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Home , Cave castle, Forchheim, Forchheim (district), Franconian Switzerland, Kaiserpfalz, Regnitz

EXPERIENCE

Discover the Royal City of Forchheim THE HEART OF THE CITY

Every LITTLE CORNER charmingly Franconian. HISTORY & BEER & NATURE & TRADITION GASTRONOMY ACTIVITIES

Every LITTLE CORNER charmingly Franconian.

04 Experience 18 Experience the plea- 28 Active experiences When Franconian tradition Forchheim’s history sures of Forchheim in Forchheim meets multicultural gastronomy 06 Milestones in the 20 Breweries 30 The Königsbad and half-timbered houses nestle city’s history 22 The Kellerwald 31 Sauna along cobblestone lanes, then 08 The Old 23 The Beer Queen 32 The Stadtpark you have arrived in the heart 12 Guided tours 24 Epicurean events 33 The Magnesia of Forchheim. 14 Traditional events Climbing Hall 25 Gastronomy & 16 The Pfalzmuseum local products 34 Cycling

Discover the Royal City with its 17 For kids 26 Epicurean delights 35 Hiking great variety of delights, nature 36 Franconian and history.

38 Accommodations

OVERVIEW 03 HISTORY & TRADITION

THE NAME » FORCHHEIM 03 DATES TO THE MIDDLE OF THE 7th CENTURY Forchheim’s tour guides can take you along on various EXPERIENCE AND DERIVES tours for a unique journey through time in the histori- cal Old Town, the or up to the Kellerwald to FORCHHEIM’S FROM THE OLD visit the tradition-steeped beer cellars. Immerse your- HIGH GERMAN self in Forchheim’s impressive history and experience HISTORY Franconian tradition between the past and the future! 01 02 WORD “FORA- HA“ (PINE).

Forchheim, one of the oldest cities in Fran- Archaeological excavations show that the Valley, which surrounds Forchheim, was conia, has preserved its medieval to Baroque inhabited as long ago as prehistoric times. In the appearance with its many half-timbered 7th century, the Franks established a small settle- ment here. Thanks to its transport-favourable houses and fortress. Anyone who wanders location, it soon developed into an important cen- along the cobblestone streets on the trail of tre of long-distance trade. The Königspfalz mentioned in historical writings was built during the old kings can enjoy a close experience the reign of the Carolingian kings, but no trace of of the city’s history, which goes back more it has ever been found in the city. than 1,200 years. In the 16th century, Forchheim developed into a powerful fortress town. Four still stand as a reminder of this chapter in the city’s history. 01 The two-storey building of the Forchheim Rathaus was built in 1402. The Rathaus or Town Hall ensemble is a 02 At the beginning of the 13th century, people assumed that the city’s name had masterpiece of half-timbered construction and derived from the word for a trademark of the city. The famous trout. This led to the creation of Forchheim’s palace, which is actually a ’s , and St. coat of arms. 03 The Nürnberger Tor or Martin’s church with its Baroque high altar, have Gate – the only remaining gateway of the early modern city wall. characterised the city centre for centuries.

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MILESTONES IN THE CITY’S HISTORY

In the , the eyes of the 805 911 around 1200 1450 1632 1802 1845 2018 mighty were aimed particularly at Forchheim is Louis IV dies. Forchheim is presumably Pius II Several times during The ecclesiastical princi- The Ludwig-Danu- Forchheim is Forchheim, for three kings were mentioned by Conrad I of the granted town privileges praises the the Thirty Years’ War palities are dissolved and be-Main Canal and distinguished once elected here. Over the cen- name for the Conradine dy- in the 13th century. The city’s bread. (1616-1648), the incorporated into secular one of ’s by the Free turies, the city has developed from first time as a nasty is elected oldest city seal dates to Forchheim Swedes stand at the principalities. The Electo- earliest railway State of Ba- a Frankish royal court into one of stockyard and as his successor 1310 and shows a coat of is also known gates of Forchheim rate of is granted lines, which ran varia as one the most important tourist centres trade centre in in Forchheim. arms featuring two trout. for its beer – without success, the Prince-Bishopric between Nurem- of 100 Bava- in the Nuremberg metropolitan the Capitulary of This is a “false-canting” and good for the city is not of , including berg and Bamberg, rian centres region. If you would like to create Diedenhofen. coat of arms. flour. taken. Forchheim Fortress, who- introduce new of epicurean your own impression of Forch- se designation as fortress transportation delights. heim’s historic past, here is a tip: was lifted in 1838. routes. the Porta Vorchheimensis, located in the pedestrian zone, gives an impressive, entertaining account of the city’s history in 12 pictures. 09th cent. 10th cent. 11th cent. 12th cent. 13th cent. 14th cent. 15th cent. 16th cent. 17th cent. 18th cent. 19th cent. 20th cent. 21st cent. Naturally, our tour guides can tell you more about the venerable past of this Royal City.

