Exploring Franconian Switzerland: A Scenic Adventure with Friends

Underground Wonders and Franconian Feasts

Today was all about embracing the depths, both literally and figuratively. Franconian Switzerland is renowned for its stunning landscapes, but it's also hiding some incredible secrets beneath the surface. Olivia and I, along with our friends, decided to explore some of the region's most famous caves, followed by indulging in some hearty Franconian cuisine. It was a day of contrasts, from the cool, damp darkness of the caves to the warm, inviting atmosphere of local restaurants, but each experience was equally captivating.

Our first stop was the Schönsteinhöhle, a natural karst cave near Neudorf. It's known as one of the most famous caves in the Franconian Switzerland. The name translates to most beautiful stone cave, and it certainly lived up to its reputation. The cave is adorned with impressive stalactites and sinter formations. Exploring the cave felt like stepping into another world. The shapes and shadows played tricks on the eyes, and it was easy to imagine all sorts of mythical creatures lurking in the darkness. It was a bit of a squeeze in places, with narrow passages that tested our agility, but that only added to the sense of adventure.


Explore the stunning Schönsteinhöhle in Wiesenttal, a breathtaking hiking area filled with captivating caves and picturesque landscapes, perfect for nature lovers.

After Schönsteinhöhle, we ventured to the Devil's Cave (Teufelshöhle) in Pottenstein. This cave is the largest in Franconian Switzerland, stretching over 1,500 meters. The Devil's Cave got its name from the disappearance of livestock in the area, which locals attributed to the Devil. The guided tour took us through a series of impressive chambers filled with stalactites and stalagmites. Some of the formations even had names, like the Turtle, Pipe Organ, and the Crucifixion. The cave's history is fascinating, with evidence of cave bears and other animals that fell into its depths centuries ago. The temperature inside the cave was a constant 9 degrees Celsius, so I was glad I had my light jacket with me. Olivia, of course, was well-prepared as always and reminded me that I should have packed a warmer coat. Next time, I'll listen to her!


Experience the enchanting beauty of Devil's Cave in Pottenstein, Germany, where nature's artistry meets rich history in an unforgettable underground adventure.

To truly appreciate the beauty of the world, sometimes you need to descend into its depths.

After our subterranean adventures, we were ready for a hearty lunch. We headed to Gasthof zur Taube, a traditional Franconian inn. The Gasthof zur Taube offered a cozy and inviting atmosphere. It was the perfect place to relax and refuel after our morning of cave exploration. We ordered a selection of local specialties, including Schäufele (pork shoulder) and Klöße (dumplings). The food was delicious and satisfying, and it was a great way to experience the local culture. Booking.com users gave the Gasthaus zur Traube high ratings.


Discover the flavors of Bavaria at Gasthof zur Taube – your go-to destination for authentic German cuisine in Gräfenberg.

In the evening, we made our way to Wirtshaus Frankenstube in Nuremberg for dinner. This restaurant is known for its traditional Franconian dishes and cozy atmosphere. I decided to try the Sauerbraten (marinated beef), while Olivia opted for the Schnitzel. Both dishes were excellent, and the portions were generous. The Wirtshaus Frankenstube also has a good selection of vegan and vegetarian dishes. The Wirtshaus Frankenstube is known for its great service and friendly staff.


Discover Wirtshaus Frankenstube: A charming German restaurant offering authentic Franconian cuisine and an inviting beer garden experience.

To cap off the day, we stopped by Löwenbräukeller Buttenheim for a nightcap. This traditional beer cellar is known for its Löwenbräu beer and cozy atmosphere. The Löwenbräukeller Buttenheim has a good rating on Google. The bar had a very relaxing atmosphere. The Löwenbräukeller is a bar with a distinctive taste. I enjoyed a pint of their signature brew while reminiscing about the day's adventures with my friends. It was the perfect way to end a day of exploring the depths and savoring the flavors of Franconian Switzerland. The staff were also very friendly.


Discover the flavors of Franconian cuisine at Löwenbräukeller Buttenheim, a delightful beer garden and restaurant experience.

Looking ahead to tomorrow, we're planning to visit the Ludwigshöhle and Schloss Greifenstein [Day 6 Itinerary]. I'm particularly excited about Schloss Greifenstein, as I've heard it's a stunning castle with a rich history. Before that, we will have breakfast at the Arivo Aparthotel Restaurant [Day 6 Itinerary]. For lunch, we're booked at Restaurant unvergesslich, and for dinner, we're heading to Hotel & Restaurant Reichsküchenmeister in Rothenburg [Day 6 Itinerary]. And, of course, we'll be sure to find a local bar for an evening drink – perhaps Schmausenkeller [Day 6 Itinerary].


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

Today was a reminder that the best travel experiences are often a blend of adventure and relaxation, exploration and indulgence. Franconian Switzerland has so much to offer, both above and below ground, and I'm excited to see what tomorrow brings.

P.S. I almost forgot to mention that I ran into a fellow brewery tour guide at Löwenbräukeller Buttenheim. We swapped stories and shared some tips on the best breweries in our respective regions. It's always great to connect with someone who shares my passion for craft beer. He even recommended a few places in Buttenheim I should check out next time I'm in the area.

It turns out that there weren't any local events taking place in Buttenheim today.