Hollfeld combines its historic Upper Town with terrace gardens on the steep southern slope below the town wall. The roses and their companion plants are in full bloom there in June and July, while the town’s history shapes a visit at any time of year. This offers two distinct focal points when choosing accommodation: architectural history and town tours on the one hand, plants and gardens on the other. Pilgrimages to the Church of the Saviour take place in May and June; these are the only pilgrimages dedicated to the Saviour in the Archdiocese of Bamberg and are among Hollfeld’s enduring traditions. There is also a botanical tour and a nature trail in the Kainach Valley.
The Upper Town and St. Gangolf
Hollfeld’s Upper Town, with Marienplatz, still preserves the early medieval character of a burgher and hilltop town, as well as the layout of a spur settlement. The tower houses an old tower keeper’s apartment and also offers a view. The tower houses an old tower keeper’s apartment and also offers a view. The town offers individual, expert-guided tours with experienced guides throughout the year. The free leaflet “A Walk Through Hollfeld’s Historic Old Town” includes information and pictures of the buildings and is available from the tourist information office.
Terrace Gardens Through the Seasons
Hollfeld’s terrace gardens lie on the steep southern slope below the town wall and were created on former kitchen gardens. Plants adapted to a hot, dry climate grow there. The selection includes hardy figs and cacti, native orchids and the rare rock alyssum. Roses and their companion plants are in full bloom in June and July. The specific plants in the gardens may vary depending on the season and garden maintenance. This creates a clear distinction when choosing when to visit: the roses reach their peak in June and July, while the historic character of the Upper Town remains regardless of the season.
Tours and Nature Experiences
The gardens can also be explored on a botanical tour, led by a botanist who explains the plant life. The tour lasts about 45 minutes and is often combined with a town tour. Another way to experience nature is the children’s adventure trail in the Kainach Valley. Information boards cover flora and fauna, while the activity stations include a barefoot trail, sound-making logs and tree trunks to climb. On the return leg of the trail, an animal enclosure with goats is located by the path. The nature experiences therefore differ in how they are presented: in the garden, an expert explains the plant life, while the trail offers information boards and activity stations.
More Things to Explore in the Bayreuth Destination
The wider Bayreuth destination also offers other distinctive highlights. The Garden Art Museum at Fantaisie Palace opened in July 2000 as the first German museum at the time devoted exclusively to the history of garden art. Fantaisie Palace Park brings together design elements from the Rococo, Sensibility and Historicism periods. The Devil’s Cave near Pottenstein can only be visited as part of a guided tour. Thus, alongside Hollfeld’s town history and gardens, the wider destination offers a choice of garden art history and a cave visit that can only be taken as a guided tour.
Discover more destinations: Plankenfels, AufseĂź, Pottenstein, Heinersreuth, Ahorntal, CreuĂźen, Pegnitz, BischofsgrĂĽn.
See the overall travel guide: Bayreuth.
