A Bavarian area, for some less known than the Grand Canyon or Cote d’ Azur, is embedded into the city triangle Nürnberg, Bayreuth and Bamberg. A real gem opens up to the visitor in this landscape full of romance and coziness. An island of Franconian hospitality and artworks, of a natural kind and made by  humankind. Fachwerk and rocks, castles and caves, architecture of nature and and a rich history are guarantor for an exciting trip to Bavaria's north.

You will leave the motorway A9, coming from the South / Nürnberg, at the exit Pegnitz/Grafenwöhr and continue towards Pottenstein. Shortly after Schüttersmühle on your left had side, you will see the largest accessible cave out of 1000 (!) in Fränkischer Schweiz. The Teufelshöhle is equipped with powerful stalagmites and stalactites, which grow 1mm in 13 years, stretches over 1,5 km through a rock massif. Apart from tours, that also show the skeleton of a cave bear, special therapies for asthmatics and other respiratory diseases are offered.

A few meters away you will find a kids' paradise on the way to Pottenstein across from the Felsenbad: The world's prettiest summer toboggan run with a length of 1.160 m and a all-year bob slide. The views to the close castle in Pottenstein and the rocky landscape of the Fränkische Schweiz makes you really think you are on the greatest bob slide of the world. 

Baron Thilo von Winzingerrode is the lord of one of the best-conserved and oldest castles, following the historic records. The architect cultivates the family legacy, where the Pottensteiner was born in 1958. Also Holy Elisabeth, well-known beyond the borders, was a guest on this castle, which is not only  testified by the Elisabeth room, but also the fountain at the market place of Pottenstein.

The path continues via the Püttlachtal to Tüchersfeld, one of the most often photographed places in Fränkische Schweiz. There you find the museum of the same name in the called Judenhof. This museum worth seeing is part of the lower castle, the upper is mostly destroyed and was located up on one of the bizarre rocks, enclosing the place and which make it so beautiful. The collection shows geological and archaeological aspects, Hand craft, guild, art and art craft as well as housing and piety. The small synagogue from the 18th century is a special gem.

After so many impressions it's about time to take a break and get some food. But that gan get a little tricky: Only few areas in Bavaria, even Germany, come up with such a number of culinary highlights. Country side restaurants offer regional delights like Schäufele and Co. and on top they pour the often self-brewed beer. Upper Franconia is top when it comes to beer: over 70 breweries provide the thirsty with the healthy hop drink and more than 600 kinds.

The small community Gößweinstein has two sights to offer: There's the castle rising over the place, and then the Basilica, which was conceived built by the famous building master Balthasar Neumann. Two mighty towers are the landmarks of the baroque church, the largest and most important chruch of the Fränkische Schweiz. Count Goswin gave his name to the Upper Franconian city, but he was also the builder of the castle, which was first mentioned in 1076. The knights' room is used for festivities such as weddings and while visiting the place people can get a glimpse of the paltry lifestyle of the medieval times.

The slowness of all senses and pure joy can be found while taking the AAGLANDER. Roland Belz, entrepreneur and owner of the castle in Kühlenfels has always been a horse and carriage fan. When more and more of his friends wanted a carriage ride in this beautiful landscape of the Fränkische Schweiz, hecame up with the great idea to create a self-driving carriage following the example of the first automobile. Three years later he constructed the first AAGLANDER with motors. Two versions with two and four seats are offered after a short instruction and there you go. No, not like hell, but very cozily you speed up to 20 km/h on selected routes off the busy streets. The shortest tour amounts to 3 hours, 1 day incl. romantic picknick should be scheduled anyway and the 3-day tour is best suited for groups.

Mountainbikers, climber, hikers and anglers will feel at home in Fränkische Schweiz. A great selection of interesting routes for cyclists is can really keep up with the Alps. With 830m difference in altitude and a length of 33 km one of the greatest tours leads from Pegnitz to Pottenstein and back. The route was awarded by the Bike magazine in April 2005 and is full of single-trails and amazing views.

No other German area offers such a rich selection of rocks and routes. Beginners may book climbing courses and the advanced may discover some real goody. Hiking is also big in Fränkische Schweiz and anglers may be blessed with a number of fish in the numerous waters – given they have a license!

Great adventures, culinary delights, yummy beer and an inviting landscape paired with sportive activities and some dolce vita – Fränkische Schweiz has gems of every kind, you just have to discover them.

by Dietmar Stanka