Frankenwald: Geology, Hiking Trails and History

The Frankenwald stretches across northern Bavaria, between the Main River and the Green Belt along the former inner-German border. As a German upland range, nature park, and historic region, it combines striking landscapes with hiking and cycling trails and traces of mining, castles, and rafting. On your trip, you can explore nature and local history in a variety of ways.

Geology and Nature Along the Green Belt

The geological character of the region is easy to see in the Höllental: this gorge carved through diabase is three kilometres long and up to 170 metres deep. In 2019, it was designated a National Geotope. The Höllental geological discovery trail leads to impressive tunnels and mountain and rock formations. The valley, its rock, and its visible formations all feature in an outing for those interested in geology.

The Green Belt also shapes the nature of the Frankenwald. Recognised as a National Natural Monument, it provides a refuge for many rare plants and animals in the Frankenwald Nature Park. At the same time, it is an important part of the nationwide and Europe-wide network of habitats. The cross-border Schieferland Geopark presents the region’s geological diversity through geotrails, museums, and information centres. It was established in 2009 and designated a National Geopark in 2019.

Hiking and Cycling

The Frankenwald Association’s hiking trail network includes more than 4,500 kilometres of marked trails and spans the entire region. For a more specific choice of routes, there are 40 FrankenwaldSteigla trails ranging from 5 to 18 kilometres in length. The two figures offer different ways to plan: an extensive network of marked hiking trails on the one hand, and routes with specified lengths on the other.

For mountain bikers and touring cyclists, the Frankenwald Nature Park offers an area with well-marked trails. Inns and mountain huts serve as places to stop along the way. There are also established mountain biking routes for all skill levels. The Obermain-Frankenwald Tour offers a different perspective: it crosses the Frankenwald’s rolling heights and follows the Main’s headwaters.

The Prinz-Luitpold Tower stands on the Döbraberg. At just under 800 metres, the mountain is the highest point in the Frankenwald Nature Park; from the tower, the view stretches far across the Frankenwald. This landmark adds a viewpoint over the region to the tours and trails.

Mining, Castles, and Rafting

The Burgenweg is a cultural and historical hiking trail in the Frankenwald. On its western section between Mitwitz and Kronach lies the partly reconstructed prehistoric Heunischenburg, one of the oldest stone fortifications north of the Alps. At Lichtenberg, the Friedrich-Wilhelm-Stollen offers a vivid glimpse into mining in the Frankenwald. The two sites highlight different aspects of regional history: early fortifications and mining.

The rafting trade, with its long tradition, comes to life at the Flößermuseum in Marktrodach. Guests can also get a brief glimpse into the historic profession of rafting on a raft trip along the Wilde Rodach. Trips take place in summer; if you plan to take one, check the dates in advance. History and tradition are also kept alive in the Frankenwald through numerous historic festivals and church fairs.

Local Specialities and Choosing a Hotel

In Ludwigsstadt-Lauenstein, Frankenwald Confiserie Bauer makes handmade pralines and chocolate specialities from the Frankenwald. The café serves homemade cakes to enjoy on site. If you plan to visit, check the opening hours in advance.

When choosing a hotel in the Frankenwald, it helps to first decide what you want to focus on during your stay: hiking, cycling, geology, or cultural and historical sites each offer a different experience. Then consider which of the places mentioned you would like to include in your trip.

Discover more destinations: Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Bad Kissingen, Deggendorf, Berchtesgadener Land, Schweinfurt, Kitzingen, Wendelstein, Chiemsee

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