900 1077 1380 1552 1796 1840 1938 Louis IV, also known Henry IV, excommunicated by the Pope, Bishop Lambert von The Lutheran After the Forchheim On - as , sets off for Canossa on a penitential journey. Brunn of Bamberg com- Albrecht II outbreak of celebrates its straße, the is proclaimed king Rudolf von Rheinfelden, leader of an opposi- missions the construction Alcibiades, the French first Annafest. synagogue and crowned at tion group of anti-Salian princes, is elected as of a castle, now known Margrave of Revolution, In 2018, the of the Jewish the age of six in anti-king to Henry IV in the presence of two as the Kaiserpfalz, as a - Forchheim is festivities in the community is Forchheim. It is the papal legates and several in Forch- second residence. The Brandenburg, occupied by Kellerwald are blown up by first recorded royal heim. There are now two concurrent kings. bishop, though politically conquers Forch- French troops distinguished members of coronation. Henry IV condemns Rudolf to death, and war successful, is not popular heim and briefly during the War with the Bava- the SA during ensues. The election of Rudolf is confirmed among his underlings due introduces the of the First rian Homeland the November by the Pope in 1080. to his introduction of Reformation. Coalition. Award. pogrom. taxes on beer and wine.

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FORTIFICATIONS

THE OLD TOWN

If you want to form an impression 02 of , just take a stroll through the Old Town centre of Forchheim with all your senses alert. The typically Franconian The of the Prince-Bishopric were built in KAMMERERS MÜHLE half-timbering tucks itself away the old Italian style in 1552 after the capture of Forch- in corners and lanes, but pro- heim in the Second Margrave War and proved their worth udly asserts itself on squares Kammerers Mühle stands on Wiesentstraße, which runs in the Thirty Years’ War. The fortress was not completed and streets. The city’s history parallel to the arm of the river. This mill is a building from until the 18th cen- is reflected in the diversity of the Baroque period. The richly ornamented carvings in tury, by which time buildings from past centuries. In the framing timbers on the upper levels are well-preser- more bastions built the pedestrian zone, Franconian ved. Over the course of time, the mill has leaned towards on the French model bakers and butchers, small shops the river, but has remained stable until today – like the were completed. The 01 with an intimate atmosphere and Leaning Tower of Pisa. inclined ramparts were speciality stores offer everything originally around 10 your heart desires. And for those to 14 metres high. The who need a break during or after north and northwest 01 Forchheim’s oldest their shopping expedition, there sides of the fortress building dates to 1341 and are not only many restaurants stands on Hornschuch- are well-preserved. with typically Franconian food and allee. 02 Extensive remains The Saltorturm tower of the city wall can be seen THE THREE Forchheim beer, but also eateries beside the Kaiserpfalz in the Stadtpark. 03 A view featuring international cuisine. » OLDEST dates to the 14th centu- of the fortifications from 1635 (Source: Municipal BUILDINGS IN ry and was thus part of Archive). the medieval fortifica- FORCHHEIM tions. ARE FROM 03 THE 14th CENTURY.

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RATHAUSPLATZ LITTLE VENICE/CORVES

The large square in front of the Town Hall tower have been preserved. A closer look The area between the Spitalkirche and the bridge is one of the most beautiful in all of Fran- at the wood carvings in the timberwork of on Vogelstraße is known as “Little Venice”. conia. It is dominated by the west wing of the front building, which were created by This 800-metre stretch is home to picturesque the imposing Town Hall. The Gothic main Forchheim carpenter Hans Ruhalm, reveals 16th-century buildings that stand directly adja- building was erected in 1402; the Magis- them to depict cryptic allegories – ironic, cent to the river. Many of the balconies rest on trates’ Hall to the west was built in the full of humour and innuendo. For instance, 300-year-old piles that are anchored to the bot- Renaissance style in 1535. The picturesque in one scene a bent-over figure uses both tom of the Wiesent. The plane-tiled roofs of the half-timbered façade and the slender bell corves form a row along the riverbank. They are used to house the well-fed carp that end up on the counter of the neighbouring delicatessen.

