Hikes in Pfaffenberg

Sun-soaked vines, old dry stone walls, and a magnificent view of the Main valley: that is what the Abt-Degen-Steig offers. Named after Alberich Degen, born in Zeil a.Main, who brought the Silvaner to Franconia in 1665, the circular route leads through the picturesque vineyards of the Haßberg ridge. Information boards and numerous benches line the path, where you will also pass traditional vineyard cottages.  Old vine areas, steep winegrowers' stairs, and manual labor continue to shape the unique cultural landscape. Stop by on the way and taste the best wines.  Shorter or longer variants of the path and numerous detours are possible.

From the historic Königsberg, the route goes through a typically Franconian landscape via Prappach to Zeil am Main at the foot of the Kapellenberg with its vineyards. From the "Alte Freyung" (today Göller Brewery) we climb up the Kalvarienberg to the pilgrimage church "Käppele" with the magnificent view over the Main valley. Along the "Bocksbeutel-Höhenweg" it continues until just before Steinbach via the rustic vintner's stairs directly into the vineyards of the Abt-Degen-Steig to Ziegelanger.

Hiking on historical trails into history and the past

Small circular route with a worthwhile extension for views of the Main valley.

Circular hike mostly on firm paths. Scenic views.

Scenic circular hiking trail.

Schmachtenberg Castle - enthroned high above the Main Valley and visible from afar - was built during the Hussite period around 1420-1430. The construction of the castle by the diocese of Bamberg was probably due to expansionist ambitions, as well as being a symbol of power. The Eselsteig trail leads steeply down some of the steps to the Ziegelanger and we then walk along the Abt-Degen-Steig trail through the vineyard. Its namesake - Abbot Alberich Degen - together with other Cistercian monks, was a key pioneer in the cultivation of Silvaner in Franconia. Following in his footsteps, we can learn not only about wine, but also about the Pfaffenberg nature reserve. It is part of a It is part of a historic vineyard complex with herringbone-like dry stone walls and offers protection to rare animals and plants such as the sand lizard and the blood-red cranesbill.> We start at the Schmachtenberg 01 hiking parking lot. The green tower leads us along a meadow path to the Schmachtenberg 02 ruins. After visiting them, we continue left towards Ziegelanger. The narrow path takes us to the Eselsteig trail and its steep natural steps, which we follow downhill. We reach Ziegelanger 03. At the "Wedberg" road, turn left, then immediately right down into "Bergstraße". As we descend, we keep left and soon turn left onto the "Neuer Steig". The road leads us uphill, after about 150 meters sharply around a left bend into the vineyards. After about 250 meters, at the Steinmarterl, we take a sharp right. Before the meadow path begins, our hike takes us back down to the right. On a tarred path, we take a sharp left turn at the bottom, continuing along the amphora and the green tower. After 20 minutes on a beautiful path through the vineyards, we reach a T-junction: the path leads us up to the left towards the Höhenweg, continuing on the amphora. After the 180-degree left-hand bend, we turn left downhill at the next fork. The meadow path turns into a gravel path. At the next two forks, we keep straight on along the ridgeway through the Pfaffenberg 04 nature reserve. We soon reach a tarred path, which we follow uphill to the right. It immediately leads us around to the left onto a meadow path, which we now follow straight ahead back to the Schmachtenberg 01 hiking parking lot.

From the car park above the Schmachtenburg ruins to the Red Cross and further, then along the Steinbach to the village of Steinbach. From here through the vineyards via Ziegelanger and the Eselssteig back to the car park.

A beautiful hike through the Lower Franconian vineyards. Paved trails

Steinbach ( Am Pfaffenberg 9 ) Schmachtenberg - Ruine Zeiler Käppele Zeil Weinberg - Ziegelanger Einkehr Weingut über Abt-Degen-Steig nach Steinbach