Franconian Switzerland between Bamberg, Nuremberg and Bayreuth is a popular holiday area with a diverse landscape and history. There are customs here that can hardly be found anywhere else.

It is probably the most popular Holiday region in Upper Franconia: the Franconian Switzerland. But where exactly is it and what makes it so special? How did it get its name and what should you definitely see when you’re there? What stories are hidden there?

This is Franconian Switzerland

The Franconian Switzerland lies between Bamberg, Nuremberg and Bayreuth. With around 2,500 square kilometers, it is one of the most important Holiday regions Germany. Due to their location and size, there are different conditions climatic Conditions. In the outskirts, especially in the Regnitztal between Nuremberg and Bamberg, the summers are warm and the winters are generally quite mild, but on the Albhöhe Summers are rather cool and winters can be good there Skiing conditions be found.

Franconian Switzerland owes its name to the travel writers of the 19th century, as the landscape of the former “Muggenorfer Mountains” with its mountains, valleys and rocks reminded them of the “real” Switzerland. And it is precisely this diverse landscape that is one of the main attractions of the holiday area. Rugged rocks, blooming orchards, Franconian villages and 170 medieval ones Castles are located in this area, which covers its entire extent Natural park was explained.

Until the Stone Age Traces of human life can be traced back to Franconian Switzerland. It was ice-free during the last ice age. So people could live there, there was water and enough fish, and there was enough game in the forests. Later the Celts lived there, who built huge ring walls, such as this Walberla near Forchheim. The Low mountain landscape Franconian Switzerland was never a political or economic entity. The history of the region has long been dominated by the powerful cities of Bayreuth, Bamberg and Nuremberg. This only changed with the Congress of Vienna in 1814/1815, when the Kingdom of Bavaria incorporated Franconian territories.

On the road in Franconian Switzerland

Franconian Switzerland has many interesting excursion options to offer. From hiking about Summer toboggan run From palaces and castles to visiting mystical places, there is something for everyone. The region is also well taken care of for culinary delights and thirsty throats highest density of breweries and distilleries in the world on.

Book tip hiking guide: ‘Forgotten Paths Franconian Switzerland: 33 quiet tours to hidden natural beauties away from the hustle and bustle in Franconian and Hersbruck Switzerland’ – view directly here

You wander gladly? Then you’ve come to the right place in Franconian Switzerland. Romantic valleysrugged rocky areas and idyllic villages line the hiking trails, which together are around 4,500 kilometers long. Regardless of whether Beer and Brewery hike or a hike on the art and sculpture trails, everyone can explore the area as they wish. Hikes lasting several days on hiking trails certified by the German Hiking Association are also possible. You’d rather be on that Bicycle on the way? That’s not a problem here either. Regardless of whether Trekking tours or by mountain bike, here you will find the right thing for you.

You can find yours on over 12,000 routes and 800 rocks Climbing skills prove or in one of the Climbing schools learn the basics. And if you prefer on that Water If you’re on the move, you can let off steam there or just let yourself drift. But you should check this out first Rules of conduct take a closer look, because Franconian Switzerland is one Natural park and must therefore be protected accordingly.

History and stories

The Settlement In Franconian Switzerland, for example in the “Walberla”, finds can be traced back far into the Stone Age. There are already some findings, such as stone implements and ceramic shards settlements around 4000 BC. And so, over time, customs have developed that cannot or hardly be found anywhere else:

  • Dance out Betzen: An old church christening custom that should not be missing from any regular Kärwa.
  • Göger derschlong: One of the traditional fair games in our area. A mix of blind man’s buff and game of skill, with a touch of raw power and audience participation.
  • Set up the maypole: Every church fair has a “maypole” or “Maiä”, as the Franconians say. To mark the opening of the church fair, the village boys put up a decorated spruce tree about 20-30 meters high. An entertaining, if not entirely safe, undertaking.
  • Bake Urrädla: The round, crumbly pastries should not be missing at any church fair, communion or other large celebration

Of course you can too Say and Legends not to be missed: For example, via the Ehrenbürg near Forchheim, called Walberla. There is a chapel dedicated to Saint Walpurga. According to legend, Walpurga has the witches and witches who live on the Ehrenbürg Demons forced to help her build the chapel. In return, they are now allowed to wreak havoc on Walpurgis Night. Maybe you should take a closer look there next time you visit.

A long time ago there was said to be a devil lurking behind the Schwedenknock who attacked a farmer one evening. However, the farmer was not afraid of the devil and beat him until he was defeated. Since this event, according to legend, the path has been called the Teufelsgraben. A long time ago there was said to have been a gallows on Galgenberg in Bärnfels. According to the stories, the decision about a person’s life and death took a special form: the condemned man had the opportunity to shimmy over from the Galgenberg rock to the Reibert rock on a 300-meter-long rope. If he succeeded, he was given freedom – but if he didn’t have enough strength, he fell to his death.

Franconian Switzerland is certainly one of them most beautiful areas in Franconia. Anyone looking for relaxation here is guaranteed to find it. Active holidays with hiking, biking or canoeing are possible, but history buffs will also find what they are looking for here. The Pottenstein Devil’s Cave, the Walberla near Forchheim and the Sanspareil rock garden are just some of the attractions that the “Fränkische” has to offer. We have compiled an overview of 10 top sights in Franconian Switzerland.

Further recommendations for accommodation and vacation:

  • Unusual vacation in Bavaria – from elf tree houses to goblin beds
  • Overnight in the old town – the best hotels in the center of Bamberg
  • Book hotels with dogs – these are the most dog-friendly accommodations in Bamberg
  • Wellness hotels in Franconia: 8 recommendations to switch off, relax and unwind
  • Wine hotels in Franconia: Book gourmet hotels for wine lovers now
  • Cheap summer vacation – where this is currently still possible in Europe
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