KAISERPFALZ

To be precise, the “imperial palace” is actually a bishop’s castle built by the order of Prince-Bishop Lambert from Brunn around 1380. Recent research has shown that the bishop’s castle is not located on the remains of the royal palace. The location of the historical pala- ce is still unknown. This castle has become an emblem of Forchheim. It is home to the Pfalzmuseum, which comprises four special museums, one of which is in the neighbouring . Concerts, markets, special exhibitions and theatre performances regularly THE KAISER- take place here as well. » PFALZ: 4 MU- SEUMS UN- DER 2 ROOFS.

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THE FRANKISH » DUKE CONRAD WAS ELECTED THE FIRST GERMAN KING IN FORCHHEIM IN 911.

01 He takes visitors back to the GUIDED TOURS distant past – the Forchheim Night Watchman. 02 The “Wall Shitter”, a cryptic It is important to us that you should have the most carving on the front of the authentic, vivid experience possible of Forchheim Rathaus. and its history. 03 A passageway leads through the interior of the city wall. This is why we offer visitors a diverse program- me of guided tours on a wide variety of topics. Ranging from a classic city tour, to a walk with our quaint Night Watchman, to a tour of Forchheim Fortress that we call “Impregnable Forchheim”, there is something for everyone. The programme is complemented with seasonal guided tours, for instance the tour of the Anna- fest, an excursion to the Forchheim nativity scenes at Christmastime, or a tour to the magnificently decorated or Easter fountains of . 01 02 03

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TRADITIONAL EVENTS

In Forchheim, the festival year is replete with events, markets and concerts. In every season, you will have the possibility to immerse yourself in Franconian customs and traditions as well as those of other cultures. The seasonal opening of the beer cellars, the craft fair in the Kaiserpfalz, the ZirkArt acrobatic festival and Africa Culture Days are just a few examples. We would like to introduce you to Forchheim’s highlights.

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EASTER ANNAFEST CHRISTMAS The custom of decorating fountains for Easter is a The Annafest has several origins, some of which ex- long-held tradition in Franconian Switzerland. Months in tend far into the past. As long ago as the 16th century, the At Christmastime, the unique half-timbered ensem- advance, people start blowing out, painting and preparing shady Kellerwald or cellar forest, now the location of the ble of the Forchheim Rathaus is transformed into the eggs. Traditionally, volunteers festival grounds, served as a rest area for pilgrims world’s most beautiful Advent calendar. Surrounded by decorate the fountains of many who had come to honour St. Anne, the mother of around 25 small stalls, you can enjoy mulled wine and with garlands of spruce the Virgin. When the main shooting party of the gingerbread or Franconian bratwurst in a cosy, histo- and birch on Easter Saturday. The royally privileged marksmen’s society took place rical setting. Children will be excited by horse-drawn egg is a symbol of the mystery annually on 26 July, the feast day of St. Anne, the carriage rides, the nostalgic carousel, the model rail- of life. The fountains and springs event developed into the festival now known as 02 way exhibition and the living Nativity scene. In the eve- wear their colourful splendour the Annafest. Measuring around 20,000 m², the nings, there are daily live performances by bands and for around two weeks. This tra- Kellerwald offers enough space to accommodate singers who spread a wonderful Christmas mood. At dition is meant to draw our atten- up to 500,000 guests over the 11-day festivities. 6:30 p.m., the Forchheim Christmas Angel opens one tion to water and remind us that Visitors celebrate at more than 20 beer cellars, window of the Advent calendar and solemnly recites it is not an inexhaustible resour- and you can enjoy cool beer from about 15 Fran- 01 At Easter, the fountain on the prologue. Every evening, a winner in the Christmas ce. In Forchheim, the decorated conian breweries. There are also Franconian and the Rathaus square is festively lottery is drawn. This lucky person can look forward to fountains are accompanied by a international specialities on offer, as well as many decorated. 02 At the opening valuable prizes, including a brand-new car to be raffled programme featuring an Easter-egg market, family tours carnival rides and live music ranging from the traditio- of the Annafest, the mayor on Christmas Eve. The Night Watchman closes the and children’s activities. nal to the modern. The beer cellars are open daily from himself pitches in. 03 The Rat- haus square becomes a magical evening with an entertaining poem, and the children 10:00 a.m. until 11:30 p.m. The festival starts at 1:00 p.m. Christmas world. receive small presents from the Christmas Angel.

