Andreaskirche Cave – Ankatal Gorge loop from Rupprechtstegen

Hiking trails & Routes

Germany

Bavaria

Middle Franconia

Andreaskirche Cave – Ankatal Gorge loop from Rupprechtstegen

Moderate

4.8

(159)

522

hikers

Andreaskirche Cave – Ankatal Gorge loop from Rupprechtstegen

03:35

12.9km

230m

Hiking

Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels. The starting point of the route is accessible with public transport.

Last updated: August 22, 2026

Tips

Your route passes through a protected area

Please check local regulations for:

Naturpark Fränkische Schweiz - Frankenjura

Waypoints

Start point

Train Station

Get Directions

1.63 km

Hiking trail along the Pegnitz

Highlight • Trail

Between the Harnbacher Mühle and Rupprechtstegen, the hiking trail leads very close to the Pegnitz. Wonderfully picturesque, with the green meadows and the shady forests on the shore.

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2.10 km

Waterfall and spring in Naturpark Fränkische Schweiz - Frankenjura

Highlight • Waterfall

The Harnbach plunges here over several tufa steps, forming a small, enchanted waterfall.

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4.95 km

View of Hohenstein Castle

Highlight • Viewpoint

Nice view of the Paul Pfinzing way to Hohenstein Castle, the landmark of the Franconian Jura.

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6.16 km

Hidden Rock Formation in Franconian Switzerland Nature Park

Highlight • Natural Monument

There are several beautiful rock formations to see here.

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10.7 km

Beautiful and quiet place, great for a rest and/or as a highlight for children. A flashlight is not absolutely necessary. But be careful: the upper corridor ends directly in the upper part of the dome!

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11.2 km

Ankatal Gorge

Highlight (Segment) • Gorge

Impressive rocks and narrow paths. You have to enjoy that.

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11.8 km

Pegnitz Valley Wooden Bridge

Highlight • Bridge

There are a few pedestrian and railway bridges here. Worth seeing !

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12.3 km

Pegnitz River Path

Highlight • Trail

The path runs close to the river, so you can observe numerous waterfowl in the river landscape.

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12.9 km

End point

Train Station

Way Types & Surfaces

Way Types

7.97 km

2.41 km

1.45 km

838 m

119 m

Surfaces

4.05 km

3.08 km

2.20 km

1.75 km

1.61 km

< 100 m

Elevation

Nothing selected – click and drag below to see the stats for a specific part of the route.

Highest point (570 m)

Lowest point (370 m)

Weather

Today

Saturday 10 October

11°C

5°C

41 %

Additional weather tips

Max wind speed: 20.0 km/h

to get more detailed weather forecasts along your route

Comments

April 10, 2023,Wasserspiele und Burgenzauber

Based on "Hiking in the legendary Nuremberg region" by Alexander Pavel

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October 7, 2021,🏃‍♀️🍂Wasseramsel🍂,-fall & Burg Hohenstein, 7.10.21 16:00

Today I wanted to test my new mini tripod and what is not better suited for it than a small waterfall and the dark fairy tale forest in the Anka Valley.
Like the last time, the dipper hopped around above the waterfall and a second one at the weir of Rupprechtstegen.

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October 2, 2021,Andreaskirche – Ankatal u Harnbachtal Runde von Rupprechtstegen

For us the most beautiful hike in the Pegnitztal, very varied, well marked

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March 22, 2026,Huskyfreunde auf Hohenstein

...together again after a long time! It was beautiful! 😊

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October 2, 2021,Ankatal, Andreaskirche - Griesmühle - Harnbachtal Runde von Rupprechtstegen

A wonderful, varied hike. I can only recommend it

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September 15, 2023,Rupprechtstegen, Ankatal und das Schlüsselerlebnis auf Burg Hohenstein

Regarding the keyword “key experience”:
Hohenstein Castle is open from March to November (weather permitting); on Sundays and public holidays the castle is open from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
You can read here how you can get entry on other days 🏰:
burg-hohenstein.org/oeffnungszeiten

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May 9, 2024,Von Rupprechtstegen im Pegnitztal zur Burg Hohenstein und zurück

In the best weather on Ascension Day 2024, we hiked from Rupprechtstegen in the Pegnitz Valley to Hohenstein Castle and back. The tour took us through the mystical, rocky Ankatal and through the idyllic Harnbach Valley, which is characterized by its waterways. The Pegnitz breakthrough near Lungsdorf was particularly impressive, a particularly beautiful section of the Pegnitz, which captivated us …

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March 13, 2024,Hersbrucker Schweiz: Vom Pegnitztal zu Burg Hohenstein

Today my destination was once again Hohenstein Castle, the landmark of Hersbruck Switzerland. This time, however, I set out from a different direction.

So I started the tour from Rupprechtstegen in the Pegnitztal. I first followed the river for a bit past swans and ducks to the Harnbacher mill.

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