Kronach: Castles, Trails and the Franconian Forest

In the district of Kronach, the heights of the Franconian Forest meet the Upper Main Hills. The larger northeastern part of the district extends into the Franconian Forest, a low, rounded, densely wooded upland range with many valleys. Elevations there range from about 500 to just over 700 metres. The rest of the district lies in the northern part of the Upper Main Hills. These descend from the Franconian Forest towards the southwest, from about 500 to 300 metres; escarpments and terraces shape the lively terrain. Most of the district belongs to the catchment area of the Rodach and its tributaries, which flow southwest towards the Upper Main.

Trails and landscapes

The Rennsteig of the Thuringian and Franconian Forests runs for 18 kilometres through part of the district of Kronach. Two FrankenwaldSteigla trails of different lengths and difficulty levels are also suitable for hiking: “Entlang der Marter” is a 14.7-kilometre, moderately difficult hiking trail in Kronach. The “Ködeltour” in Steinwiesen is longer at 17.1 kilometres and is rated very difficult. Check trail conditions before setting out, as they can vary.

Another way to get outdoors is the 14-kilometre circular route around the Mauthaus drinking water reservoir. It is suitable for skating, cycling, roller skiing, roller skating and running. This offers a choice of activities: marked hiking trails with a stated difficulty level, and a circular route that accommodates several types of activity.

Fortresses, museums and crafts

In Kronach, Rosenberg Fortress combines medieval, Renaissance and Baroque defensive architecture. The oldest surviving document mentioning the name “Rosenberg” dates from 1249. The Franconian Gallery presents 220 masterpieces of painting and sculpture from the late Gothic and Renaissance periods in Franconia across 1,000 square metres of exhibition space.

In the district of Gehülz, Heunischenburg is considered one of the oldest stone castles in Europe north of the Alps and one of the highest-quality fortifications in Central Europe from the late Bronze Age. In Mitwitz, the origins of the moated castle date back to the mid-13th century. It acquired its present-day Renaissance appearance through alterations and additions made between 1596 and 1598. Original Baroque wall hangings have been preserved in five rooms, with hangings from later periods in other rooms. Guided tours also give visitors a glimpse of the private rooms of the castle’s last residents; check current visiting arrangements in advance. The municipality of Mitwitz lies in the Franconian Forest Nature Park.

Crafts and historic technology are also worth exploring: the lace-making school in Nordhalben is an arts and crafts institution that offers hobby courses to visitors. Confirm course availability before your trip. The Teichmühle Museum in Steinwiesen shows how water power was used to saw wood. The main castle of Lauenstein Castle houses a museum with more than 20 rooms. Exhibits include armour and weapons, as well as surviving historicist furnishings, including tiled stoves, paintings, and wall and ceiling paintings.

Getting around the district

The Rodachtal Railway runs from Steinwiesen to Nordhalben with a historic locomotive and historic carriages. Check operating days before your trip. Route 1609 runs from the district town of Kronach through the Rodach Valley to the spa town of Bad Steben. From May to October, the Radlbus has a bicycle trailer; for your planning, check the current timetable and seasonal availability. On-demand buses take visitors to places including Lauenstein Castle. Ask about reservation requirements in advance.

When looking for a hotel in Kronach, you can also consider what you want to focus on during your trip: architectural history and collections, hiking trails with varying levels of difficulty, or experiences involving railways and crafts offer different ways to spend your time in the district.

Discover more destinations: Küps, Nordhalben, Tschirn, Wilhelmsthal, Marktrodach, Wallenfels, Steinwiesen, Pressig, Mitwitz, Kronach, Steinbach Am Wald, Stockheim In Oberfranken, Ludwigsstadt, Weißenbrunn, Tettau, Teuschnitz.

See the main travel overview: Bavaria.