Active Vacations in Franconian Switzerland

Hiking

Hiking has been the most popular sporting and leisure activity for tourists in Franconian Switzerland for many years. On trails with a total length of more than 5000 km (3100 miles) you can get to know this amazing landscape. Many villages organize special „hiking weeks“ and the tourist center offers „hiking trips without backpacks“. You can go on a trip for 5, 6 or 7 days and your backpacks will await you at your next destination.

Cycling

More and more guests discover Franconian Switzerland by bicycle. There is a tight network of about 58 circular routes and 14 long-distance trails, on which you can get to know the area between Bamberg , Bayreuth and Nuremberg . We recommend the trail along the “Burgenstraße“ (castle road) via Forchheim and Franconian Switzerland to Bamberg. The tour „Casanovas Ausritt“ (Casanova’s horse ride) and the „Fürstbischöfliche Tour“ (the prince-bishop’s tour) around Bamberg are also very attractive.

Mountain biking

Franconian Switzerland is one of the nicest mountain biking areas in Germany. There are numerous tours with varying lengths to be discovered. All trails are well signposted so you will easily find your bearings.

Water sports & swimming

For more information about bathing and swimming in Franconian Switzerland visit our swimming pool page.

Fly fishing, ground fishing and spider fishing

The natural border of Franconian Switzerland is formed by the Wiesent River and its affluents/tributaries, which are home to salmon, trout and grayling. The oxygen content, the temperatures and the nutrients in these rivers offer ideal conditions for salmons and the waters are teeming with fish. Many experts believe that in the Wiesent River you’ll find Europe’s highest stocking rate of brown trout.

Climbing

No other German climbing area offers such an abundance of climbing routes as Franconian Switzerland. Some of Germany’s most famous routes can be found in this area. The hard rocks provide good grip and even enable less advanced climbers to master vertical walls. Of course climbing professionals will also find the right challenge in this area.

Canoeing

The Wiesent River is the only river on which canoeing tours through Franconian Switzerland are permitted. A 28 km long stretch, called the “Franconian Whitewater” is ideal for lovers of moderate whitewater (level I and II). A canoeing tour through the beautiful Wiesent valley is a truly unique nature experience.