At 1,053 metres, Schneeberg is the highest mountain in Franconia. Ochsenkopf reaches 1,024 metres and is the second-highest mountain in the Fichtelgebirge. These two peaks alone show how different measures characterise the landscape: one is the highest point in Franconia, while the other ranks second within the Fichtelgebirge.
Peaks, Rock and Water
Granite is a defining feature of the Fichtelgebirge. Other rocks found here include gneiss, basalt, phyllite slate, marble, quartz, proterobas and soapstone. The rivers also give the region a distinctive geographical role: the Main, Eger, Naab and Saale are considered the four best-known rivers that rise here.
The Fichtelgebirge Nature Park covers more than 1,000 square kilometres between the centres of Bayreuth, Hof and Weiden, and the Czech city of Cheb (Eger). This gives a sense of the region’s scale without reducing it to a single peak or type of rock.
At Fichtelsee: Recreation and Conservation
Fichtelsee brings together different themes in a small geographical area: its southern part serves as a local recreation area, with bathing spots and an inn. The northern and eastern parts were designated a nature reserve in 1939, covering 45.4 hectares. In 1982, the protected area was expanded to 139.2 hectares and named “Fichtelseemoor Nature Forest Reserve”. The lake can therefore be associated both with recreation and with the protected area. If you are planning to use the facilities during a specific visit, check the latest information.
Hiking and Cycling Routes for Different Discoveries
The Fichtelgebirge Tourism Centre’s tour portal currently offers more than 260 hiking tours. An interactive map, printable PDFs and GPS data for smartphones help you find your way as you make your own selection. If you want to compare hikes, you can find a range of suggested tours in one place; the number of options and digital formats can help with planning without prescribing a fixed itinerary.
The “Fränkischer Gebirgsweg” quality hiking trail leads through the natural and outdoor activity landscape of the Fichtelgebirge. For cycling, the Brückenradweg Bayern-Böhmen is one of the cycle routes that pass through this landscape. Hiking and cycling thus offer two different ways to discover the region’s natural and active side.
Quarries, Views and Wildlife
At Epprechtstein, a scenic destination and the history of granite on its slopes take centre stage. Epprechtstein Castle Ruins lie on the summit, are a popular destination for excursions and offer a good panoramic view. The quarry trail focuses on something different: it starts at the granite labyrinth and links the numerous granite quarries on the slopes of Epprechtstein. The ruins and the trail therefore lead to different aspects of the same mountain, without needing to be described as one continuous circular route.
The Asenturm, built in 1922/23, stands on Ochsenkopf and houses the highest-altitude inn in the Fichtelgebirge. If you plan to visit the inn, check its current opening hours in advance. In Mehlmeisel, the wildlife enclosure at Waldhaus has a circular trail through native wildlife; a three-metre-high elevated walkway runs above the lynx and wild boar enclosures. Since the animals and visitor regulations may change, check the operator’s latest information before your visit.
Discover more destinations: Landshut, Coburg, Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Rottal-Inn, Traunstein, Schweinfurt, Dachau, WeiĂźenburg-Gunzenhausen.
For the main travel overview: Bavaria.
