Burgkunstadt: Old Town, City Walk and Culture

Looking for a hotel in Burgkunstadt? The town combines a historic ensemble with a recommended city walk, as well as cultural and leisure activities. When planning your stay, different interests may be decisive: the architectural history of the old town, specific sights to visit, or individual destinations such as Jan Park.

Old Town, Upper Town and River Valley

The Burgkunstadt Old Town ensemble comprises the historic Upper Town, with the former castle grounds and adjoining areas. This part lies on a promontory almost 30 metres above the Upper Main trench. The Lower Town is situated on the edge of the river valley. Together, the Upper and Lower Town form the two parts of the historic ensemble.

The pilgrimage chapel of the Five Wounds of Christ is located in the cemetery grounds in Burgkunstadt. A Madonna in a halo of rays adorns its chancel arch. This specific image adds a religious touch to the impressions of the historic parts of the town.

The recommended city walk leads to the Vogtei and includes visits to the historic room in the town hall, the Shoemaker Museum and the parish church. The return route to the Plan goes via the Lend. The recommended walk covers a distance of around 1,800 metres and takes about 90 minutes. These approximate figures provide a guide to the time and distance involved in the walk.

Cellar Tour and Jan Park

During the “Borkuschter Underworld” tour, Rudi Fetzer and Karl Heinz Goldfuß led visitors through six selected cellars beneath Burgkunstadt’s market square. Sturdy footwear and a flashlight were required for these cellar tours; participation was at the visitor’s own risk.

Jan Park Burgkunstadt is another highlight alongside the historic attractions. The town describes it as one of the largest skate parks in Bavaria. This means different interests can be combined when planning a trip: local history, a guided cellar tour and a skate park.

Lichtenfels as a wider travel destination

In the wider travel destination of Lichtenfels, basket weaving and local history are among the defining themes. Lichtenfels Old Town has retained its typical Franconian character; the Bamberg Gate and Kronach Gate have been preserved, and parts of the old town wall are still visible. The Lichtenfels Basket Market takes place every year on the third weekend in September. The Lichtenfels Town Palace houses municipal collections on the history of beer and brewing, the railway and the basket trade. Exhibition content may change.

The 14-kilometre Flechtkultur Path adventure trail connects Lichtenfels and Michelau along nature-friendly routes through the Main floodplains. Its 23 information boards cover the history and traditions of basket making, the basket industry and the basket trade along the Upper Main. Near Oberwallenstadt, the route includes a willow maze for children, a willow shell in the river swimming area, a woven tipi at the Oberwallenstadt village pond, and other works of woven willow art.

Cycling and landscape are also part of the wider travel destination of Lichtenfels: the MainRadweg long-distance cycle route passes right through Lichtenfels Old Town. The Kleinziegenfelder Valley is about 12 kilometres long and is mostly a nature reserve. The valley is characterised by striking rock formations, clear streams, mills, half-timbered villages and distinctive juniper heaths with dry and semi-dry grassland slopes.

Fossils can be found and chipped out at the small excavation site by the “Waldfrieden” hiking car park. Hammers and safety glasses can be borrowed from the Weismain environmental station; check equipment availability before your trip.

Discover more destinations: Redwitz an der Rodach, Michelau in Upper Franconia, Hochstadt-Marktzeuln, Altenkunstadt, Weismain, Ebensfeld, Marktgraitz, Hochstadt am Main

For the wider travel overview: Lichtenfels.