Aufseß: Brewery Hiking Trail and Castles

In Aufseß, you can combine a hike with a brewery theme. The Aufseß Brewery Hiking Trail is a 14 km circular route; the stated walking time is about four hours. The suggested stages pass through Aufseß, Sachsendorf, Hochstahl and Heckenhof before returning to Aufseß. Four brewery inns and a stamp booklet give the route a second focus alongside the trail itself. The castles in Oberaufseß and Unteraufseß add a historical dimension to the local themes.

Experience Aufseß on the Brewery Hiking Trail

For planning your time, allow for the stated walking time of about four hours. If you would like to stop at the brewery inns, allow extra time for this. The circular route follows the stages listed above and returns to Aufseß. Check current trail conditions locally before setting out.

The trail connects four brewery inns and offers a brewery hiking pass that can be stamped at each stop. A certificate is awarded after visiting all four locations. If you would like to use the pass, confirm before your visit which businesses are participating and whether the pass is available. This lets you plan for the stamp stops as well as the walking distance.

Castles and cultural attractions

Oberaufseß and Unteraufseß are built around their castles, which are associated with the historic noble family von Aufseß. The cultural visitor experiences differ: Schloss Unteraufseß offers guided visits, while Schloss Oberaufseß is associated with theater visits. Before visiting, check the access arrangements and, for theater visits, the performance dates.

Additional themes in the wider destination of Hollfeld

In the wider destination of Hollfeld, the focus is on the town’s history, guided tours and gardens. To this day, Hollfeld’s upper town, with Marienplatz, retains the early medieval character of a burgher and hill town, as well as the layout of a spur settlement. The late medieval defensive tower of St. Gangolf is attached to the former church, which is now used as a cultural center. The tower contains an old tower keeper’s apartment and offers a view. Individual, expert-led town tours with experienced guides are available year-round. The free leaflet “Walk through Hollfeld’s Historic Old Town” contains information and pictures of the buildings and is available from the tourist information office.

Hollfeld’s terraced gardens lie on the steep southern slope below the town wall. Plants adapted to a hot, dry climate grow there, including hardy figs and cacti, native orchids and the rare rock alyssum. Roses and their companion plants are in full bloom in June and July; what is in bloom may vary depending on the season and garden maintenance. During a garden tour, a botanist explains the plant life. The tour lasts about 45 minutes and is often combined with a town tour.

Discover more destinations: Plankenfels.

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