Kronach: Landscapes, Castles and Trails

Landscapes between the Franconian Forest and hill country

The larger northeastern part of the district extends into the Franconian Forest. This densely wooded low mountain range, with its gently rounded peaks, is characterized by many valleys and here lies at elevations of around 500 to just over 700 metres. The rest of the district lies in the northern part of the Upper Main Hill Country. This slopes down from the Franconian Forest towards the southwest, to around 300 to 500 metres; escarpments and terraces create a varied relief. The two landscapes offer different points of reference for finding your way: forests and valleys characterize the Franconian Forest, while the hill country stands out for its changing elevations.

Much of the district lies within the catchment area of the Rodach and its tributaries. They flow southwest towards the Upper Main. The Rennsteig of the Thuringian Forest and the Franconian Forest also runs for a 18-kilometre stretch through the district of Kronach. These regional connections help you place destinations and routes geographically, without treating the different places as a single location.

Castles, palace interiors and collections

The Heunischenburg is located in Gehülz. It is considered one of the oldest stone castles in Europe north of the Alps and one of Central Europe's finest fortifications from the Late Bronze Age. In Kronach, Rosenberg Fortress adds to the picture of the region's architectural history: its fortification architecture combines medieval, Renaissance and Baroque elements. The oldest surviving document mentioning the name “Rosenberg” dates from 1249.

The Franconian Gallery displays 220 masterpieces of painting and sculpture from the Late Gothic and Renaissance periods in Franconia, across 1,000 square metres of exhibition space. If you are more interested in preserved palace interiors, Mitwitz Water Castle has original Baroque wall coverings in five rooms; wall coverings from later periods survive in other rooms. The origins of the complex date back to the mid-13th century. Its present Renaissance appearance was created through alterations and additions between 1596 and 1598. During guided tours, visitors can also see the private rooms of the last residents of the castle. Check in advance which tours are currently available.

Lauenstein Castle also offers a close look at historic interiors: the main castle houses a museum with more than 20 rooms. Exhibits include armour, weapons and surviving historicist castle furnishings, including tiled stoves, paintings, and wall and ceiling murals. In Steinwiesen, the Teichmühle Museum shows how water power is used to cut wood. The lace-making school in Nordhalben is a craft institution offering hobby courses to visitors; check course availability before travelling.

Planning trails and excursions

The two FrankenwaldSteigla trails offer a clear comparison in terms of length and difficulty. “Entlang der Marter” is a 14.7-kilometre, moderately difficult hiking trail in Kronach. The “Ködeltour” in Steinwiesen is 17.1 kilometres long and rated very difficult. So the shorter route is not the only factor to consider: also take the difficulty into account and check route conditions before setting out.

A 14-kilometre circular route runs around the Mauthaus drinking-water reservoir and is suitable for skating, cycling, roller skiing, roller skating and running. This provides another specifically described activity alongside the hiking trails. Line 1609 may also be useful for planning a cycling trip: it runs from the district town of Kronach through the Rodach Valley to the spa town of Bad Steben. From May to October, a bicycle trailer is available on the Radlbus. Check the current timetable and the trailer’s seasonal availability before travelling.

The Rodachtalbahn runs from Steinwiesen to Nordhalben using a historic locomotive and historic carriages. As services operate only on certain days, check the current timetable in advance. On-demand buses take visitors to destinations including Lauenstein Castle; check the reservation conditions before travelling. This makes it easier to coordinate trips to museums, the castle and the railway with the relevant mode of transport.

Choose the right focus for your stay

This makes it clear which excursions matter for your stay, without treating different places or activities as equivalent destinations.

Discover more destinations: Pressig, Steinwiesen, Wallenfels, Marktrodach, Nordhalben, Steinbach Am Wald, Ludwigsstadt, Unterallgäu.

Back to the main travel overview: Bavaria.