Exploring Franconian Switzerland: A Scenic Adventure with Friends
Day 1: A Royal Start in Franconian Switzerland: Castles, Brews, and Good Company
First day in Franconian Switzerland with friends! Exploring Neideck Castle, local cuisine, and Franconian beer. Cheers to adventure!
Franconian Switzerland: Day One – History, Food, and Friends
After a long journey from Kelowna, I finally arrived in Franconian Switzerland with my friends. The crisp October air was a welcome change, and the landscape was exactly as I'd imagined: rolling hills, dramatic rock formations, and quaint villages nestled in between. Today was all about diving headfirst into the local culture and history, and of course, sampling some of that famous Franconian beer. I couldn't wait to see what the next two weeks had in store for us.
Our first stop after settling into the Arivo Aparthotel in Forchheim was breakfast at the hotel restaurant. It was a pretty standard continental spread, but it did the trick to fuel us up for our first adventure. I did miss Olivia's homemade granola, but hey, I’m on vacation!
With our bellies full, we set off to explore Neideck Castle.
Discover budget-friendly luxury at Arivo Aparthotel in Forchheim, with easy access to local attractions, dining, and fitness facilities.
A Step Back in Time at Neideck Castle
The ruins of Neideck Castle stand proudly overlooking the Wiesent Valley. The walk up to the castle was a bit of a climb, but the views were worth every step. The castle dates back to the 12th century and has a rich history. It was once the stronghold of the Schlüsselberg family, who controlled much of Franconian Switzerland.
Exploring the ruins, I couldn't help but imagine what life must have been like back in the Middle Ages. The castle was destroyed in the Second Margrave War in 1553, and it's been a ruin ever since. You can still see the remnants of the tower and the outer walls, and the views from the top are stunning. It's easy to see why this location was chosen for a castle – it commands a strategic position over the surrounding area.
I took a few photos, trying to capture the essence of the place. Landscape photography is a passion of mine, and Franconian Switzerland is already proving to be a photographer's dream. The autumn colors added an extra layer of beauty to the scene. I made sure to get a good shot of the tower house, which is used as a viewing point.
Explore the stunning Neideck Castle, a historical gem in Franconian Switzerland, offering breathtaking views and scenic hiking trails.
History whispers from every stone, and the panoramic views are a testament to the enduring beauty of Franconian Switzerland.
After exploring the castle, we were ready for lunch. We drove to Schlehenmühle Inn, a traditional Franconian restaurant in a serene, countryside setting.
Experience authentic Franconian cuisine at Schlehenmühle Inn in Egloffstein - where tradition meets tranquility.
A Taste of Franconia at Schlehenmühle Inn
The Schlehenmühle Inn was the perfect spot for a hearty lunch. The beer garden looked inviting, but it was a bit too chilly to sit outside, so we settled into the cozy dining room. The menu was full of Franconian specialties, and it took me a while to decide what to order. I finally settled on the sauerbraten, while my friends opted for the schnitzel and the käsespätzle.
The food was delicious and the portions were generous. The sauerbraten was tender and flavorful, and the gravy was rich and satisfying. The schnitzel was perfectly crispy, and the käsespätzle was cheesy and comforting. We washed it all down with some local beer, which was, of course, excellent.
We chatted and laughed, enjoying the warm atmosphere and the delicious food. It was exactly the kind of relaxed, enjoyable meal I had been hoping for. The inn is known for its Franconian cuisine and beer garden, and it certainly lived up to its reputation. I learned that the Inn has been family-owned for three generations, originally a mill converted in 1956.
Dinner and Drinks in Forchheim
In the evening, we headed back to Forchheim for dinner at Gasthof-Pension-Brennerei Mühlhäuser. This guesthouse and restaurant is known for its traditional Franconian cuisine and cozy atmosphere. I decided to try the carp fillet, which came highly recommended. My friends tried the schnitzel and the lamb.
Again, the food was excellent. The carp was fresh and flavorful, and the sides were delicious. The portions were generous, and the prices were reasonable. The atmosphere was warm and inviting, and the staff was friendly and attentive.
After dinner, we decided to check out the local beer scene. We walked over to Hebendanz-Keller, a traditional beer cellar in Forchheim. The Keller is located on the Kellern 22 street, and it has a warm and inviting atmosphere. The beer list featured a variety of local brews, and we sampled a few different kinds. I particularly enjoyed the Kellerbier.
The Hebendanz-Keller is open from Easter to September, and it’s a popular spot with locals and tourists alike. They offer Franconian dishes and Hebendanz beer. The Keller is known for its authentic cuisine and Forchheim beer. You can enjoy the natural ambiance in the Forchheim Kellerwald.
We sat outside under the trees, enjoying the cool evening air and the lively atmosphere. It was the perfect way to end our first day in Franconian Switzerland. I made a mental note to try their Bock beer next time.
Experience the authentic flavors of Franconia at Hebendanz-Keller, a charming beer garden in Forchheim, perfect for delightful meals and local brews.
As I sit here writing this, I'm already looking forward to tomorrow. We're planning to explore the Quackenschloss Cave and the Bing Cave [Tomorrow's Itinerary]. It sounds like another day full of adventure and discovery. I'm so glad I decided to come to Franconian Switzerland. It's a beautiful region with a rich history and culture, and I can't wait to see what else it has to offer. I'm also glad I have my friends here to share the experience with me. Traveling with friends makes everything more fun and memorable.
I’m also happy to report that I didn’t forget anything essential today!
Join me in discovering the stunning landscapes and cultural gems of Franconian Switzerland, with friends by my side for an unforgettable adventure.
Meet this Featured Explorer
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Occupation:
Brewery Tour Guide
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Country:
Canada
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Age:
47
G'day, fellow travelers! I'm James Smith, a Brit turned Canadian, with a passion for craft beer, hiking, and exploring hidden gems. After years of working various jobs, I found my calling as a brewery tour guide in beautiful Kelowna. Join me on my blog, Evendo, as I share my travel experiences, practical tips, and love for local brews. Together with my wife, Olivia, I seek out unique adventures and connect with fellow enthusiasts. Cheers to new discoveries and unforgettable journeys!
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