Cobbled streets, half-timbered houses and stone churches give Forchheim a fairy-tale feel. The town is perched high in northern Bavaria and is a gateway to Franconian Switzerland, an enchanting region with chocolate-box villages, hilltop castles and forested mountains.
Things to do in Forchheim
Forchheim is filled with half-timbered buildings, though none are as impressive as the Rathaus Town Hall. It dates back to the 14th century and overlooks a sun-drenched square lined with al fresco cafes. St. Katharina’s Hospital is another famous half-timbered building.
Pedestrianised Hauptstrasse cuts through the town centre and is lined with shops, cafes and restaurants. Tables, chairs and umbrellas spill out onto the cobblestones and add to the lively street scene. This bustling street is a great place to stop for lunch and enjoy traditional Bavarian dishes like “schweinshaxn” roasted ham and fresh-baked pretzels smothered with “obatzda” cheese dip. Wash down your meal with a glass of Bavarian beer.
Tree-lined paths wind through Stadtpark, a green oasis in the heart of the town centre. Enjoy a picnic lunch on the grass and admire the ruins of the centuries-old city walls. In summer, the park moonlights as a venue for festivals, markets and outdoor concerts.
Forchheim is a launchpad to Franconian Switzerland, a beautiful pocket of Bavaria where you can discover history, culture and postcard-perfect scenery. The historic town of Pottenstein is surrounded by forested cliffs and built around a bustling market square. Nearby is Tüchersfeld, an adorable village famous for its enormous dolomite rock tower.
Getting around Forchheim
Forchheim is located in Upper Franconia, a 30-minute drive from Nuremberg. The town is compact and easy to get around on foot. Rental cars offer the freedom to explore Franconian Switzerland at your own pace. Trains run between Nuremberg Central Station and Forchheim in around 40 minutes and Nuremberg Airport is a 30-minute drive away.