The Franconian Switzerland is not only one of the oldest and most popular travel destination in northern Bavaria, but also the region with the highest density of private breweries in the world.

The region got was named Franconian Switzerland by Romantic artists and poets in the 19th century who compared the landscape to Switzerland. It is located between the cities of Bamberg, Bayreuth and Nuremberg.

Franconian Switzerland-Fränkische Schweiz © flickr/Marcus Meissner

And the Franconian Switzerland really has a lot to offer, there are soaring towers, small villages with half-timbered houses, medieval castles and more than 100 caves of all sizes. Not only of them are open to the public, but the biggest are. There are Devil’s Cave (Teufelshöhle), Bing Cave (Ginghöhle) and Sophie’s Cave (Sophienhöhle) which enchant the visitors with bizarre columns of limestone, skeletons of bears and stalagmites and stalactites of different shape and size.

The river Wiesent invites fly fishers, kayak drivers and canoeists and a complex network of hiking and cycling trails meets every level of athleticism.

Particularly interesting for families are the wildlife park of Hundshaupten, the wildlife park ‘Hufeisen’ in the Veldenstein Forest and falconry at Rabenstein Castle. And also the Franconian Switzerland Steam Railway (Dampfbahn Fränkische Schweiz) which is operating between Ebermannstadt and Behringersmühle on every Sunday and all holidays between March and October.

Burgruine Neideck © flickr/David Sedlmayer

A must-see for tourist is the basilica in Gössweinstein. The baroque church was built from 1730 to 1739 by the famous architect Balthasar Neumann. It was probably built on the site of an ancient chapel dating back to 1071. The basilica is a popular pilgrimage destination and part of the Way of St James.

If you come to the Franconian Switzerland you will find the fountains in the villages richly decorated, and during the year many events like church fairs and more take place. And with 72 breweries in the region beer plays an important role on every festivity.

But not only beer also the local cuisine with trout, zander, game or lamb from the local streams, meadows and forests and freshly-baked Schäufele (shoulder of pork) can be recommended. Every year in October the ‘Hot Weeks’ take place, and in many restaurants you can taste special dishes made with horseradish.