The contrast between medieval architectural features, the castle’s later appearance and outdoor activities shapes the way Höchstadt a.d.Aisch is experienced.
Church, castle and town tower
After the St. Nicholas Castle Chapel, St. George’s Parish Church is the oldest place of worship in Höchstadt; the lower three levels of its tower date from the 12th and 13th centuries. At today’s castle, the massive foundation of a tower at the northeast corner is the oldest part; it dates from the beginning of the 13th century. The castle acquired its present appearance around 1714 under Bishop Lothar Franz von Schönborn. Its early architectural features and later form thus represent different periods.
The surviving town tower adds a look at the town’s fortifications: it is a gate tower from the 14th century and belongs to the second of a total of three town wall or fortification rings. The church, castle and tower thus raise different questions about the town: its oldest church features, the development of the castle and its fortification rings.
Guided tours also offer a distinct way to include the town’s history in your travel plans. Höchstadt offers themed tours, night watchman tours, tours in historical costume and Kellerberg tours. The different formats give you several thematic options if you would like to plan your stay around more than individual buildings.
By the water and on the move
The Engelgarten is located between the historic town wall and the Aisch. Seating, a large children’s play area and panoramic views across the Aisch meadows define the place. There is also a fitness trail for families, children and seniors. Play, exercise and views come together here in a garden setting. As park facilities may change, check the current offerings before your visit.
Another activity has set hours: public skating takes place at Höchstadt Ice Stadium on Mondays and Thursdays from 4:00 to 5:30 p.m. The season and hours are date-dependent; check the current schedule before planning your visit. This lets you match the activity to your travel dates without assuming a particular season.
Höchstadt and the wider destination of Erlangen-Höchstadt
The Spix Museum is located in Höchstadt, within the wider destination of Erlangen-Höchstadt, in the birthplace of naturalist Johann Baptist Ritter von Spix. Interactive exhibits tell the story of his life and the history of his birthplace. A computer-controlled rainforest diorama with lighting effects, animal displays and animal sounds complements the exhibition; it is especially recommended for children. This adds a natural history and biographical focus to the town’s architectural history.
Höchstadt also has a regional culinary specialty: Aischgründer Spiegel carp from the surrounding pond landscape, and its various preparations. Its season falls in the months with an “R,” from September to April. The product has Protected Geographical Indication status. If you would like to include this taste in your travel plans, the season provides a specific guide.
If you would like to include other places in the wider destination of Erlangen-Höchstadt, Kalchreuth offers different highlights. St. Andrew’s Church houses a famous Passion altarpiece, a shrine altarpiece with folding wings by Michael Wolgemut, a teacher of Dürer. A three-kilometre circular trail through the Kalchreuth cherry orchards also features information boards about cherries, the landscape and Kalchreuth, as well as hands-on nature stations. These examples offer different points of interest: sacred art on the one hand, and landscape and nature education on the other.
Discover more destinations: Vestenbergsgreuth, Marloffstein, Gremsdorf, Weisendorf, Eckental, Erlangen, Uttenreuth, Adelsdorf.
For the wider travel overview: Erlangen-Höchstadt.
