Explore secret spots in Franconia

Experience the green diversity of Franconia

Franconia is divided into 16 districts, which offer a wealth of variety and diversity. They include the Röhn, the Frankenwald (Franconian Forest), the Fichtelgebirge Mountains, the Franconian Lake District and the Franconian wine region. In 10 Nature Parks, which cover more than half the region, locals and visitors can get to know and enjoy the glory of the local countryside. Paths traverse steep cliffs, cross gently undulating hills and wind through vast woodland. One of the largest is the Nature Park Altmühltal with its many biking and hiking trails.

Another popular destination is Franconian Switzerland, which lies between Bamberg, Bayreuth and Nuremberg. The scenery is characterised by distinctive mountains and hills, striking rock formations and steep river valleys. In amongst this natural beauty you can discover medieval castles and palaces as well as more than 1,000 caves full of impressive stalactites. The Walberla in the foothills of the Franconian Alps is known as the “gateway to Franconian Switzerland”. Germany’s largest contiguous cherry growing region stretches out around this mountain. As well as the cherry orchards, other picturesque fruit orchards line the valley. Splendid fruit trees proliferate in the Kahlgrund, producing a bounty of apples, pears and plums. Mowing the meadows and pruning the branches, local residents dedicate their passion and energy to preserving their cultural landscape.

Culture and history in Franconia’s towns and cities

From classical concerts to the Bayreuth Festival and local festivals such as the Kinderzeche Dinkelsbühl: in Franconia, cultural and historical highlights go hand in hand. Here you can find four UNESCO World Heritage sites, imperial and royal seats, healing spas and health resorts. In the rustic towns and villages, tradition is alive and well: Festive headwear known as “Flitterkränze” are handcrafted in Franconian Switzerland, while in Bad Kissingen the “Brunnenfrauen”, or women of the well, serve water from healing springs in the Wandelhalle spa.

Beer, bratwurst and wine: culinary delights from Franconia

Any visitor to Franconia is sure to encounter its centuries-old wine and beer culture. With around 300 breweries, the region has the highest density of breweries in the world. In the self-styled “home of beer” there are all kinds of occasions for enjoying this refreshing drink: at beer and folk festivals such as the Annafest held in Forchheim’s cellars, at parish fairs and in the many brewery taverns. To accompany the half-litre of beer known as a “Seidla”, hosts serve hearty dishes such as “Schäufele” (pork shoulder) with dumplings or the world-famous Nuremberg Rostbratwürste (speciality sausages).

Guests who prefer to quench their thirst with wine will also find plenty to enjoy in Franconia. The region is famous around the world for its white wines, but the Franconian winemakers also produce some excellent reds. Frankenwein (Bavarian wine of Franconia) is known for its characteristic Bocksbeutel bottle shape – which has even enjoyed EU protection since 1989 and may, with a very few exceptions, only be used for wines from Franconia.

Franconia: an overview of the 2019 highlights

• 250 years of Alexander von Humboldt in the Fichtelgebirge: a ubiquitous presence in the Fichtelgebirge region,  von Humboldt founded a mountain school in Arzberg and fought for better working conditions. Visitors who enter the show mine in Goldkronach or walk along the “Humboldtweg” trail find out what inspired Humboldt.
• Coburg celebrates the 200th birthday of Prince Albert, the consort of the British Queen Victoria. He was born on 26 August 1819 in Rosenau Palace. The Landestheater Coburg will perform music by British composers. The Doll Museum is staging the exhibition “Typisch british – very deutch” (20 May to 8 September 2019).
• 100 years of the Bamberg Constitution: Bavaria obtained its first democratic constitution on 14 August 1919. This did not take place in Munich but in the city of Bamberg. To mark the anniversary of the “Bamberg Constitution” the city will stage exhibitions and guided tours illustrating its role as “temporary capital”.
• 50 years of the Nature Park Altmühltal: the park was set up to conserve the landscape while also providing a recreational facility. The success of this venture is demonstrated by guided tours and an anniversary festival on 14 July 2019.
• Picturesque – Rothenburg ob der Tauber as landscape garden: during its special themed years from 2019 to 2021, Rothenburg ob der Tauber will appear as a “walk-in painting”.
• Franconia – gourmet region: culinary delights play a major role in Franconia with its regional specialities, its excellent wines and its diversity of beers.
• State Garden Show “Nature in the city” in Wassertrüdingen (situated between Gunzenhausen, Nördlingen and Dinkelsbühl) from the 24th of May until the 8th of September 2019