Franconian Lake District: Water, Trails and Culture
Accommodation in Franconian Lake District
The Franconian Lake District brings together a variety of travel interests: hiking and cycling routes cross diverse landscapes, the lakes offer water sports and sightseeing cruises, and natural and cultural attractions round out the experience. When planning your trip, you can use the specific features of the trails and the activities available at each lake as a guide.
Hiking between lakes and rolling hills
The Seenländer is a 146-kilometre circular hiking route connecting Lake Altmühl, the Small and Great Brombach Lakes, and Lake Roth. The Franconian Lake District Trail is 63 kilometres long and runs from Lake Altmühl via Lake Brombach to Lake Roth. The Franconian Lake District Trail is mostly flat, with only a few slight inclines. Its length and elevation profile give you different points of reference when choosing a hiking route for your stay.
Along the Seenländer, the landscape features lakeside scenery as well as orchards, shady woodland and nature reserves rich in species. There are also flat plains with wide-open views, hop gardens and gently rolling hills. The Spalt Hills Tour has been awarded the “Wanderbares Deutschland” quality trail designation.
Cycling routes and experiences on the water
The cycling network in the Franconian Lake District extends for more than 1,500 kilometres. It connects to the Tauber-AltmĂĽhl Cycle Route and the MD Cycle Route, which follows the Main-Danube Canal to Nuremberg. Another route is the Franconian Water Cycle Route: around 460 kilometres long, it passes through the Franconian Lake District, Romantic Franconia, AltmĂĽhltal Nature Park and the Bavarian Jura. Alongside the regional cycling network, there are routes covering a range of distances and areas.
Lake Altmühl offers opportunities for swimming, sailing and surfing. The 870-hectare Great Brombach Lake, between Absberg and Pleinfeld, offers opportunities for surfing, kitesurfing, sailing and diving. The Franconian Lake District’s Lake Altmühl and Lake Brombach also offer beachside recreation and sightseeing cruises. Cycling and hiking trails run along the lake shores.
During the summer season, the “MS Altmühlsee” excursion boat connects the recreation centres on the shores of Lake Altmühl. If you are planning a trip, check the current timetable in advance. The “MS Brombachsee” passenger trimaran invites you to take trips on the water. Fishing is possible at Lake Altmühl, the Great and Small Brombach Lakes, Lake Igelsbach and Lake Roth with a permit; check the applicable permit requirements before fishing.
Birdlife, geology and culture
More than 300 bird species can be observed at Lake AltmĂĽhl, including some rare species. On Bird Island, a nature trail and observation tower offer a way to experience a special protected area for migratory birds. For nature lovers, Lake AltmĂĽhl combines birdwatching with an insight into this protected area for migratory birds.
Another natural attraction is the Wernsbach quarries, designated as one of Bavaria’s most beautiful geotopes. The Limes, which runs through the Franconian Lake District, offers a different perspective on regional history. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring forts, watchtowers and excavated baths.
At the Historical Iron Hammer Museum in EckersmĂĽhlen, visitors can watch the art of forging and the handling of glowing iron. This traditional craft adds another dimension to exploring the landscape and historic buildings. The Spalt hop-growing region can also be discovered on a guided tour; tours are available there. If you would like to include one in your plans, check for available dates in advance.
Discover more destinations: Chiemgau, Munich, Upper Bavaria, Main-Spessart, Pfaffenwinkel, Pfaffenhofen an der Ilm, Oberallgäu, Tirschenreuth
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