EifelFranke

[New article on my blog: eifelfranke-wanderwelten.de/winter-im-uebergang ]



I always enjoy exploring the Franconian dune landscape, created by windblown sand from the last Ice Age.



I especially love the contrast in winter: sand peeking out from under the snow, and the contrast between the desert-like feel

About two weeks ago, I was already feeling a faint spring-like sense of anticipation, but then winter returned...

My inner couch potato immediately suggested hibernation, and I heeded its call to the cozy cave and haven't been seen since. 🐻 I only squinted suspiciously at the occasional rays of sunshine

Today I was heading back to the Upper Palatinate Forest, more precisely to the Oberviechtach region.



A beautiful winter landscape and glorious weather awaited me when I parked my car by the roadside near the St. Jakob Chapel.



The hard-packed snow and icy paths made walking difficult, but the scenery rewarded

Today I headed in a different direction again, to the Altmühltal Nature Park on the border of the Ries Geopark. The stone channel near Wolfsbronn had been on my list for a while, so I set off in perfect weather.



My starting point was the small parking lot below Spielberg Castle, and naturally, my first

Today, familiar paths led me through the Hirschwald forest once again, though this time the landscape was clad in winter's garb.



Starting from Ensdorf, I climbed the steps to the scenic viewpoint on Eggenberg hill to catch a glimpse of the snow-covered monastery.



The snow crunched as I made my way to the

A simple walk through the snowy landscape with beautiful changes in mood due to the sun and light.

When I realized I hadn't been to the Hirschwald Nature Park even once this year, I knew I had to remedy that immediately. 😄



So today I took a short hike from Haselmühl through the sun-drenched snowy landscape along the Vils River, across the plateau, and through the forest.



Small but perfectly formed

I wish you all a healthy new year! 🍀😊



Originally, I had planned a different hike for the start of the year, but when I looked out the window this morning, I had second thoughts, as the Franconian Jura region had transformed into a white winter wonderland overnight.



When the sun finally managed to break

My year-end hike this year took me to Neumarkt in the Upper Palatinate for this short but sweet loop.



Lots of forest, snow-covered, beautiful paths, and information panels about the themed trail accompanied me on this tour.



I also enjoyed a view of Neumarkt and the Neumarkt Basin before heading back down

Today, the glorious weather drew me to the Vorderer Bayerischer Wald Nature Park, just outside Nittenau.



I parked, somewhat inconveniently, on the shoulder of a small road near Untermainsbach, which, however, afforded me a beautiful view of the Regen Valley.



My path led me through Untermainsbach into the