Exploring Franconian Switzerland: A Scenic Adventure with Friends

Franconian Switzerland's Medieval Echoes

Today was all about stepping back in time and soaking in the rich history of Franconian Switzerland. Olivia and I, along with our friends, set out to explore a couple of the region's most intriguing castles, with a touch of local culture and Franconian cuisine thrown in for good measure. It’s amazing how much history is packed into this relatively small area, and I couldn't wait to share it with everyone.

Our day began, as most days here do, with a hearty breakfast at the Arivo Aparthotel Restaurant. Fuelled up and ready for adventure, we set off for Bärnfels Castle.


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

The drive itself was picturesque, winding through rolling hills and charming villages, the autumn colours adding a vibrant touch to the landscape. Approaching Bärnfels, the castle ruins perched atop a craggy hill spur immediately caught my eye. It was easy to imagine what a commanding presence it must have had in its heyday.

The climb up to Bärnfels Castle was a bit of a workout, with a number of steps leading from the village up to the ruins. But the effort was more than worth it. The views from the top were simply stunning, offering a panoramic vista of the surrounding Franconian Switzerland-Veldenstein Forest Nature Park. The crisp October air and the golden hues of the trees made it a truly memorable experience. As I stood there, camera in hand, trying to capture the beauty of the scene, I couldn't help but reflect on the history that permeated every stone.

Bärnfels Castle dates back to around 1330, built by Siboto I of Egloffstein. Over the centuries, it passed through various hands and witnessed its fair share of conflict. It was razed in the Peasants' War in 1525 and never fully repaired. Despite being largely demolished in the 19th and 20th centuries, the remaining ruins still offer a glimpse into its medieval past. I tried to picture knights and nobles walking the same grounds, defending their land and way of life. It's humbling to stand in a place with such a deep connection to history.

History is not a burden on the memory but an illumination of the soul.

After exploring Bärnfels Castle, we drove to Wolfsberg Castle.


Experience the charm of Bärnfels Castle, a historical gem in Bavaria, perfect for nature lovers and history enthusiasts alike.

This castle also has a rich and fascinating history, dating back to around 1150. The lords of Wolfsberg were first recorded in 1169, and the castle remained an important regional stronghold for centuries. Like Bärnfels, Wolfsberg Castle also suffered damage during various conflicts, including the South German War of the Cities in 1388 and the Peasants' War of 1525.

The ruins of Wolfsberg Castle are located on an eastwards-pointing hill spur, offering stunning views of the Trubach valley. We spent a good hour wandering through the ruins, imagining what life must have been like within those walls. The upper bailey is open to the public and serves as a viewing point. The lower bailey is privately owned and not accessible.

By this point, we were all feeling a bit peckish, so we headed to Forchheim for lunch at Das Steichele, Hotel | Restaurant | Weinstube.


Discover the enchanting Wolfsberg Castle, a historical landmark offering breathtaking views and memorable hiking experiences in Obertrubach.

This traditional Franconian restaurant came highly recommended, and it didn't disappoint. The atmosphere was warm and inviting, and the food was hearty and delicious. I opted for the Schäufele, a traditional Franconian pork shoulder dish, which was cooked to perfection. Olivia enjoyed the Bratwurst, another local specialty, and our friends sampled the Franconian potato dumplings. It was the perfect way to refuel after a morning of castle exploration.

After lunch, we decided to indulge in a bit of local shopping. We stopped at Seliger Volkskunst in Muggendorf.


Discover authentic Franconian flavors at Das Steichele - where tradition meets comfort in the heart of Nuremberg.

A shop specializing in traditional German wooden decorations. The shop was filled with nutcrackers, smokers, Christmas tree ornaments, and other handcrafted items. It was fascinating to learn that the Seliger family moved to Muggendorf from the Erzgebirge region in Saxony in 1978 and started their business in an old gas filling station. I picked up a small nutcracker as a souvenir, a reminder of our time in Franconian Switzerland. Olivia bought a beautiful hand-painted Christmas ornament. It's a little early for Christmas, but it will look great on our tree back in Kelowna.

As evening approached, we made our way to Burg Rabenstein for dinner.


Explore the enchanting Seliger Volkskunst in Muggendorf, where traditional Bavarian craftsmanship meets unique gift shopping in the heart of Franconian Swiss.

This castle-turned-hotel and restaurant is a truly unique experience. The setting is stunning, with the restaurant housed within the historic walls of the castle. The atmosphere was magical, especially as the sun began to set and the castle was illuminated. The Gutsschenke is open for lunch and serves traditional Franconian cuisine in a rustic setting. For dinner, we dined in the Burgrestaurant Rabenstein, which offers a more formal dining experience.

The food was excellent, with a focus on local and seasonal ingredients. I started with a creamy pumpkin soup, followed by a perfectly cooked venison steak. Olivia opted for the roasted duck, which she declared was the best she had ever tasted. We paired our meal with a local Franconian wine, a Silvaner, which was crisp and refreshing. The service was impeccable, and the staff went out of their way to make us feel welcome. After dinner, we took a stroll around the castle grounds, enjoying the peaceful atmosphere and the stunning views. It was the perfect end to a perfect day.

Tomorrow, we're planning to explore Streitburg Castle and Maximiliansplatz in Forchheim. We might also check out Brauereigaststätte Hebendanz, a local bar, for a taste of Franconian beer. I’m looking forward to another day of discovery in this beautiful region.

As I reflect on today's adventures, I'm struck by the sheer beauty and history of Franconian Switzerland. The castles, the charming villages, the delicious food, and the friendly people have all combined to create an unforgettable experience. I'm so grateful to be able to share this journey with Olivia and our friends, and I can't wait to see what tomorrow brings.