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HALF A MILLION PEOPLE VISIT THE ANNAFEST EVERY YEAR. HISTORY & TRADITION

THE PFALZMUSEUM FOR KIDS » FEATURES THE Forchheim is a city for big and small discoverers. OLDEST PRESERVED Along with the Königsbad aquatic park, the cinema, great playgrounds, indoor soccer, bowling, mini and adventure WALL PAINTINGS IN golf and many other sports and leisure activities for any FRANCONIA. weather, there is also a children’s tour through the Old Town. Living history in a casual atmosphere, as well as the odd surprise, are guaranteed. A special highlight: a visit to the of the old fortress. PFALZMUSEUM

The so-called Kaiserpfalz or imperial palace stands at In this unique monument of national significance, Anyone who would rather learn about the heart of the historical Old Town. This Prince- Bishop’s you can view precious, late-Gothic wall paintings and Forchheim on their own can set out with Castle was built by Bishop Lambert von Brunn of the Pfalzmuseum, which comprises three specialised the children’s city guide and solve puzzles. Bamberg in the late 14th century. museums: This flyer and other information are avail- able at the Tourist Information Centre. Upper Franconian Museum of Archaeology, City Museum and Museum of Traditional Costume. Next door, in the 16th-century casemate, you will have a close experience of fortress history in the Rote Mauer museum. Children and adults alike will learn about history and cultural history in the museum’s education program- mes. Special temporary exhibitions, events and markets, such as the craft fair and Africa Culture Days, round out the programme.

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BEER & GASTRONOMY

EXPERIENCE THE DELIGHTS OF FORCHHEIM 01 02

Forchheim is located in the Upper Franconian culinary region, right among the 01 Enjoying beer is a long- held tradition here. world’s greatest number of bakers, confectioneries, butcher’s shops and breweries. 02 On the Day of the Open Breweries, you will meet With three world records in the realm of gastronomy, it is no wonder that the Royal Forchheim’s Beer Queen and the legendary Beer King, City has been recognised as a Bavarian centre of epicurean delights since 2018. Gambrinus.

Even in earlier times, Forchheim was known for its good beer and Homemade specialities or international cuisine – with left unfulfilled. You can become acquainted with bread – and this is still the case today. Of the 38 original beer outlets, its many restaurants, butcher’s shops and bakeries, Forchheim’s local products in various ways, for instance four family-run breweries still call Forchheim home. Altogether, they DID YOU Forchheim is justifiably known as a Bavarian centre of at a roasting demonstration, as part of a gastronomic brew around 40 different types of high-quality beer. However, epicu- » KNOW THAT epicurean delights. The best spots are only a few minutes’ tour or during a culinary beer tasting. Let yourself be res sample beer not only in the historical Old Town, but in Forchheim’s walk apart: from the coffee roastery in the heart of the whisked away to a unique, Franconian world of epi- idyllic Kellerwald as well. Over an area of 20,000 m², a selection of 23 FORCHHEIM Old Town, to a fishmonger’s with its own pond cultiva- curean delights and get to know Forchheim from its traditional beer cellars are open. Naturally, apart from local beers, these tion, to the local horseradish farmer, no culinary desire is tastiest side! cellars offer fine Franconian dishes ranging from the Kellerplatte or HAD 38 BEER cellar platter to the “Schäuferla”, which is meat from a pig’s shoulder. OUTLETS IN 1852?

