Franconian Forest Trail Dörnach Steig

Our starting point is the Leutnitztal hiking car park at the western entrance of Wallenfels. After crossing the access road to Wallenfels, we come to a path leading to the district of Hammer. Here we encounter the historic hammer-cutting mill, first documented in 1605.

The hike now leads slightly uphill on a lane to the small hamlet of Forstloh. The origin of this district goes back to the mining history of the Franconian Forest in the 15th century. Along meadow and forest edges, the path winds further towards Dörnach. Along the way, there are magnificent views over to Silberberg (508 m above sea level) and into the elongated Leutnitztal. This now predominantly agricultural part of the route changes its character with new colors in every season. Upon arriving in Dörnach, the tranquil village green with its noteworthy village chapel invites you to linger. With a bit of luck, you might also watch fresh farmhouse bread being baked in a wood-fired oven in the village center.

A well-developed forest path leads eastwards from here into the Allerswald forest area, but not before offering pleasurable views over the ridges of the Franconian Forest. We have reached the highest point of the hike at just under 550 meters. The mostly spruce-dominated forest gives shade to the hiker and leads on forest paths to the hiking hut Herrgottswinkel. Its location on an outcrop of the Allersberg (417 m above sea level) allows views into the valley of the Wilde Rodach. Children will enjoy the playground near the hut. The route continues leisurely through the Hammergrund past a pond area back to Hammer and thus to the starting point.

The idyllic grounds of the Nature Experience Leutnitztal invite you to a final rest here. A short detour on the nearby rock path along the cycle path offers interesting insights into the geology of the Franconian Forest.

A typical mid-mountain hike with unique views of the heights of the northern Franconian Forest. There is also an access option from the center of Wallenfels (follow the "Herrgottswinkel" signs, approx. 1 km).

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