The picturesque village center of Wilhelmsthal is reminiscent of a mountain village. For trip planning, the hiking trails offer clear differences in distance, walking time and difficulty; there are also viewpoints and historic destinations in the village center and in the municipality’s districts. This makes it easy to tailor your stay around a shorter circular hike, a longer tour or a cultural focus.

Hiking options for different time budgets

The Schieferbruch-Weg KC 81 is an easy, 6.3-kilometer circular hike: from Wilhelmsthal, it leads past the former slate quarry to Hesselbach and back. The walking time is about 2 hours and 15 minutes; the route includes 262 meters of elevation gain and 262 meters of descent.

The southern route of the Floßherren-Weg is longer at 11.1 kilometers and is rated moderate. It leads from Wilhelmsthal to Glosberg, takes about 2 hours and 45 minutes, and has 413 meters of elevation gain and 361 meters of descent. Unlike the Schieferbruch-Weg, this point-to-point hike does not end back in Wilhelmsthal—a difference to bear in mind when planning your day.

For a considerably longer tour, try the challenging Grümpel-Floßteich-Weg KC 82: this 22.8-kilometer route runs from the Grümpeltal via Hubertushöhe and past the water and observation tower in Birnbaum, before returning to Wilhelmsthal. The hike is estimated to take about 6 hours, with 443 meters of elevation gain and 443 meters of descent. The idyllic Grümpeltal is also a worthwhile destination for an outing.

The approximate walking times and elevation differences make the three hikes easy to compare. Before setting out, check the signage and trail conditions on site; the route details are no substitute for up-to-date navigation.

Views and cycling routes

From the summit of Eichsberg, the view stretches across the Fichtel Mountains, Staffelberg, the Basilica of the Fourteen Holy Helpers, Coburg Fortress and the southern Thuringian Forest. This viewpoint adds a sweeping view of the region to the hiking routes.

A popular cycling route runs from the district town of Kronach to Wilhelmsthal. Surfaces and detours may change, so check the current conditions when planning. A mountain biking route also runs through the municipality between the districts of Lahm and Effelter.

Churches and history in the village center and districts

St. Joseph’s Parish Church in Wilhelmsthal is worth a visit for its warm atmosphere, modern colored windows in the new chancel and Metzler organ. Also in Wilhelmsthal is the slate-roofed Marienkapelle chapel at Hohes Kreuz. Eight siblings built it in memory of their parents; it was consecrated on July 11, 1998.

The branch church of St. Peter and Paul stands in the district of Effelter. Built around 1400, it was rebuilt after the great fire of 1807. A former sawmill powered by a water wheel was converted there into a youth education center and is located in the Dobertal nature reserve.

In the district of Steinberg, the historic Alt Pankratius Castle Church is the surviving remnant of the former castle complex on Schlossberg. It can be visited in summer; confirm the current visiting arrangements before planning your trip. These different sites offer a glimpse into various chapters of local and municipal history.

Annual festivals

The annual Wilhelmsthal local heritage festival takes place on the first Sunday in August. As the exact dates vary from year to year, check the date for your travel year in advance.

Since 2002, the associated municipality has held the Apfelfest every two years at the historic Effelter Mill in the district of Effelter. An apple queen is also crowned at the festival. If you would like to plan your trip around it, confirm the specific date before making arrangements.

Discover more destinations: Kronach, Stockheim in Upper Franconia, Pressig, Wallenfels, Tschirn, Mitwitz, Steinbach am Wald, Tettau.

Go to the main travel overview: Kronach.