In the district of Kronach, wooded ridges alternate with rolling, terraced hills. The larger northeastern part extends into the Franconian Forest, a densely wooded, low mountain range with gently rounded peaks and many valleys, at elevations of around 500 to just over 700 metres. The rest of the district lies in the northern part of the Upper Main Hills. This landscape slopes down from the Franconian Forest to the southwest, from around 300 to 500 metres, and features varied terrain with escarpments and terraces. Most of the district lies within the catchment area of the Rodach and its tributaries, which flow southwest towards the upper Main.
Discover castles and history
The Heunischenburg in the district of Gehülz is considered one of the oldest stone castles in Europe north of the Alps and one of the finest fortifications of the Late Bronze Age in Central Europe. Rosenberg Fortress combines medieval, Renaissance and Baroque military architecture. The oldest surviving document mentioning the name “Rosenberg” dates from 1249. At the Franconian Gallery, you can discover works from a later period: across 1,000 square metres of exhibition space, it presents 220 outstanding masterpieces of painting and sculpture from the Late Gothic and Renaissance periods in Franconia.
Lauenstein Castle also offers a glimpse of historic interiors. Its upper castle houses a museum with armour, weapons and preserved historicist furnishings. These include tiled stoves, paintings, and wall and ceiling murals, spread across more than 20 rooms.
The origins of Mitwitz Moated Castle date back to the mid-13th century. It acquired its present-day Renaissance appearance through alterations and extensions carried out between 1596 and 1598. Original Baroque wall coverings have been preserved in five rooms, with coverings from later periods in other rooms. Guided tours also give visitors a glimpse of the private rooms of the castle’s last residents. Check the current tour arrangements before visiting. The municipality of Mitwitz lies within the Franconian Forest Nature Park.
Trails and outdoor experiences
The Rennsteig trail through the Thuringian Forest and the Franconian Forest runs for 18 kilometres through the district. For hiking, two FrankenwaldSteigla trails offer a clear comparison in terms of length and difficulty: “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 classified as very difficult. Check route details and conditions again before setting out.
A 14-kilometre circular route runs around the Mauthaus drinking-water reservoir. It is suitable for skating, cycling, roller skiing, roller skating and running. Surface conditions and possible restrictions may change; check the conditions in advance. If you are looking for a ride rather than a trip along the trail, the Rodachtalbahn offers another way to experience the region: it runs from Steinwiesen to Nordhalben with a historic locomotive and carriages. Check the operating days before travelling.
In Nordhalben, the lace-making school is a traditional craft institution that offers hobby courses to visitors. Check in advance whether a course is available during your visit. The Teichmühlen Museum in Steinwiesen shows how water power was used to cut wood, offering another perspective on the area’s craft history.
Getting around the region
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. Check the current timetable and seasonal availability for your trip. On-demand buses take visitors to places including Lauenstein Castle; check the booking conditions in advance.
Discover more destinations: Kronach, Mitwitz, Pressig, Steinwiesen, Wallenfels, Marktrodach, Wilhelmsthal, Nordhalben, KĂĽps, Steinbach Am Wald, Stockheim In Oberfranken, Ludwigsstadt, Tettau, Teuschnitz, WeiĂźenbrunn, Tschirn.
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