Tennenlohe: Nature and Trails in Tennenloher Forest

Covering 936 hectares, the nature reserve is one of the last large sand ecosystems in southern Germany. Walking and cycling are among the activities in the forest; when planning, however, the landscape features and rules for the trails should be taken into account. When cycling in particular, the trail surface helps determine which routes may be used.

Sandy Landscape and Pine Forest

The forest is not defined solely by pine woodland. Its landscape features include sandy grasslands, heathland, and interglacial sand dunes. Open, sandy areas lie alongside the forest, while the dunes add another type of terrain to the landscape. As one of the last large sand ecosystems in southern Germany, the nature reserve has a distinct landscape character. If you are looking for a destination with open sandy and heathland areas as well as woodland, you will find a variety of landscape impressions in one area here. The term “interglacial” refers to a period between two ice ages.

Walking, Cycling, and Trail Rules

Walking and cycling are possible in the forest, but specific trail rules apply to cycling. Cycling is permitted on paved gravel roads. It is not permitted on the unpaved paths alongside them or within the horse enclosure. So when planning a ride, it is not just the destination that matters, but also the trail surface: a paved gravel road is treated differently from an unpaved path. The responsible nature reserve authority may change the rules. Therefore, pay attention to the signs on site.

The Horse Enclosure and Safe Trails

The site's former military use is relevant when choosing a route around the horse enclosure. Walking in the decontaminated areas along the enclosure is considered safe. At Kugelfangwall, an overpass crosses the enclosure. Stay on designated paved trails and follow any more recent local restrictions. Two conditions are therefore important when planning your day: for cycling, the trail surface matters; when walking near the horse enclosure, follow the guidance on decontaminated areas and designated trails.

Erlangen: Garden Design and a City Walk

Erlangen has its own nature and cultural attractions. The Aromagarten is a place for experiencing nature, education, research, and recreation. Historical garden styles meet in Erlangen Palace Gardens: the grounds are considered one of the earliest Baroque gardens in Franconia; their eastern section was converted into an English landscape garden between 1786 and 1826. The Baroque classification of the grounds and the later redesign of the eastern section relate to different aspects of the garden's history. The Huguenot Fountain in the palace gardens was designed by Elias Räntz in 1706. Its design date predates the stated period of renovation. The city walk through Erlangen is suitable for strollers. For planning purposes, the attractions can be clearly distinguished: in Tennenlohe, the focus is on the sandy landscape and trail rules; in Erlangen, it is on garden design and the stroller-friendly city walk.

For the main travel overview: Erlangen.