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BREWERIES BRAUEREI BRAUEREI GREIF since 1848 NEDER since 1554

The Brauerei Josef Greif was established at Sattlertor- Brauerei Neder, located at Sattlertorstraße 10, is the straße 18 in 1848. It was first brewed at the old community oldest existing brewery in Forchheim. The pub, which brewery on Wiesentstraße. In 1952, brewing operations features an original wood-plank ceiling from the 16th were moved to Serlbacher Straße 10, outside the old city century, is open 365 days a year. Over the past few years, centre. Since the renovations of 2017, the storage cellar the brewery has won many international beer awards. has had enough space for 300,000 litres of beer.

Awards Awards BRAUEREI HEBENDANZ since 1579 European Premium-Pils (silver), Klassik Hell Festbier (gold), Lager (gold), Weisse World Beer Beer Star (bronze), Braunbier (bronze) Award 2017 Dunkel (bronze) Hell, (bronze) The Hebendanz family lived in the “stone house” at Hauptstraße 28. They brewed at the Untere Kommun- Craft Beer Festbier (gold), Weisse Dunkel Braunbier (gold) European brauhaus (community brewery). Since 1882, the beer has Award (silver), Hell (bronze) Beer Star 2017 been brewed at the current location: Sattlertorstraße 14. BRAUEREI As far back as the 1920s, this brewery produced bottled EICHHORN since 1783 beer and delivered it to the surrounding villages. Types of beer Schwarze Anna | Klassik Hell | Export | Kellerbier | Brauerei Eichhorn, which is at Bamberger Straße 9, Types of beer Hell | Zwickl | Schlö- Awards Premium-Pils | Anna-Weisse | Braunbier | Anna is now the smallest of the remaining four breweries in berla | Edelpils | Lager | Festbier | Weihnachts Festbier | Gregori Bock Forchheim. In 1935, Konrad Greif acquired the brewery, Leichtbier | Weizen bringing along the name Eichhorn from the inn that he German Agricultural Society leicht | Hefeweizen had previously operated. prize-winning beers Hell | Bernstein Wei- zen | Weisse Dunkel | Capitulare | Hopfstar | Greif Bock | Annafest- Types of beer bier | Weihnachtsfest- Export Hell | Edel Pils | Posthalter Lager | Bächla Types of beer bier | Hefeweizen Hell Leicht | Märzen Gold | Erstes Forchheimer Ex- Hell | Braun’s Achhörnla | 1. Forchheimer (non-alcoholic) porthefeweißbier | Jubelfestbier (year-round) | Leichtbier | Annafestbier | Weihnachtsfestbier Annafestbier | Winter Zauber Festbier | Bockbier

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THE KELLERWALD THE FIRST UPPER » FRANCONIAN BEER With 23 beer cellars distributed over an area of 20,000 m², Forchheim’s Kellerwald is described as the world’s largest QUEEN WAS CROWNED beer garden for good reason. IN FORCHHEIM IN 2005. For more than 400 years, an underground labyrinth comprising kilometres of passageways has served as a place to age and store “barley juice”. With modern brewing techniques, the rock-cut cellars have lost their THE BEER original significance as beer storage. Nowadays, QUEEN the 20-odd cellars are no longer used to age the Since 2005, the City beer, but have become of Forchheim has elected beer outlets. It was once its own Beer Queen eve- recommended that guests ry two years. She repre- drink the beer in the same Most of the time, a pub was set up above the cellar, sents local breweries and place it had been stored. which led to the expression “going on the cellar”. the city at various events Tables and benches were Today, these cellars offer Franconian delicacies and and trade fairs. Naturally, set up in the Kellerwald, IN THE CELLARS, THE BEER beers year-round from breweries in Forchheim and these include the open- and the cellar pubs were other regions. Cellar culture achieves its high point ing of the beer-cellar created. » IS STORED AT A CONSTANT season and the Annafest. at the annual Annafest. TEMPERATURE OF 6-10⁰ C.

