Lichtenau: Hiking, Cycling and History
Accommodation in Lichtenau
When looking for a hotel in Lichtenau, it is worth considering the trails and historic sights that can shape your stay. The options vary in length and theme: alongside a short loop around the castle, you can choose longer hiking trails and a cycle route between Nuremberg and Ansbach. This lets you tailor your plans to whether you have a manageable walk or a longer tour in mind.
Hiking Trails by Time and Distance
The very easy “Historischer Weg Lichtenau” circular trail is 1.1 kilometres long, takes about 30 minutes and leads from the Lichtenau fairground around the castle. It is a manageable option for a short walk with a connection to local history.
The moderately difficult “Ahornweg” circular hiking trail is 14.8 kilometres long and takes about four hours. The start and finish are at the Lichtenau fairground; along the way, the route passes through Herpersdorf, Büschelbach, Schlauersbach and Waltendorf. Compared with the approximately 30-minute “Historischer Weg,” the Ahornweg is the longer alternative and is rated as moderately difficult. The distances and approximate times help you compare how much time each loop takes.
The “Lichtenauer Weg” circular trail is 18.8 kilometres long. From the “Ziegelhütte” car park, it follows the Franconian Rezat River past Steinbach and towards Rutzendorf before leading into Lichtenau.
Cycling Between Nuremberg and Ansbach
The Hohenzollern Adventure Cycle Route runs between Nuremberg and Ansbach, passing through the historic Hohenzollern towns of FĂĽrth, Langenzenn, Cadolzburg, RoĂźtal, Heilsbronn, Neuendettelsau, Windsbach and Lichtenau. As a cycle route between two cities, it differs from the circular trails that start at the Lichtenau fairground.
Fortress, Market and Museum
The ensemble comprising the Lichtenau fortress and old market is listed as a historic monument. Its boundaries encompass the fortress complex and the market, which developed on its southern and western sides. The fortifications and the market therefore form part of the same listed ensemble.
Since 2009, the Lichtenau Museum has been housed in the Upper Gatehouse on the market square; since then, it has been continuously expanded to cover additional subject areas. The museum is currently closed for renovations.
Cultural Trails in the Wider Ansbach Destination
The Literature Trail of Franconia is located in Wolframs-Eschenbach, within the wider Ansbach destination. The accessible circular trail around the town fortifications is 2.2 kilometres long. Its 15 information panels are dedicated to authors from the Middle Ages to the present day whose works deal with Franconia.
Another distinct destination in the wider Ansbach area is the “wiegen & messen” (Weighing & Measuring) Museum in Königshofen. It displays more than 4,000 exhibits, including historic scales, associated weights, measuring rods, yardsticks and vessels for measuring grain.
Discover more destinations: Dürrwangen, Feuchtwangen, Langfurth, Herrieden, Arberg, Oberdachstetten, Wörnitz, Buch Am Wald
To the wider travel overview: Ansbach.
