Frankenweg, Long-distance hiking trail in Bavaria and Thuringia, Germany.
Frankenweg is a long-distance hiking trail spanning 520 kilometers across Bavaria and Thuringia. The path crosses forests, valleys, and uplands, connecting the Rennsteig in the north to the Schwäbische Alb region in the south.
The route follows ancient merchant paths that crossed Franconia in medieval times. Towns like Kronach and Kulmbach grew up along these trading connections, serving as places where goods moved between northern and southern regions.
The trail passes through villages where people maintain local traditions and ways of life that have shaped the region for centuries. Visitors encounter chapels, farmhouses, and community spaces that reflect how communities have organized themselves around this land.
The path is clearly marked throughout its length, with lodging available at regular intervals. Hikers can arrange for luggage transport services and break the journey into manageable stages based on their pace and fitness.
The trail passes through Franconian Switzerland, where limestone cliffs and cave systems shape the landscape in unexpected ways. These geological features create surprising views and natural formations that stand out as you hike through different sections.
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