Lichtenfels: Old Town, Basket Market and Routes along the Main

The town can be explored through three specific themes: its Franconian-style old town, its basket-making tradition, and routes on foot, by bike or along the Main. Some routes include Lichtenfels along the way, while other circular tours start and end here. You can shape your stay around the town’s history, your preferred route length or a trip on the water.

Old Town and Town History

The old town of Lichtenfels has retained its distinctly Franconian character. The Upper Gate Tower has shaped the townscape for centuries and is one of the town’s oldest structures. The Lower Gate, also known as the Bamberg Gate, dates in its core to the 14th century. In the Catholic parish church of the Assumption of Mary, the tower is the oldest part; its origins are dated to the 14th or 15th century. For the gate, the 14th century is given as the period of its core construction, while the church tower’s date is left open between two centuries.

The town’s collections on the history of beer and brewing, the railway and the basket trade are on display in the town palace; exhibition content may change. The building is also used for conferences, seminars, cultural events and dining. Groups can book guided tours of the medieval town centre through the Tourist Information Office; advance arrangements are required.

Routes in and around Lichtenfels

The 14 km Flechtkultur Trail circular route links the German Basket-Making Town of Lichtenfels with the basket-making community of Michelau. The natural-surface paths run through the Main meadows. This sets the circular route apart from a town tour: it connects two places in a landscape, while the guided tour focuses on the medieval town centre.

The Lichtenfels cycling brochure features ten circular tours ranging from 20 to 65 km. All start and end in Lichtenfels. The stated range helps you choose a ride to suit your preferred distance. The Main Cycle Path passes through the heart of the German Basket-Making Town of Lichtenfels and its surrounding area, adding another cycling route to the circular tours.

Two details about the Main are also worth distinguishing: the first section of the boating route runs from Michelau i.OFr. via Lichtenfels to the historic market town of Ebensfeld. The 35 km stretch of the Main between Lichtenfels and Bamberg is described as having no obstructive weirs. The first detail describes the sequence of places on the boating route; the second describes a feature of the specifically named stretch between Lichtenfels and Bamberg.

The Basket Market as a reason to visit

The Lichtenfels Basket Market takes place every year on the third weekend in September. If the event determines your travel dates, check the exact dates for that year before your trip. The recurring reference to the September weekend and the date in a particular calendar year are two different steps in planning.

Discover more destinations: Weismain, Bad Staffelstein, Hochstadt am Main, Altenkunstadt, Ebensfeld, Marktgraitz, Marktzeuln, Michelau in Oberfranken.

Go to the main travel overview: Lichtenfels.