Nordhalben lies on the heights of the Franconian Forest, amid extensive meadows and forests. From Schlossberg, the view stretches across the Green Belt, neighboring Thuringia and several valleys in the Franconian Forest. The former quarry is also located on Schlossberg; it is the type locality of the trace fossil “Segmentichnus mohri”, discovered in 2010. Here, a striking location brings together expansive landscapes and a tangible connection to geological history.
Meadows, Forests and Trails
Nordhalben’s natural landscape includes valuable biotopes that are home to rare plant and animal species. The “Durch die Bärwurzwiesen” FrankenwaldSteigla trail starts at the car park of the natural swimming pool on the edge of Nordhalben and follows the Green Belt across the Nordhalben plateau, with its species-rich meadows. The hike follows the Green Belt and passes through the species-rich meadows of the Nordhalben plateau.
The Nordhalben Border Trail is 4.3 kilometers long and rated easy. Hikers choosing a route by length and difficulty will find it offers a different guide from the Bärwurzwiesen trail, which crosses the plateau and meadows and follows the Green Belt. From Schlossberg, you can also take in the view of the Green Belt, neighboring Thuringia and several valleys in the Franconian Forest.
Local History and Craftsmanship
The Nordhalben Sculpture Trail follows the old Badweg out into the Green Belt, where the border between Bavaria and Thuringia once ran. The Nordhalben Historical Local Museum has seven themed rooms displaying exhibits on the town’s history. These include a faithfully recreated kitchen and bedroom. The bobbin-lace school houses the museum and its border documentation.
The International Lace Collection is also housed in the bobbin-lace school; it is an exhibition of European standing. The second stage of the FrankenwaldSteig starts on AmlichstraĂźe, not far from the lace museum. Alongside the exhibitions, visitors can therefore find practical route information for planning their trip, while the Sculpture Trail traces the former border through the landscape.
The Nordhalben Artists’ House, also known as “Maxhaus”, has been renovated as a place for artists to live and work. The Evangelical Jubilate Church was built between 1925 and 1926 and renovated in 1997. Check its current visiting hours before you go. The Chapel of the Visitation of Mary, known locally as the Marienkapelle, welcomes visitors during the day to look around and spend time there; check current opening arrangements before your visit.
Plan Your Trip and Explore the Region
From Nordhalben, the cross-state bicycle and hiking bus network provides access to destinations in the surrounding Franconian-Thuringian region between May and October. The service is seasonal, so check the current timetable before you travel. The listed station has a beer garden, and the dining car offers a small selection of food.
The Rodachtalbahn offers a ride on a heritage railway through the Rodach valley. In the Kronach destination area, it runs with a historic locomotive and historic carriages from Steinwiesen to Nordhalben. If you would like to include the train in your plans, check the operating days in advance. Depending on the focus of your stay, you can combine nature trails, local history and a regional train ride.
Discover More Destinations
Discover more destinations: Steinwiesen, Teuschnitz, Steinbach Am Wald, Marktrodach, Stockheim In Oberfranken, WeiĂźenbrunn, Wilhelmsthal, Mitwitz.
For the main travel overview: Kronach.