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14 FORCHHEIM‘S BEER CELLARS

01 Nürnberger-Tor-Keller 09 Winterbauerkeller 16 Stäffalakeller 02 Schindlerkeller 10 Schaufelkeller 17 Eichhornkeller 02 01 03 Greif‘s Keller 11 Fässlakeller 18 Weiß-Tauben-Keller 08 10 04 Schäffbräukeller 12 Kaiserkeller 19 Hofmann´s Keller 04 12 05 03 06 07 05 Hebendanz-Keller 13 Brauwastlkeller 20 Schwanenkeller 13 06 Mahrs Bräu Keller 14 Schlössla-Keller 21 Nederkeller 09 07 Schneiderkeller 15 Glockenkeller 22 Schützenkeller 11 08 Rappenkeller 23 Blümleinskeller 22 BEER & GASTRONOMY 23 BIER & KULINARIK 11 BEER & GASTRONOMY

GASTRONOMIC EVENTS

The Franconian culinary year is marked by many events for epicures. Starting with the annual seasonal opening of the beer cellars in April, to the traditional Wine Festival on the Rathaus square, to the Festival of Delights and the renowned Annafest, there is something for everyone.

GASTRONOMY & REGIONAL PRODUCTS IS Forchheim’s Old Town leaves no culinary desire unful- 03 filled. You can enjoy typical Franconian fare, fine German » HOME TO THE WORLD’S cuisine, Italian, Greek, Thai and Japanese food and many other specialities! All the restaurants are just a few GREATEST NUMBER OF minutes’ walk apart. BAKERIES, CONFECTIO- But the wide gastronomic range is not limited to NERIES, BUTCHER’S restaurants and pubs: our markets and local shops will 01 also allow you to discover the finest regional delicacies, SHOPS AND BREWERIES. from typical Franconian “Urrädla” (round, fried pastry) to spicy horse- radish. Most businesses that produce and sell local products are still traditional, 04 family-run operations.

01 Every year, the cellars are opened in a celebration. 02 On the Day of the Open Breweries, the brewmasters lead visitors through their premises. 03 Wine is highlighted at the Wein- fest on the Rathaus square. 04 The high point of Forchheim’s 02 festival season: the Annafest.

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GASTRONOMIC OFFERS

Form your own impression of Forchheim’s gastrono- mic world: our culinary tours are an experience for all the senses. The Gambrinus tour devoted to Forchheim’s brewing culture, the epicurean beer tasting and the WALK OF BEER are examples of our selection.

EPICUREAN BEER TASTING 02

Black beer, pilsner, wheat beer, bock – Forchheim has many types of beer! Learn from the pros how the individual types differ, how to degust good beer and which beer goes with which food. You DID YOU KNOW THAT can taste selected beers from Forch- THE KELLERWALD HAS heim’s four breweries. You will also learn th » BEER HAS 10 TIMES interesting facts about the history of beer » EXISTED SINCE THE 16 in Forchheim and the production of beer. CENTURY. 23 BEER CELLARS MORE FLAVOURS Expect an exciting taste sensation! THAN WINE? HAVE BEEN PRESERVED.

01 Testament to Forchheim’s ancient connection to fishing: WALK OF BEER EPICUREAN TOUR the corves. 02 The WALK OF BEER is personally christened by our brewers. On Hollywood’s Walk of Fame, the stars stand for Get to know our Royal City from its culinary side. legendary stars; the Forchheim equivalent is devoted to We connect gastronomy with culture, garnished with a breweries. You will see a WALK OF BEER star in front of pleasant stroll though our Old Town with appetising stops each of the four breweries – Hebendanz, Neder, Eich- along the way. Fish specialities, Franconian pastry or horn and Greif – and at the edge of the Kellerwald. Best bratwurst – you will love Forchheim’s treats! Interesting of all: you can take this tour on your own, at your own facts about the history of Forchheim and a visit to the 01 speed and whenever you like. Each star has a QR code Kaiserpfalz round out the tour. that lets you use your smartphone to retrieve further information about the breweries.

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Forchheim itself is not only the perfect starting point for tours and excursions, it also offers visitors an im- pressive array of guided tours and activities. Starting with walking tours around the city centre, to Segway tours of the historical Old Town, to fasci- nating museum visits and a stop at the Königsbad aquatic park, which is open year-round, there is something for every- one. Those who wish to ACTIVE escape the bustle and relax amid the greenery will enjoy the idyllic Stadt- EXPERIENCES park and the Sportinsel, an area devoted to nature and lei- IN FORCHHEIM sure. We invite you to explore 02 Forchheim, discover the city on foot or experience it with open eyes and at your own pace.

