Exploring Franconian Switzerland: A Scenic Adventure with Friends

Franconian Switzerland's Hidden Gems

Today was all about stepping back in time and soaking in the raw beauty of Franconian Switzerland. Olivia and I, along with our friends, set out to explore some historical landmarks and natural wonders, blending a bit of adventure with a taste of local culture. It’s days like these that remind me why I love travelling – the chance to connect with history and nature in such a profound way.

Our day began with a hearty breakfast at the Arivo Aparthotel Restaurant in Forchheim. Nothing beats a good German breakfast to fuel up for a day of exploring. After breakfast, we packed our essentials – camera, water, and a light jacket – and headed towards our first destination: Neideck Castle.


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

Neideck Castle, or what remains of it, stands proudly overlooking the Wiesent Valley near the village of Streitberg. As we approached the ruins, the autumn air was crisp, carrying the scent of damp earth and fallen leaves. The walk up to the castle was a bit steep, but the panoramic views made every step worthwhile. The castle's history is fascinating; it was first mentioned in 1312 but likely built in the 12th century. It was once owned by the Schlüsselberg family and played a significant role in local power struggles.


Explore the historic Neideck Castle ruins in Franconian Switzerland, offering panoramic views, scenic hiking trails, and a glimpse into medieval history.

Exploring the ruins, I couldn't help but imagine what life must have been like during the castle's heyday. The remaining tower house offers a viewing point, and from the top, the entire valley unfolded beneath us. Olivia, with her keen interest in history, read aloud from our guidebook, detailing the castle's various sieges and transformations over the centuries. It’s amazing how much history these stones hold.

Following the wind, clouds come to the rocks and soften, but the rock stands unchanging in time.

After soaking in the views and a good dose of history, we made our way to Landgasthaus Ziegelscheune for lunch. This charming restaurant is known for its traditional cuisine and idyllic location. We indulged in some local Franconian dishes, hearty and delicious. The cozy atmosphere was perfect for a midday break, and we enjoyed chatting with the friendly staff about the region's culinary traditions.


Discover authentic German cuisine at Landgasthaus Ziegelscheune in Bad Schandau—where tradition meets taste amidst stunning landscapes.

Post-lunch, we set our sights on Höhlenruine Riesenburg, or the Giant's Castle Cave Ruins. This natural monument is the remains of a vast karst cave that collapsed over centuries, leaving behind a mesmerizing landscape of rock arches and towering cliffs. The geological history of the Riesenburg dates back millions of years, with the cave system carved out by water dissolving the rock.


Discover the dramatic beauty of Höhlenruine Riesenburg in Franconian Switzerland: a geological wonder with stunning rock formations and a rich history, perfect for hikers and nature lovers.

The site is a testament to the power of nature and time. Massive rock arches, some spanning over 11 meters, stand as silent witnesses to the cave's former grandeur. It was easy to see why King Ludwig I of Bavaria was drawn to this spot in the early 19th century. We spent a good couple of hours exploring the area, taking photos, and simply marveling at the natural beauty. The interplay of light and shadow within the ruins created a mystical atmosphere, making it a photographer's paradise.

Before heading back to Forchheim, we made a quick stop at a shop related to the Fünf-Seidla-Steig. The Fünf-Seidla-Steig is a beer hiking trail in the southern Franconian Switzerland. I picked up a couple of souvenirs – a Fünf-Seidla-Steig umbrella and a beer mug – to remember our trip. It’s always nice to have a little something to remind us of our adventures, and I’m sure the mug will come in handy for future homebrewing experiments.


Discover the enchanting trails of Fünf-Seidla-Steig, where scenic hikes meet delightful beer garden stops in the heart of Franconia.

For dinner, we decided to try Kaiserschmarrn-Alm, a restaurant that specializes in Kaiserschmarrn, a traditional Austrian shredded pancake. The restaurant had mixed reviews, but we were curious to try it for ourselves. I must admit, the Kaiserschmarrn was a bit hit-and-miss. Some of us loved it, while others found it a bit dry. However, the accompanying caramel sauce and almond flakes did add a nice touch.


Discover Kaiserschmarrn-Alm: where authentic Bavarian cuisine meets breathtaking alpine views for an unforgettable dining experience.

As the day drew to a close, we reflected on our adventures over a few local beers. I am always eager to sample different beers since I work as a brewery tour guide back in Kelowna. Despite the slight disappointment with the Kaiserschmarrn, the day was a resounding success. We explored historical landmarks, marveled at natural wonders, and enjoyed the local cuisine. It was a perfect blend of adventure, history, and culture, and I wouldn't have it any other way.

Tomorrow, we plan to visit the Maximilian Fountain and explore more of the local area. I’m also looking forward to trying out Atzelsberger - Gaststätte & Biergarten. Until then, prost!

Franconian Switzerland in October offers a mix of mild to cool temperatures, with daytime highs around 15°C (58°F) and nighttime lows around 7°C (44°F). There are typically about 11 days of rain in October, so it's a good idea to pack a light jacket and an umbrella. The fall foliage adds a splash of color to the landscape, making it a picturesque time to visit.