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Trip Report
Experience authentic Bavaria like a local - Mittelfranken
I visited a friend in Nuernberg and enjoyed this amazing urban old town. To recover from the bavarian beer we explored the surrounding nature of Franconia with him.
EuropeGermany5 days / June 2022
Highs & Lows
You can try beers from so many different authentic breweries.
Damn, hiking can be tough there.
Itinerary Overview
The area in the south of Germany is called Mittelfranken and its famous for all the beautiful architecture (Fachwerk), hundreds of breweries and beer gardens as well as the stunning nature. So if you are into outdoor sports and enjoying a good coffee/beer in an old town, you will love it.
I visited Nuernberg and surroundings in early summer, but also spring and autumn are amazing. I remember the old town of Nuernberg was full of life with many young people around and there is some really unique gastronomy. I mean, we had good street food and delicious beers right below the big castle while sitting on the floor with hundreds of people listening to live music.
The next days we enjoyed hiking in complete silence without any crowds in the so called "Fränkische Schweiz". I was amazed by this old forests, big rock formations and the beautiful views on the hilly landscape.
Even though Nuremberg was suffering a lot during WW2 you won't realize, because the old town has beautiful architecture with a lot of history to tell. You'll quickly discover the imposing castle on the hill. I highly recommend checking out the view with all the crooked house roofs and churches. There's are river called Pegnitz, which flows through the city and therefore you'll find many charming bridges and parks. This may sound strange, but those are my highlights of Nuremberg. My favorite bridges are definitely the "Kettensteg", "Di Simo Cafe at Obere Karlsbrücke" and "Schnepperschütz". The latter is a bridge, but within this you will find this tavern with different local beers. Just take a cold beer and relax on the shady lawn next to it.
The place I fell in love with is called "Der Wanderer". It's also a beer tavern, but its inside the medieval city wall right below the castle. On weekends you'll find hundreds of people sitting on the floors in front to grab a beer, wine, street food and listening to live music. For good coffee check out Bergbrand and Di Simo. For a good drink I would recommend Cafe Bar Katz and Blok Bar.
Now that you've gotten to know the urban old town of Nuremberg, it's time for a few sporty days in nature.
Twice a day the train leaves within 20 minutes from the main station to the charming town of Hersbruck. The town is known for its beautiful architecture (timbered houses), the many thermal springs and the beautiful nature. It is a paradise for outdoor sports. From challenging hikes, technical downhill mountain biking to various difficult climbing rocks you will find everything here. But don't worry, even if you are just looking for leisurely walks, fun canoe trips and delicious ice cream, I can still recommend it to you. The beauty of this area of Bavaria is that it is comparatively very lonely and this silence adds magic to your trip.
We had wonderful days climbing in Hirschbach. There is a horizontal via ferrata there, which you can manage even without previous experience. The hikes from Algersdorf to Hohenstein Castle was also a special experience.
I will link all my places for those activities.
After your sports program you can refresh yourself in the beautiful scenery of Happurg Lake or simply grab one of those creative and delicious ice creams at 'Der Eisladen'.
Q & A
Anything go wrong during the trip?
I lost my wallet on the lawn at Schnepperschuetz. Hell, take care of your belongings. :)Restaurant recommendations?
If you like indian curries, you should check out Tibet. If you're more into authentic italian cuisine 'Da Gallo Antipasteria' is your place.Tips you would give a friend?
Try one of the falafel wraps at the main square "Hauptmarkt".Packing tips?
Bring a picnic blanket for Schnepperschütz and Happurger See.Transportation Tips?
The amazing thing in Nuremberg is, that there is really a city center. So you can walk it all.Booking details?
I am sorry, I stayed at my friends place. But in Nuremberg I would recommend to stay near to the old town. Gostenhof is also a cool area to stay, but than you need to take public transportation/taxi. In the area of Hersbruck are many family style hotels. Weisses Lamm in Engelthal is my favorite place.