Forchheim lies in one of the most “The gateway to Franconian Switzerland” – this is what 01 The region is known Forchheim is called both inside and outside the city walls. for its idyllic fishing beautiful areas of Germany. Situated in And no wonder, for the Royal City is the perfect starting ponds. 02 A popular point for hiking, cycling, canoeing and climbing excur- nearby destination: the southern part of Upper Franconia, Forchheim’s Sport- sions. Picturesque hills, characteristic cliff formations insel. 03 An extensive the city of 32,000 is framed by the and kilometres of crystal-clear rivers make Franconian network of hiking paths Switzerland a perfect holiday destination for adventurers leads to areas of natural Steigerwald forest and Franconian and families. But it is not only the unique natural setting, beauty. but also the many , and ruins that draw Switzerland. But Forchheim is not just visitors from around the world to Upper Franconia for nature lovers and excursionists: every year. the historical city centre offers many guided tours and activities for young and old alike.

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The sauna world – from the classic Finnish sauna to our event sauna with changing infusions, the sauna facility at the Königsbad offers unforgettable, natural and relaxing wellness enjoy- ment. Two sauna cabins of Arctic kelo wood will make your visit something special. The sauna offers many events devoted to diverse subjects and special highlights. In the Mediterranean at- mosphere of the sauna bar, you can be pampered in style during your wellness 02 experience.

01 Thrilling speed for young THE KÖNIGSBAD and old: the adventure waterslides. 02 Changing infusions make a visit to the Forchheim’s Königsbad aquatic park is the ideal event sauna an unforgetta- destination for the whole family and a first-class wellness ble wellness experience. spa. A rustic in-ground sauna, a herbal sweathouse and 03 Sauna cabins of Arctic an adventure shower are just a few of the attractions you kelo wood. can try out here. The large indoor adventure pool and extensive outdoor pool park promise year-round bathing THE LONGEST enjoyment fit for a king. » WATERSLIDE AT THE KÖNIGSBAD IS 135 METRES LONG AND IS SURE TO MAKE 01 YOU TINGLE 03 ALL OVER.

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THE STADTPARK

Forchheim’s Stadtpark is an SOME OF THE TREES idyll in the middle of the city; it has a magical attraction not only » IN THE STADTPARK for walkers and picnickers, but stirs the hearts of botanists as ARE MORE THAN 100 well. The 100-year history of the YEARS OLD. park, which was designed in 1920 by senior horticulturalist Hugo Post, can be felt with every step. Post’s ideas brought a generous touch of the exotic to the Fran- conian Royal City that continues to characterise our green lung. Its splendid trees, lush shrubbery THE MAGNESIA CLIMBING HALL and diverse plants invite locals and visitors alike to relax, take a stroll, breathe freely and disco- The MAGNESIA climbing and rope adventure park ver. in Forchheim has been an established destination for professional and amateur climbers from Franconian Switzerland and beyond for more than 15 years. Visi- tors can look forward to 1,400 m² of climbing area, 200 m² of bouldering space, a rope garden, a climbing shop, a cosy bistro and training rooms where many events and presentations take place. At MAGNESIA, hobby and fitness climbers, as well as Europe’s clim- bing élite, feel equally at home. The 180-200 exciting, regularly changing routes leave nothing to be desired. Photos: Christian Seitz Photos:

THE MAGNESIA CLIMB- » ING HALL OFFERS 1,400 SQUARE METRES OF CLIMBING AREA.

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CYCLING

Discover Forchheim and Franconian Switzerland by bicycle or e-bike! Forchheim is located directly on the THE AREA OFFERS interregional Franconian RegnitzRadweg cycling path » 70 DIFFERENT and is an ideal starting point for cycling tours to Franco- nian Switzerland. Moreover, the city lies on the Burgen- CYCLING TOURS HIKING straße castle route, which leads 770 km from Mannheim WITH DIFFEREN- to via Nuremberg and Bamberg, making it the The hiking area around Forchheim brings nature lo- best-known west-east holiday route in Central Europe. CES IN ALTITUDE vers, touring pros and epicures together. In the Keller- On the other hand, we recommend a tour of breweries wald, which is the starting point for the various hiking and beer cellars to anyone who prefers to combine an OF UP TO 200 M. routes surrounding the Royal City, you can enjoy a clo- enjoyable cycling trip with Upper Franconia’s great se experience with Franconian tradition right from the variety of beers and beer traditions. start of your excursion. The trails will lead you through the forest, over meadows and fields and all the way to nearby towns. At the end of the tour, Forchheim’s cellars offer a wide variety of resting points where you can fortify yourself with Franconian specialities and beers; you can also relax and enjoy the end of your hike. In the summertime, you can sit outside in the shade of the trees. In the winter, stay warm and cosy at the tiled stove in a rustic cellar cabin. Whatever the season, the region is a special highlight that you must see with your own eyes.

