read more

Towers with breathtaking views, vast forests and the brewing tradition of Franconian beers make the fourth stage a real pleasure.



After leaving the Lucas Cranach town of Kronach behind you, you will reach the observation tower of the same name, named after the famous painter. A spiral staircase takes… read more

On the fifth stage you hike through wonderful nature and discover historic places from the Baroque and Middle Ages.



You leave the "secret capital of beer" Kulmbach behind you and follow the valley of the White Main. At the confluence of the White and the Red Main lies the magnificent Steinenhausen Castle… read more

Impressive places of worship, former palace complexes and fantastic distant views characterize the sixth stage on the Frankenweg.



Shortly before the first ascent to the two saddles of the Large and Small Kordigast you pass Giechkröttendorf Castle, which is now privately owned. Through thick forests and… read more

After the historical highlights of the sixth stage, a relaxing day full of idyllic nature awaits you today.



From Loffeld, a steep climb takes you through the forest up to Morgenbühl - a high plateau with a wide variety of shrubs. From here you have another great view of the Staffelberg. The Küpser Linde… read more

Leaving the pretty village of Scheßlitz, you are now crossing the gate to the Franconian Switzerland. Churches, castles and mills line your way on the eighth stage.



Your day begins with a climb up two hills, from which you can look towards Bamberg. Up here are the impressive Chapel and the Giechburg with… read more

The Franconian Switzerland charms you today with a hilly stage and magnificent views over idyllic valleys.



After leaving Heiligenstadt behind you, you first wander through the Leinleitertal into the Mathelbachtal. The next ascent is rewarded with mesmerizing panoramic views over bizarre, rocky hills and… read more

Another day follows through hilly terrain and unique rock formations in the heart of Franconian Switzerland.



Shortly after you have left Muggendorf, the first spectacular crossing awaits you - that of the tunnel-like Oswaldshöhle, a karst cave. Stepping out of the cave, you can see the Franconian Switzerland… read more

The eleventh stage is kept short, so today you have more time for some exploration off the Frankenweg.



Still within your starting place Pottenstein is the Teufelshöhle. The gallery is brightly lit and reminiscent of a shiny treasury. The visit is possible as part of a guided tour. Even the wild and romantic… read more

Even today you can expect a comparatively relaxed day on the Frankenweg, which lets you enjoy nature to the fullest.



You roam the forest criss-crossed with rocks and suddenly you hear water splashing next to you. You have arrived at the Egloffsteiner waterfalls, which rush through the forest via small… read more

A natural spectacle of the special kind lies on the 13th stage of the Frankenweg: the sinter terraces. And you also do not have to worry about the physical well-being.



With Gräfenberg you leave behind another place of medieval grace behind you. From the Michelsberg with its remarkable monument to the… read more

With only about 13 kilometers, you can set off a little later today or take your time for one or the other visit along the way.



The Frankenweg takes you up to the beginning of the day on a charming fruit avenue up to the Rothenberg with the same name medieval fortress. It can be visited during the summer… read more

Medieval flair and Franconian half-timbered art characterize the 15th stage of the Frankenweg.



You wander today along the western edge of the Frankenalb and meet after about 6 kilometers on an old monastery wall - relics of a once-large monastery complex. Time and again, you will meet historical Hutangern… read more

It continues along the edge of the Franconian Jura. You can expect quite hilly terrain today, which is interrupted for a longer distance by a high plateau.



Once you have left the pretty Altdorf, you first hike over gentle hills through the Franconian Jura. On your way lies the handsome ruins of the Gnadenberg… read more

Look forward to an impressive castle complex and interesting rock formations on your way along the Franconian Jura.



You first hike leisurely from the tranquil Pilsach and roam through dense forest. It descends briefly before the Frankenweg now pulls up quite steeply. Once on the Wolfstein you will find… read more

A leisurely stage with pretty villages and a medieval highlight lies ahead of you today.



Your tour starts at Deining train station, which is just outside of town. You pass the romantic village of Döllwang, whose white village church is clearly visible from afar from the open dirt road. Then the remote… read more

The 18th stage takes you back into hilly terrain and densely leafy forests.



You leave your starting point in Berching along the stone wall and cross the Main-Danube Canal. From the other side of the river, it is worth looking back into the village from a hill. From now on the path runs along the edge… read more

A mighty, pentagon-shaped castle awaits you today as an absolute highlight on this section of the day. You always hike along the Albrand on an equally scenic route.



From Thalmässing you climb quite steeply to a terrace on the slope of the Frankenalb. A mighty - probably from Celtic times - earth wall… read more