Wilhelmsthal: Hiking, Churches and Festivals

The picturesque main village of Wilhelmsthal is reminiscent of a mountain village. Hiking trails, cycling routes, churches and festivals offer ways to get to know the village and its municipality. If you are looking for a hotel in Wilhelmsthal, the different route profiles and festival occasions may play a role in planning your stay. The trails range from an easy circular hike lasting a good two hours to a challenging tour of about six hours.

Choose hiking trails by length and difficulty

The Schieferbruch-Weg KC 81 is an easy circular hike from Wilhelmsthal via the former slate quarry to Hesselbach and back. The route is 6.3 kilometres long, takes about 2 hours and 15 minutes, and includes 262 metres of ascent and descent. This makes it the shortest of the hikes described here and the one with the lowest level of difficulty.

The southern route of the Floßherren-Weg runs 11.1 kilometres from Wilhelmsthal to Glosberg. It is listed as taking about 2 hours and 45 minutes, with 413 metres of ascent and 361 metres of descent. Its difficulty level is moderate. In terms of length and duration, this variant falls between the Schieferbruch-Weg and the considerably longer Grümpel-Floßteich-Weg.

At 22.8 kilometres, the Grümpel-Floßteich-Weg KC 82 is classified as a challenging hike. From the Grümpel valley, it leads via Hubertushöhe and past the water and observation tower in Birnbaum before returning to Wilhelmsthal. Allow about 6 hours for the route, with 443 metres of ascent and descent. The stated lengths, durations and difficulty levels clearly distinguish the three tours; check the signs and conditions locally.

Cycling and views

There are also various starting points for cycling tours: a mountain bike route runs through the municipality between the villages of Lahm and Effelter. A popular cycle path leads from the district town of Kronach to Wilhelmsthal. Surfaces and diversions along this cycle path may change, so check the current route before setting out.

Another place to take in the scenery is the summit of Eichsberg. From there, the view extends to the Fichtelgebirge, Staffelberg, the Basilica of Vierzehnheiligen, Coburg Fortress and the southern Thuringian Forest. The idyllic Grümpel valley is also a worthwhile excursion destination and, at the same time, the starting point of the Grümpel-Floßteich-Weg. This means you can choose a hike not only by route length, but also by the destinations and viewpoints mentioned.

Festivals and churches in Wilhelmsthal

The annual Wilhelmsthal Heimatfest takes place on the first Sunday in August. Check the exact date for the relevant year before your trip. Another festival takes place in the municipality: since 2002, the Apfelfest has been held every two years at the historic Effelter Mill in the village of Effelter, where an apple queen is also crowned. The two festivals therefore differ both in frequency and venue; be sure to check the specific date of the Apfelfest in advance as well.

In the main village of Wilhelmsthal, St. Joseph Parish Church is worth a visit for its warm atmosphere, modern coloured windows in the new chancel and Metzler organ. The slate-roofed Marienkapelle stands at Hohes Kreuz. Eight siblings had it built in 1998 in memory of their parents; it was consecrated on 11 July 1998.

Other historic sites are located in villages within the municipality. The branch church of St. Peter and Paul in Effelter was built around 1400 and rebuilt after the great fire of 1807. Also in Effelter, in the Dobertal nature reserve, is a former sawmill powered by a waterwheel, which has since been converted into a youth education centre. In the village of Steinberg, the historic castle church of Alt Pankratius is the surviving remnant of the former castle complex on Schlossberg. It can be visited in summer; check the current visitor arrangements in advance.

Discover more destinations: Teuschnitz, Küps, Steinwiesen, Weißenbrunn, Marktrodach, Ludwigsstadt, Steinbach am Wald, Tettau.

Return to the regional travel overview: Kronach.