01 Franconian Switzerland offers touring cyclists unique experiences of nature. 02 This striking pla- teau is a Franconian THERE ARE 4,000 KM landmark: the Wal- » OF MARKED HIKING berla by Forchheim 01 02 TRAILS AROUND FORCHHEIM.

34 NATURE & ACTIVITIES NATURE & ACTIVITIES 35 NATURE & ACTIVITIES

THE MOST » STRIKING OF THE MANY MOUNTAINS IN FRANCONIAN SWITZERLAND IS THE EHREN- BÜRG, POPU- 01 LARLY KNOWN AS THE “WALBERLA”. FRANCONIAN SWITZERLAND

As the northern part of the Franco- 03 nian Jura, Franconian Switzerland covers the districts of Bamberg, Bayreuth and Forchheim. The area is also called “the land of castles, caves and delights” and offers nature lovers, hikers, motor- 01 The Wiesent Valley cyclists and those seeking to relax a wide offers unique panoramic selection: canoeing on the Wiesent, views. 02 The historical castle of Pottenstein in tours in the many climbing areas, pictu- Franconian Switzerland. resque cycling and hiking trails 03 An unforgettable and much more. view from the Walberla. 04 A popular photo Pottenstein, Muggendorf, Waischen- subject: the cliffs of feld and the natural landscapes sur- Tüchersfeld. 02 rounding these towns are among the 04 most popular excursion destinations.

36 NATURE & ACTIVITIES NATURE & ACTIVITIES 37 ACCOMMODATIONS

HESSE THURINGIA SAXONY FORCHHEIM IS IN OUR HEARTS

Forchheim is our home and we are proud to live in a place where you would like to enjoy a holiday. We will be happy to show you all the wonderful facets of our city. FROM CARAVAN Forchheim TO LUXURY HOTEL: BADEN- WUERTTEMBERG BAVARIA STAYING IN supplied without guarantee. All information FORCHHEIM

The team at Forchheim’s Summer season As the gateway to Franconian Tourist Information Centre (April - October) Switzerland, the Upper Franconian city of Forchheim is conveniently BE WELL-RESTED WHEN YOU will be happy to advise you Monday - Friday located between Bamberg START OUT ON YOUR CITY TOUR! before your trip and in 09.00 a.m. - 05.00 p.m. (approx. 23 km to the north) and person. Saturday Nuremberg (approx. 30 km to 10.00 a.m. - 01.00 p.m. the south). Forchheim offers many forms of accommodation, from hotels to Winter season holiday apartments and restaurant-cum-hotels, to camping and Tel. +49 9191 714338 (November - March) caravan sites. [email protected] Monday - Friday www.forchheim-erleben.de 09.00 a.m. - 05.00 p.m. Reserve your accommodations now! You will find our current index of hosts at www.forchheim-erleben.de and the usual online booking portals. Do you have questions about the accommodations in Forch- heim and the surrounding area? The team at the Tourist Information Centre will be happy to help.

Every LITTLE CORNER 38 ACCOMMODATIONS charmingly Franconian. WELCOME TO FORCHHEIM

Dive into the Royal City’s more than 1,200 years of history and experience true Franconian delights.

A good beer can be brewed only when experience, Forchheim is wonderfully easy to discover on foot. Let artisanship and the finest ingredients come together. The yourself drift along and get a close sense of our tradi- same can be said of Forchheim: Franconian tradition, a tion-steeped history, whether you are in the Kellerwald lively culture, international gastronomy and proximity to or the historical Old Town. We wish you an unforgettable nature are our secret recipe for a city that simply must visit and great experiences. be enjoyed.

Tourist Information Centre Forchheim Kapellenstraße 16 • 91301 Forchheim +49 9191 714338 • [email protected] www.forchheim-erleben.de cb-friends.de