Nürnberger Land: Hiking Trails, Gorges and Thermal Baths

In Nürnberger Land, you can experience the landscape on foot along many different routes. More than 3,000 kilometres of well-marked hiking trails and well-maintained cycling paths of varying difficulty crisscross the region. There are also individual tours with specific distance and elevation details, striking gorges, and activities centred around water, nature and culture. This means you can take both the type of excursion and the route profile into account when planning.

Hiking with detailed route information

One example of a hike described in greater detail is the “Hohenstein (634 m) – SevenSummits” route in Kirchensittenbach. It is 10.1 kilometres long and involves 406 metres of ascent and 397 metres of descent. In addition to the total distance, these separate figures give you a clearer picture of the elevation profile and can help with planning your own tour.

A SevenSummits route is also a highlight near Pommelsbrunn: the “Hochberg (619 m) – SevenSummits” route leads through the woods around the village. Its highlight is the “Acropolis of the Celts” on Hochberg. This named viewpoint gives the tour a specific focal point, while the woods shape the route.

Gorges, sand and nature park

Nürnberger Land is part of the Franconian Switzerland–Franconian Jura Nature Park. Its varied landscapes include the sandstone gorges, sand dunes and shady woods along the Franconian Dune Trail. This combination of three landscape types sets the route apart from a tour that runs mainly through woods.

Another striking landscape is the Bitterbach Gorge in Lauf an der Pegnitz. Here you will find steep gorge walls, partly undercut, rocks covered with mosses and ferns, deep crevices and holes, as well as small waterfalls. The interplay of rock, vegetation and water defines the character of this gorge.

Pommelsbrunn is also home to Wengleinpark, a nature reserve founded by Carl Wenglein in 1930. The Märzenbecherwald is in Kirchensittenbach. Both places add distinctive nature destinations to the region’s hiking options, without requiring them to share the same type of landscape.

The Pegnitz and lakes as water sports destinations

In addition to hiking and cycling, the Pegnitz River and the lakes in Nürnberger Land invite you to enjoy water sports. This makes bodies of water another focus to consider when planning your trip. You can choose what to prioritise based on your interests: the routes described include distance and elevation details, while the Pegnitz and lakes are mentioned as places for water sports.

Hersbruck: thermal baths and shepherds’ museum

In Hersbruck, the Fackelmann Therme combines two different offerings: relaxation in officially recognised therapeutic water and a sauna area with seven saunas. The thermal baths are accessible. Lifts provide access to the foyer and the thermal baths area; from there, you can continue to the sports and adventure pool and the sauna park. If these lift connections are important for your plans, check the thermal baths’ latest information before your visit.

The German Shepherds’ Museum in Hersbruck offers a cultural highlight. It displays clothing, equipment and handicrafts made by shepherds from around the world. The collection therefore focuses on clothing and work tools as well as handicrafts. A visit offers a distinct alternative to the nature and hiking options, without requiring you to limit your trip to a single area of interest.

Local flavours

The local beer culture also has a specific connection to the landscape: local breweries serve beer brewed with hops from Nürnberger Land. These hops are part of the “Hersbrucker Gebirg,” one of the oldest hop seal districts. So, alongside hiking trails, nature destinations and waterways, you can also explore a local food and drink tradition connected to hop growing.

Discover more destinations: Engelthal, Lauf an der Pegnitz, Burgthann, Happurg, Hartenstein, Hersbruck, Kirchensittenbach, Pommelsbrunn, Röthenbach an der Pegnitz, Rückersdorf, Schnaittach, Schwaig bei Nürnberg, Schwarzenbruck, Fischbach, Nürnberg, Altdorf bei Nürnberg, Velden, Vorra, Winkelhaid, Reichenschwand, Alfeld, Feucht, Neuhaus A.D.Pegnitz, Simmelsdorf, Henfenfeld and Leinburg.

See the overall travel guide: Bavaria.