Exploring Franconian Switzerland: A Scenic Adventure with Friends

Franconian Switzerland's Hidden Gems

Today was a day of exploration and discovery in Franconian Switzerland, filled with natural wonders, historical landmarks, and of course, the region's famous culinary delights. It’s amazing how much this area packs into a single day, and I'm excited to share all the details with you.

Our day began with a hearty breakfast at the Arivo Aparthotel Restaurant in Forchheim, our home base for this Franconian adventure. I always appreciate a good start to the day, and their breakfast spread definitely hit the spot. Fuelled up, we set off to explore our first attraction: the Ludwigshöhle.

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

Ludwigshöhle, or Ludwig's Cave, is located in the Ailsbach Valley and is one of the largest and most accessible caves in Franconian Switzerland. The autumn air was crisp as Olivia and I, along with our friends, approached the cave entrance. The surrounding trees were just starting to show their fall colors, adding to the picturesque scene. The cave itself is more of a large rock overhang than a deep cavern, but it was impressive nonetheless. I could easily imagine prehistoric people taking shelter here thousands of years ago.

As we explored, I read a bit about the cave's history. Originally known as Kühloch (cow hole) or Rabenloch (raven hole), it was renamed Ludwigshöhle after King Ludwig I of Bavaria visited in 1830. Count Erwein von Schönborn-Wiesentheid, the host, had the cave redesigned for a banquet in the King's honor, leveling the floor and adding a plaque. It's funny to think of royalty dining in a cave; certainly a unique experience. The cave is free to enter and is a great spot for a quick exploration.

The combination of natural beauty, historical context, and surrounding hiking trails makes Ludwigshöhle a unique and appealing location.

Explore the enchanting Ludwigshöhle in Ahorntal - a perfect blend of history and nature with stunning hiking trails and geological wonders.
After Ludwigshöhle, we drove to Schloss Greifenstein, a castle located near Heiligenstadt. The drive itself was beautiful, with rolling hills and charming villages dotting the landscape. As we approached the castle, I was struck by its imposing presence. Perched high on a hill, it commanded a stunning view of the surrounding countryside.

Explore the enchanting Schloss Greifenstein, a historical castle offering breathtaking views, rich heritage, and scenic hiking trails in Heiligenstadt.
Schloss Greifenstein has a long and fascinating history, dating back to 1172. It was destroyed during the Peasants' Revolt in the early 16th century and later rebuilt. In 1691, it came into the possession of Prince Bishop Marquard Sebastian Schenk von Stauffenberg, who transformed it into a Baroque hunting château. The castle has been owned by the Counts of Stauffenberg since 1691.

We took a guided tour of the castle, which was well worth the time. The interior is filled with interesting artifacts, including an extensive collection of weapons and trophies. I was particularly impressed by the 90-meter-deep well, a testament to the ingenuity of the castle's builders. Olivia, ever the history buff, was captivated by the stories of the Stauffenberg family and their role in German history. The castle also boasts a Baroque chapel with a Latin inscription over the portal: VlrtVs DeILLo eXlbat – aC sanabat oMnes Luc. 6, which translates to: There went virtue out of him, and healed them all.

After our castle visit, it was time for lunch. We drove to Restaurant unvergesslich in Forchheim, which promised a memorable dining experience. And memorable it was! The restaurant offered a modern take on Franconian cuisine, using regional and seasonal ingredients. I opted for the Schäufele, a traditional pork shoulder dish, while Olivia tried the Franconian Sauerbraten. Both were delicious, and we washed them down with some local beer. It's these culinary experiences that truly make a trip special. I made a mental note to try and recreate the Schäufele when I get back home to Kelowna, though I doubt it will taste quite the same without the Franconian atmosphere.

Discover exquisite Mediterranean cuisine at Restaurant unvergesslich – where fine dining meets unforgettable experiences in Nuremberg.

With our bellies full, we decided to explore the town of Forchheim a bit. It's a charming place with cobblestone streets and half-timbered houses. We stumbled upon the Schmausenkeller, a traditional beer cellar with its own small brewery. Of course, we had to stop in for a pint. The beer was brewed on-site and was incredibly fresh and flavorful. The Schmausenkeller also offers overnight parking for RVs, which is good to know for future trips. Sipping on my beer, I felt a sense of contentment. This is what travel is all about: discovering new places, trying new things, and enjoying the company of good friends.

Discover the vibrant atmosphere of Schmausenkeller, a Franconian beer garden offering traditional German cuisine and local brews in a picturesque setting.

As evening approached, we drove to Rothenburg ob der Tauber for dinner. This medieval town is famous for its well-preserved architecture and charming atmosphere. We had made reservations at Hotel & Restaurant Reichsküchenmeister - Das Herz von Rothenburg, a historic hotel and restaurant in the heart of the old town.

Experience authentic Franconian hospitality at Hotel & Restaurant Reichsküchenmeister in Rothenburg ob der Tauber – your gateway to medieval charm.
The Reichsküchenmeister did not disappoint. The restaurant had a cozy and inviting atmosphere, and the menu featured a mix of traditional Franconian dishes and international cuisine. I decided to try the Rothenburger Schneeball, a local pastry specialty. It was interesting, to say the least – a ball of fried dough covered in powdered sugar. A bit too sweet for my taste, but I'm glad I tried it. Olivia enjoyed a more traditional meal of sausages and sauerkraut. We also took advantage of the rooftop terrace for views.

After dinner, we took a stroll through the town, admiring the illuminated buildings and soaking in the medieval ambiance. Rothenburg is truly a magical place, and I highly recommend a visit if you're ever in the area. I can see why it's called the heart of Rothenburg.

Reflecting on the day, I realized how much we had packed in. From exploring caves and castles to savoring Franconian cuisine and enjoying local brews, it was a day of non-stop adventure. And the best part was sharing it all with Olivia and our friends. These are the moments that make travel so rewarding.

Tomorrow, we plan to explore Bärnfels Castle and Wolfsberg Castle, followed by lunch at Das Steichele and dinner at Burg Rabenstein. We might even do some shopping at Seliger Volkskunst. Another day of Franconian adventures awaits!

Travel is about the journey, not the destination, but when the journey includes caves, castles, and culinary delights, you know you're in for a treat.

Until tomorrow,
James