Steigerwald: Forests, Monastic Culture and Franconian Traditions

Gently rolling hills, vineyards, extensive beech forests, broad valleys, meadows and carp ponds define Steigerwald. Forests, open landscapes and Franconian culture offer different ways to shape a trip here.

Forests, Natural Attractions and Trails

Most of Steigerwald lies within the nature park. Some of Germany’s oldest beech trees have survived here. The Steigerwald treetop walk runs for 1,150 m through the broadleaf-rich Ebrach Forest and is accessible to visitors with limited mobility.

In Southern Steigerwald, the 125 finest natural attractions were selected from almost 200 suggestions across six categories. Signage and information boards identify them for visitors and provide a point of reference for finding your way around.

Hiking and cycling options also vary in type and length. In northern Steigerwald, ten trekking sites with a fire pit, toilet and camping area are available for short outings or multi-day tours. The Steigerwald Panorama Trail runs 161 km across Steigerwald and has been certified as a quality hiking trail six times in a row. There is also a well-developed cycling network. The options range from short outings and multi-day tours to a long trek on foot; cycling offers another possibility.

Monastic Culture and Living Traditions

The basilica of Ebrach Cistercian Abbey is considered a unique example of early Gothic architecture in Germany. Ebrach is also an important place for learning about the Cistercians’ history and their lasting influence on the landscape, culture and society.

The annual Ebrach Summer of Music features concerts in the buildings of the former Cistercian monastery in Ebrach. If a concert is the reason for your trip, check the event date in advance.

In Burgwindheim, the Holy Blood Festival takes place every year eight days after Corpus Christi. It includes a festive church service followed by the Great Blood Procession through the town. Since 2026, the festival has held the title of Intangible Cultural Heritage in Bavaria.

Traditional field-tree farming and the production of dried fruit are also part of the region’s heritage: both were added to the nationwide Intangible Cultural Heritage register in 2018.

Seasonal Cuisine and Breweries

Aischgrund mirror carp is served in numerous restaurants from September to April. Hutzeln from Fatschenbrunn, a traditional dried fruit, are available at the village farm shop and in restaurants. Eight small family breweries in Steigerwald have joined together to form the Aischgrund Beer Route. When planning a trip, seasonal cuisine, local products and a group of regional breweries can all feature in different ways.

Getting There and Planning Your Trip

Steigerwald lies between Bamberg, Würzburg and Nuremberg and can be reached by train, bus or car. Upper Franconia, Middle Franconia and Lower Franconia meet in Steigerwald. If you are looking for a hotel, you could first consider whether hiking, monastic culture, a festival date or regional cuisine will be the focus of your stay.

Discover more destinations: Berchtesgadener Land, Kelheim, Rhön, Schweinfurt, Miltenberg, Neuburg-Schrobenhausen, Kitzingen, Pfaffenhofen an der Ilm

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