Höllental tells the geological story of Frankenwald in clear measurements: the gorge cut through diabase is three kilometres long and up to 170 metres deep. In 2019, it received National GeoSite status. Frankenwald is a German low mountain range, nature park and historic region in northern Bavaria. It stretches from the Main River to the Green Belt along the former inner-German border.
Geology and nature along the Green Belt
The Höllental geological discovery trail leads to impressive tunnels, mountain formations and rock formations. The cross-border Schieferland Geopark offers another perspective on the region’s geological diversity, with geological trails, museums and information centres. It was established in 2009 and designated a National Geopark in 2019.
In Frankenwald Nature Park, the Green Belt is recognised as a National Natural Monument. It provides a refuge for many rare plants and animals and is an important part of the biotope network spanning Germany and Europe. Geological formations and protected nature thus coexist, without reducing the landscape’s character to a single experience.
Hiking and cycling routes in Frankenwald
The Frankenwald Association’s hiking trail network comprises more than 4,500 kilometres of marked trails and criss-crosses the entire region. The 40 FrankenwaldSteigla trails have specific distances: their routes range from 5 to 18 kilometres. This makes it possible to narrow down your options based on the stated distance.
There are various options for cycling, too. Mountain bike routes of all difficulty levels have been put together in Frankenwald. Frankenwald Nature Park is also an area for mountain bikers and touring cyclists; well-marked trails, along with inns and mountain huts as places to stop, are part of what it offers. The Obermain-Frankenwald Tour crosses the rolling heights of Frankenwald and follows the Main River towards its source.
A striking viewpoint is the Prince Luitpold Tower on Döbraberg. At just under 800 metres, Döbraberg is the highest point in Frankenwald Nature Park; from the tower, the view stretches far across Frankenwald. Here, you can take in the scale of the landscape in a different way than on an individual hiking or cycling route.
Castles, mining and timber rafting
The Castle Trail is a cultural and historical hiking route in Frankenwald. Along its western section between Mitwitz and Kronach lies the partially reconstructed prehistoric Heunischenburg. It is one of the oldest stone fortifications north of the Alps. The Friedrich-Wilhelm-Stollen near Lichtenberg offers a different insight into the region’s history, vividly conveying the story of mining in Frankenwald.
Timber rafting features both as history and as a summertime experience. At the Rafting Museum in Marktrodach, this traditional trade comes to life. A raft trip on the Wilde Rodach still gives visitors a small glimpse into the historic profession of the rafters; trips take place in summer. Check the trip dates before planning. Historic festivals and church fairs also keep the traditions and history of Frankenwald alive to this day.
A sweet discovery
In Ludwigsstadt-Lauenstein, Frankenwald Confiserie Bauer makes handmade pralines and chocolate specialities from Frankenwald. The café serves homemade cakes to enjoy on site. If you’re planning a visit, check the opening details before you travel.
Discover more destinations: Deggendorf, Neumarkt in der Oberpfalz, Bamberg, Inn-Salzach, Weißenburg-Gunzenhausen, Kitzingen, Regen, Allgäu.
For the regional travel overview: Bavaria.
