Exploring Franconian Switzerland: A Scenic Adventure with Friends

Unearthing Hidden Gems

Today was all about delving into the heart of Franconian Switzerland, both literally and figuratively. We traded the open road for winding paths, the comfort of our hotel for the cool embrace of ancient caves, and the familiar for the utterly fascinating. It's days like these that remind me why I love to travel.

Our day began, as most do on this trip, with a hearty breakfast at the Arivo Aparthotel Restaurant. Nothing fancy, but it set us up perfectly for a day of exploration. After fuelling up, we set off to our first destination: the Höhlenruine Riesenburg, or the Riesenburg Cave Ruins. I must admit, the name alone conjured images of giants and forgotten kingdoms. The reality was no less impressive. The Riesenburg isn't so much a cave as it is the skeletal remains of one, a collapsed karst cave formed from Frankendolomite by the relentless action of water. What remains are several breathtaking rock arches, spanning up to 11.5 meters. Walking beneath these arches, I felt a profound sense of history. King Ludwig I visited this very spot in 1830, and his words are etched into the rock. It's a humbling reminder that we're just fleeting visitors in a landscape that has witnessed centuries. The views from the top were stunning, a panorama of the Wiesent Valley stretching out before us. The autumn colours were in full swing, painting the landscape in shades of red, gold, and brown. I managed to snap a few photos, hoping to capture even a fraction of the beauty before us. It was easy to see why the Riesenburg has been a popular destination for centuries.


Explore the stunning Höhlenruine Riesenburg, a captivating blend of history and natural beauty in the heart of Franconian Switzerland.
From the Riesenburg, we drove a short distance to our next adventure: the Oswaldhöhle. This cave promised a different kind of experience, one that involved a bit more…crawling. Olivia, never one to shy away from a bit of adventure, was particularly excited. The Oswaldhöhle, unlike the Riesenburg, is a proper cave, a 65-meter long passage that cuts through the Hohler Berg (Hollow Mountain).
What makes the Oswaldhöhle particularly interesting is its history. It’s named after a hermit named Oswald, who supposedly lived in the cave according to a novel. During the Thirty Years' War, it served as a refuge for the locals. You can still see remnants of old walls near the entrance, a testament to its past as a shelter.

To travel is to take a journey into yourself.

We grabbed our torches and ventured into the cool, dark interior. The cave is mostly horizontal, making it accessible for casual explorers like us. The first chamber, the Große Halle (Great Hall), is an impressive 40 meters long, supported by two natural pillars. The ceiling here is high, but as you venture further in, it quickly drops to about 1.5 meters in some sections. I had to stoop low, careful not to bump my head. It was a bit tight, but that added to the thrill. Olivia, ever the librarian, was fascinated by the geological features, remnants of sinter formations and a rock basin called the Weihkessel, once thought to be used for cultic rituals. Emerging from the Oswaldhöhle, blinking in the sunlight, we felt like true explorers. The surrounding landscape of the Wiesenttal was just as captivating, with lush forests and dramatic rock formations. The Frankenweg and Heinrich-Uhl-Weg hiking trails pass directly through the cave, offering a unique experience for hikers. We took a short stroll along one of the trails, soaking in the panoramic views. I can imagine that visiting in winter would be a completely different experience, with stunning ice formations transforming the cave into a frosty wonderland.


Explore Oswaldhöhle's stunning hiking trails and magnificent cave formations in the heart of Wiesenttal, a perfect destination for nature lovers and adventurers.
After our subterranean adventures, we were ready for a good, hearty lunch. We drove to Forchheim and found ourselves at the Albrecht-Dürer-Stube. This restaurant is located in one of the most remarkable half-timbered houses in Nuremberg, a building with a history stretching back to the 15th century. It has been used as a wine tavern since 1811, and the Höllerzeder family has been running it since 1951.
The atmosphere was warm and inviting, with traditional charm and seasonal decorations. We settled into a cozy corner and ordered some Franconian specialties. I opted for the Schäufele, a traditional pork shoulder dish, while Olivia went for the Nürnberger Bratwürste, the famous Nuremberg sausages. Both were delicious, hearty, and exactly what we needed after a day of hiking and cave exploring. The service was friendly and attentive, making us feel right at home.


Savor traditional Franconian and Bavarian dishes at Albrecht-Dürer-Stube in Nuremberg—where culture meets culinary delight.
With our bellies full, we decided to indulge in another Franconian tradition: beer. We headed to the Entlas Cellar Beer Garden in Erlangen. This beer garden is an institution, known for its excellent location under shady trees and its selection of Franconian beers. It’s been around for over 330 years, originally used for beer storage.
The atmosphere was lively, with locals and tourists alike enjoying the late afternoon sunshine. We found a spot at a long wooden table and ordered a couple of Kellerbiers, unfiltered lagers that are a specialty of the region. The beer was cold and refreshing, the perfect end to a busy day. As we sipped our beers, we listened to the chatter around us, the clinking of glasses, and the gentle rustling of leaves in the trees. It was a perfect moment, a snapshot of Franconian life.


Experience the vibrant atmosphere of Entlas Cellar Beer Garden, where traditional Franconian cuisine meets refreshing local brews in Erlangen.
Before heading back to Forchheim, we made a quick stop at the Entlas Cellar itself. Unfortunately, the cellar tours only take place on Sundays at 11 a.m., so we missed it. But we did get a glimpse of the entrance, a dark and mysterious opening leading into the depths of the Erlanger Berg. I made a mental note to come back another Sunday to experience the tour. Apparently, they are even brewing their own beer in the mountain now.
For dinner, we decided to stay local and try Weisses Lamm in Forchheim. This traditional Gasthof (inn) offered a cozy atmosphere and a menu full of Franconian dishes. I decided to try the Schlachtschüssel, a hearty dish of Kesselfleisch (boiled meat), Blutwurst (blood sausage), and Leberwurst (liver sausage), served with Sauerkraut and potatoes. It was definitely a carnivore's delight, and a great way to experience the local cuisine. Olivia opted for a lighter meal, a salad with grilled chicken.


Discover Weisses Lamm: A charming restaurant and inn in Engelthal offering authentic Franconian cuisine amid stunning landscapes.
As we ate, we discussed our plans for tomorrow. We'll be visiting Pottenstein Castle, another iconic landmark in Franconian Switzerland. I'm particularly looking forward to exploring the castle grounds and learning about its history. We also plan to visit Brewery Rittmayer Hallerndorf OHG, a local brewery, to sample some more Franconian beers.
Back at the Arivo Aparthotel, I'm sitting here, writing this blog post, feeling tired but content. Today was a day of exploration, discovery, and delicious food and beer. It's days like these that make traveling so rewarding, the chance to experience new things, meet new people, and create lasting memories. And to think, tomorrow brings more adventures. I can't wait.


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