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| Fränkische Schweiz
Outdoors Adventures:
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Castles & Caves in Waischenfeld, GermanyThe Sophienhöhle and Burg Waischenfeld, Rabeneck, & RabensteinThe Waischenfeld region in Germany’s Fränkische Schweiz (Franconian Switzerland) is famous for canoeing, castles (Waischenfeld, Rabeneck, & Rabenstein), and the Sophienhöhle (caves).
From Gößweinstein, both the Aisbach and Wiesent Valleys lead northwards to the Waischenfeld region. The area is famous for fly-fishing, the Sophienhöhle (cave), and three castles.
Tourist-Information Waischenfelf Waischenfeld Tourist Information, Im Rathaus, 91344 Waischenfeld, tel. 09202-19433.
Castles in the Waischenfeld Region, Bavaria Burg Waischenfeld, tel 09202-960-117, dates from the early 12th century. It had a complex defensive system with various buildings erected but mostly demolished through centuries of warfare as well as neglect. Most of the castle was destroyed at the end of the 19th century but the remaining parts were restored in 1980 to house a restaurant, theater, museum, and conference rooms. Of special note is the round Steinerne Beutel – a freestanding defense tower that was once only accessible via retractable ladder. Opening hours are daily from 10:30 am. Burg Rabeneck, tel 09202-565, towers over the Wiesent Valley just south of Waischenfeld. It was founded in the 13th century by the Schlüsselberger family (see Burg Neideck in Streitberg). It was used and damaged during several wars and ownership was often disputed between the founders, the bishop of Bamberg, and later the Rabenstein family. In 1975, after years of neglect, it was sold to Normal Schiller, who has made a valiant attempt to maintain and restore it to its proper original condition. Opening hours are Sunday and holidays from 11 am to 6 pm. Admission is €1.50.
Burg Rabenstein Castle, Hotel, & Falconry The best-looking castle in Fränkische Schweiz is undoubtedly Burg Rabenstein. Rabenstein Castle lies on a rock high above the Aisbach Valley and houses a restaurant, hotel, and falconry. The oldest reference to the Rabenstein Castle is from the 12th century. It was once in the hands of the Rabenstein family, which gave it its present name. It withstood Swedish attacks during the Thirty Years’ War but local farmers burnt it down soon after. It is beautifully restored. The castle is open April to October from 10 am to 5 pm. Seeing the interior is only possible on half-hour guided tours from Tuesday to Friday at 11 am, 2, and 4:40 pm; on weekends every half hour. From November to March, it is open only weekends and during Bavaria school holidays. Admission is €3.50. The Hotel in Burg Rabenstein has 22 very comfortable and stylish rooms, furnished mostly modern but with good taste. The hotel is miles away from city noise and very romantic. Guests may stroll through parts of the castle off-limits to other visitors as well as at night. The restaurant serves local cuisine. Burg Rabenstein, 95491 Ahorntal, tel 09202-970580, fax 09202-970581. Burg Rabenstein's Falknerei (falconry), tel 09202-970-498, has more than 60 owls, birds of prey, falcons, and eagles. Opening hours are from Easter to October from Tuesday to Sunday from 10 am to 5 pm. Flight demonstrations are at 3 pm. Admission is €2 plus €3 during flight demonstrations.
The Sophienhöhle Caves, Rabenstein, has been known since the 15th century but the best parts were only discovered in 1833. Its three chambers are in total almost 500 m/1,640 ft long. Despite its popularity, it remained one of the best-preserved and most impressive caves in Germany. Opening hours are April to October from Tuesday to Sunday from 10:30 am to 5 pm with tours every half hour. Admission is €3.50. On Saturday nights, a multimedia sound and light display is staged between 6 and 8 pm. During this time visitors can roam at will without tour – admission is €6.50.
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02/23/2008 |
