Franconian Switzerland

...with a marvellous landscape that harbours many hidden treasures. In the karst region, you can discover over 1000 caves rich in stalactites and fossilised bones.

The region also invites you to take a trip back to the Middle Ages: 170 impressive castles, palaces and ruins exude a romantic yet mystical atmosphere and bear witness to times long past. Ten municipalities are part of the German Castle Route between Heilbronn and Prague.

More than 4500 km of marked hiking trails with an altitude difference of up to 200 metres lead through charming valleys, villages and rocky landscapes. Whether on long-distance hiking trails such as the Franconian Mountain Trail or on day tours along the German Castle Road - there are tours for every taste and level of difficulty.

Those who prefer to explore the region on two wheels can experience Franconian Switzerland as a cycling destination with romantic circular routes and challenging tours that lead past sublime rock towers, wide plateaus and extensive forests. The cycle path network of around 58 circular and 14 long-distance cycle tours has something for every cyclist.

For over 200 years, the low mountain range of Franconian Switzerland has captivated climbers from all over the world. With around 12,000 climbing routes spread over around 800 crags, the Franconian Jura climbing area offers a wide range of options.

The Franconian Jura is particularly famous for its impressive limestone cliffs, which can be up to 60 metres high. Overhangs, walls, crevices and cracks in the rocks guarantee a varied and challenging climbing experience!

Even though there are many professional climbers in the Franconian Jura, there is something for every level of difficulty - from children and families to experienced climbers.

The Wiesent, one of the most important rivers in Franconian Switzerland, not only offers an impressive backdrop, but also an exciting adventure for nature and water sports enthusiasts. The "Franconian white water" meanders through the Wiesent valley and presents a varied landscape as well as numerous sights.

Whether a leisurely short trip for beginners or an extended day trip for experienced paddlers - a canoe or kayak trip on the Wiesent promises the right experience for everyone! The gentle current of the Wiesent is perfect for family trips, while whitewater sections also attract adventure-seekers. Along the way, the river offers views of historic castles, small villages and unspoilt nature.

Rabenstein Castle is located on a rocky spur jutting out into the Ailsbach valley, directly on the Castle Road. Thanks to its beautiful state rooms, the former high-medieval aristocratic castle offers the ideal setting for weddings, family and company celebrations and invites visitors to take a tour.

The Pottenstein Devil's Cave is the largest of around 1000 caves in Franconian Switzerland and is considered one of the most beautiful stalactite caves in Bavaria. It is around 3000 metres long and half of it is open to the public. The 45 x 18 x 15 metre Barbarossa Dome is particularly impressive.

Travelling in the style of the 1960s and a real family experience - the Fränkische Schweiz steam railway is Franconia's first museum railway and runs regularly in summer on the route from Ebermannstadt to Behringersmühle. The stops invite you to explore the places, such as the nature park information centre directly at the station in Muggendorf, or to set off on a short hike.

At the gateway to Franconian Switzerland is the Obernsees thermal spa with its healing 44-degree water. The multi-award-winning thermal spa has a large sauna area, a physiotherapy and wellness area as well as a bathing world with thermal pools, fun and adventure area and stalactite steam grotto.

A Franconian made jeans world-famous - Levi Strauss lived in Buttenheim in Upper Franconia for 18 years before emigrating to America. His birthplace is now home to the Levi Strauss Museum, where an audio tour tells the story of his life and the history of jeans.

Experience nature and animals - this is possible in the Hundshaupten Wildlife Park, which is home to more than 40 native and rare animal species. On a short hike, you can explore the varied, spacious grounds and observe bison, elk, ibex and many other animals.