Cherry blossoms appear in Franconian Switzerland in April and May. At the foot of the Walberla lies Germany’s largest contiguous sweet-cherry-growing area. Apples, pears, damsons and cherries are sold directly from farms, depending on the season. Easter has its own distinctive character, too: fountains and springs are decorated with greenery and thousands of hand-painted eggs; there are more than 200 decorated Easter fountains in the region.
Landscape, Hiking Trails and Caves
The varied landscape is one of Franconian Switzerland’s main attractions. More than 4,000 kilometres of marked hiking trails criss-cross the region. One way to experience the landscape is the “Pottenstein – Dream Tour at Schöngrundsee”: it passes juniper heaths and characteristic rock formations. Sections of the long-distance Franconian Way also run through Franconian Switzerland, and themed hikes add to the range of options.
More than 1,000 caves are among the region’s special features. Devil’s Cave is located in the Franconian Switzerland–Franconian Jura Nature Park. A guided tour lasts about 45 minutes and involves around 400 steps. As tours run seasonally, check what is available for your visit. Canoe trips are possible on the Wiesent; water levels and tour operator offerings may vary. The region also has climbing parks.
Basilica, Castles and Special Places
Gößweinstein is home to one of Franconia’s most significant examples of late Baroque architecture: the Gößweinstein Basilica, built between 1730 and 1739, is considered a sacred masterpiece by Balthasar Neumann. Together with its pilgrimage tradition, it forms the religious centre of Franconian Switzerland. Guided tours are held regularly, including tours with an organ concert; programme details may vary.
Rabenstein Castle was first documented in 1188. Its 64-hectare natural paradise is home to a cave with stalactites and stalagmites, a falconry centre and an estate tavern. As opening arrangements and offerings may change, it is advisable to check the details before your visit. Franconian Switzerland has more than 35 medieval castles and palaces in total. Historic mills add to the picture. The Franconian Switzerland Museum in TĂĽchersfeld houses an original synagogue dating from 1763.
Among the cultural traditions that have become less common are the Linden church fairs. Another cave combines visits with music: the Sophienhöhle offers guided tours daily. Cave concerts are also held there from April to October, including “Sophie at Night” on Saturday evenings from 6 to 9 pm. Individual programme dates may change; check the latest information in advance.
Cycling Routes and Different Tours
Cycling offers several different ways to explore the region. The 204-kilometre “Prince-Bishop’s Cycling Tour” combines nature with the cultural treasures left behind by the prince-bishops in Franconian Switzerland. At 184 kilometres, “Casanova’s Ride” is 20 kilometres shorter and passes through romantic river valleys in Casanova’s footsteps. Franconian Switzerland also has the “Castle Road” long-distance cycle route and more than a dozen other long-distance cycle routes; cycling and mountain biking tours are available, too. Route and length provide concrete points of comparison, while each route has its own thematic focus.
Getting There: Useful Information
Franconian Switzerland is connected to the A 9 Munich–Berlin and A 73 Nuremberg–Bamberg motorways. According to tourist information, the region is about a half-hour drive from Nuremberg International Airport. Actual journey times depend on traffic and your destination within Franconian Switzerland.
Discover more destinations: Inn-Salzach, Ingolstadt, Landshut, FĂĽrth, Amberg, Bayreuth, Kempten, Kelheim.
Return to the main travel overview: Bavaria.
