Altenkunstadt brings together two very different traces of time: the former synagogue and Kordigast, the local mountain. The synagogue was built in 1726 and has served since 1993 as a memorial and place of remembrance, as well as a cultural venue for the municipality of Altenkunstadt. Celts are known to have lived on Kordigast as early as the 5th century BC. Thus, a historic building and a much older settlement history stand side by side as distinct cultural points of reference.
Kordigast: Peaks, Trails and Fossils
Kordigast has two peaks: Großer Kordigast is 536 metres high, while Kleiner Kordigast is 538 metres high. Kleiner Kordigast is therefore two metres higher than Großer Kordigast. Family-friendly hiking trails follow the “Schlauwienix” nature trail to the “Spielwienix” adventure playground on Kordigast. The names make the route and its destination easy to distinguish: the focus here is on a nature trail and an adventure playground.
Next to the Waldfrieden car park, young geologists may, with a bit of luck, find Jurassic-era fossils at a designated hammering site. This adds another distinct activity to the hike: searching for fossils. The chance of finding them is explicitly dependent on luck.
Strössendorf: Castle, Palace and Village Scene
The castle in Strössendorf was built in the 12th century and gradually transformed over time into the palace seen today. High above the Main, a striking ensemble of palace and church stands out against the skyline, framed by tall trees. The castle’s development tells a story of change over time; the ensemble also defines Strössendorf’s distinctive village scene.
A Regional Cycling Route
For cycling trip planning, the Ziegenfeldertal cycle route runs from Hollfeld, connecting with the Hochweg Fränkische Schweiz, via Kleinziegenfeld and along the Weismain watercourse through the town of Weismain to the Altenkunstadt/Burgkunstadt area on the Main. The route offers a different perspective from the hiking trails on Kordigast: it passes through several places and reaches the area on the Main mentioned above. Check the route conditions before setting out.
Lichtenfels as a Distinct Centre of Basket-Weaving
The wider travel destination of Lichtenfels also has a dedicated focus on the culture of weaving. The 14-kilometre Pfad der Flechtkultur (Path of Basket-Weaving Culture) circular trail connects Lichtenfels and Michelau along nature trails through the Main floodplains. Its 23 information panels explore the history and tradition of basket-making, the basket industry and basket trading on the Upper Main. Near Oberwallenstadt, the trail includes a willow labyrinth for children, a willow shell at the river bathing area, a woven tipi at the Ortswiesensee Oberwallenstadt and other woven art installations.
Lichtenfels itself has preserved the typically Franconian character of its old town. The Bamberger Tor and Kronacher Tor gates remain, and parts of the old town wall are still visible. The Lichtenfels Town Palace houses municipal collections on the history of beer and brewing, the railway and basket trading; exhibition content may change.
Another seasonal highlight is the Lichtenfels Basket Market, held every year on the third weekend in September. If you would like to plan your trip around it, check the dates for your chosen year.
Discover more destinations: Hochstadt-Marktzeuln, Marktzeuln, Michelau In Oberfranken, Ebensfeld, Bad Staffelstein, Redwitz an der Rodach, Lichtenfels, Burgkunstadt.
Back to the main travel overview: Lichtenfels.
