Exploring Franconian Switzerland: A Scenic Adventure with Friends

Delving Deep and Sipping Suds

Today was all about exploring the hidden depths of Franconian Switzerland and rewarding ourselves with some well-deserved local brews. It's amazing how much history and natural beauty can be packed into a single day, especially when shared with good friends. After the initial excitement of arriving yesterday, today felt like the real beginning of our adventure, and what a start it was!

Our day kicked off with a hearty breakfast at the Arivo Aparthotel Restaurant. Nothing fancy, but it did the trick, setting us up for a day of cave exploration. We needed the energy, after all. With maps in hand and a sense of adventure in our hearts, we set off to explore the Quackenschloss Cave. I’d read a bit about it, and the name alone was enough to pique my interest.


Discover budget-friendly luxury at Arivo Aparthotel in Forchheim, with easy access to local attractions, dining, and fitness facilities.

The drive to Quackenschloss was stunning. The rolling hills of Franconian Switzerland were awash in autumnal colours, the leaves putting on a spectacular show before winter sets in. Even though I miss Kelowna sometimes, especially this time of year, seeing the leaves change here is something special. We parked the car and hiked up to the cave entrance. The Quackenschloss isn't so much a cave as it is a cave ruin, a gallery cave with a fascinating history.


Discover the natural beauty and geological wonders of Quackenschloss Cave in Wiesenttal, a perfect destination for hiking and exploration.

The cave itself is more of a large rock overhang, open on two sides. You can safely enter from the east side. The name comes from the porous rock, called 'Quacke' in the local dialect. Apparently, it’s the remains of a very old cave system, sitting high up on the hill. According to local legend, a hunter once chased a deer into the cave, only to find a portal to a magical realm ruled by a beautiful fairy. He was tempted to stay, but when he chose to return to his earthly love, the fairy died, the palace collapsed, and the hunter was found dead at the foot of the Quackenschloss. A bit grim, perhaps, but it adds to the atmosphere.

Sometimes, the greatest adventures are found in the most unexpected places.

After soaking in the history and taking a few photos, we headed towards our next destination: Bing Cave. This was the cave I was really looking forward to. Bing Cave, or Binghöhle, is a limestone show cave discovered in 1905 by Ignaz Bing, a Nuremberg industrialist. The story goes that Bing was exploring the area when he stumbled upon a small opening. Intrigued, he began excavating, and soon unearthed a stunning network of caverns adorned with stalactites and stalagmites.


Explore the stunning Bing Cave in Wiesenttal, a captivating tourist attraction featuring breathtaking formations and rich geological history.

Bing, being a savvy businessman, quickly realised the cave’s potential as a tourist attraction. He invested his own money to develop the site, installing electric lights in 1907 and opening it to the public. Today, it’s one of the most popular show caves in Franconian Switzerland, and it’s easy to see why.

The tour of Bing Cave was incredible. The cave extends for about 270 meters, and is the only show cave in the Franconian Jura not located in Dolomite. Our guide led us through the winding passages, pointing out the various formations and explaining how they were formed over millions of years. The lighting was well done, accentuating the natural beauty of the cave without being too intrusive. One of the highlights was the 'Riesensäule' or Giant's Column, a massive stalagmite that dominates one of the chambers. It’s hard to believe that something like that can be created by nothing more than dripping water and time.

After our subterranean adventures, we were all feeling a bit peckish. So, we headed to Schwanenbräu Ebermannstadt for lunch. This traditional Franconian brewery and restaurant has been around for generations, and is known for its hearty local cuisine and, of course, its beer. I opted for the Schäuferla, a roasted pork shoulder that’s a Franconian specialty. It was tender, flavourful, and exactly what I needed after a morning of hiking and cave exploring. And, naturally, I washed it down with a Schwanenbräu Lager. Not bad at all. It’s not quite the same as a Kelowna craft brew, but it was a solid, well-made lager that paired perfectly with the food.


Discover authentic Bavarian flavors at Schwanenbräu Ebermannstadt - a delightful restaurant and hotel in the heart of Bavaria.

With our bellies full, we spent the afternoon wandering around Ebermannstadt, a charming town with a rich history. We strolled along the Wiesent River, admiring the half-timbered houses and soaking in the laid-back atmosphere. It’s the kind of place where time seems to slow down, and you can’t help but feel relaxed.

As evening approached, we made our way to Resengörg for dinner. This hotel and inn has been in the same family for over 150 years, and is known for its excellent Franconian cuisine. The restaurant was cosy and inviting, with a warm, welcoming atmosphere. I decided to try one of their schnitzel variations, and it was delicious.


Discover Resengörg: A charming restaurant and inn in Ebermannstadt offering authentic Franconian cuisine amidst stunning landscapes.

After dinner, we were in the mood for a nightcap, so we headed to Krug Bräu. This brewery is a bit outside of Ebermannstadt, but it was well worth the drive. Krug Bräu is a traditional Franconian brewery that’s been around for generations. They brew a variety of beers, from lagers to bocks, all made with local ingredients and traditional methods. The brewery itself is located in a charming village, and the taproom has a rustic, welcoming atmosphere. I sampled a few of their beers, and I was particularly impressed with their lager. It was crisp, clean, and refreshing, with a subtle hop bitterness that I really enjoyed. Olivia, of course, stuck with her usual pilsner, while the others tried a few of the darker beers on tap.


Experience authentic Bavarian culture at Krug Bräu, a brewpub offering craft beers, local cuisine, and lively dance hall entertainment in Waischenfeld.

Sitting there with my friends, sipping on a Krug Bräu lager, I felt a sense of contentment wash over me. This is what travel is all about: exploring new places, experiencing new cultures, and sharing it all with the people you care about. Franconian Switzerland is quickly becoming one of my favourite destinations, and I can’t wait to see what tomorrow brings.

Tomorrow, we're planning to explore the Höhlenruine Riesenburg and Oswaldhöhle, followed by lunch at Albrecht-Dürer-Stube and dinner at Weisses Lamm. And, of course, we'll be sure to sample some local brews at the Entlas Cellar Beer Garden. Until then, prost!