Forests, rocks and castles – 5-day circular through Franconian Switzerland

Hiking Collection by Mareike

Tours

30:17 h

67.5 mi

6,650 ft

With secluded valleys, forested ridges and impressive rock formations, Franconian Switzerland is a real place of longing for nature lovers and hikers. You’ll experience some of the most famous places in Franconian Switzerland and its magnificent nature on this five-day round trip. From Pegnitz, the gateway to Franconian Switzerland, you hike over forested mountain ranges, explore exciting geotopes and visit the most idyllic villages.

In total, you cover a good 100 kilometres (62 mi) and tackle 2,000 metres (6,560 ft) of ascent. During your hike, you also get to know Franconian Switzerland’s nature and history. Due to its proximity to Bohemia, countless castles were built here in the Middle Ages to protect against attackers. Many of the castles still stand today or lie as ruins, which you can visit. The surrounding villages, protected by these castles, have beautiful medieval centres that remain intact.

Pegnitz is an ideal start and finish point as it’s easy to reach by train, but you can set off from anywhere along the circular route. If you don't have a full five days or are looking for a day hike, that's no problem either. You can reach all stage destinations from Pegnitz by bus (timetables at vgn.de). All you have to do is choose your favourite stage and off you go.

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5-Tages-Runde durch die Fränkische Schweiz

64.5 mi

6,200 ft

Last updated: September 13, 2022

Tours & Highlights

Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors
Stage 1: Pegnitz to Gößweinstein – 5-day circuit through Franconian Switzerland
06:39
14.9 mi
2.2 mph
1,500 ft
1,350 ft
Expert
Expert Hiking Tour. Very good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.
Franconian Switzerland shows itself from its best side on the first stage of your five-day tour. From the idyllic Pegnitz, the gateway to Franconian Switzerland, you hike uphill and downhill through peaceful beech forests to the stage destination Gößweinstein. Two castles, an abandoned castle ruin and…
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Stage 2: Gößweinstein to Obertrubach – 5-day circuit through Franconian Switzerland
04:48
10.8 mi
2.3 mph
925 ft
1,025 ft
Intermediate
Intermediate Hiking Tour. Good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.
On the second day of hiking, wide views are on the agenda. Today the route takes you across hilly meadows and onto beautiful rocky outcrops with fantastic views over the wooded mountain ranges of Franconian Switzerland. There are also several small villages along the hike, whose inns provide you with…
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Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors
Stage 3: Obertrubach to Reichelsmühle – 5-day circuit through Franconian Switzerland
06:26
13.9 mi
2.2 mph
1,725 ft
1,750 ft
Expert
Expert Hiking Tour. Very good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.
The third stage of your hike through Franconian Switzerland is particularly varied. Wooded hills, wide meadows, narrow valleys and impressive rock formations are on your way today. There are also striking vantage points with magnificent views over the idyllic landscape of Franconian Switzerland.

You leave…
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Stage 4: Reichelsmühle to Schermshöhe –5-day circuit through Franconian Switzerland
05:34
12.2 mi
2.2 mph
1,600 ft
1,125 ft
Expert
Expert Hiking Tour. Very good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.
The fourth stage is characterized by mountains and castles. The path meanders over a wooded ridge. On the way there are three castles or their remains along the way. While the perfectly preserved Hiltpoltstein Castle is privately owned, the Wildenfels castle ruins and the radiant rock stables are open…
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Stage 5: Schermshöhe to Pegnitz – 5-day circuit through Franconian Switzerland
06:50
15.8 mi
2.3 mph
900 ft
1,375 ft
Expert
Expert Hiking Tour. Very good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.
On your last stage it goes through a wonderful forest area. The Veldenstein Forest is part of the core area of the Franconian Switzerland Nature Park and awaits you with beautiful nature and impressive rock formations.

You leave Schermshöhe and shortly thereafter pass under the A9 motorway. However, you…
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