Forchheim is a small town in Franconia with an interesting old town.
Forchheim is an old place even by German standards, and as it had lost most of its relevance by the 20th century it is quite well preserved. Forchheim owes its former importance to being a Kaiserpfalz, or a place where the emperor could rest and hold court during his travels and as such it served as one of several "capitals" (there being no one fixed imperial residence) during the 10th century and beyond.
- Kaiserpfalz, Kapellenstraße 16, +49 9191 714327.
- Town Hall. Built in the 15th and 16th century.
- Kellerberg. From 11:00 daily. 23 beer gardens in on an idyllic wooded hillside. Site of the world famous beer and music festival "the Annafest" taking place annually over 10 days at the end of July.
- Burgruine Streitburg, Wiesenttal. This ruined castle is on a hill right next to the hill Neideck stands on (see below) "Streit" means "quarrel" in German and the tale goes that the two neighboring castles had a quarrel with each other leading to the destruction of both. The actual history doesn't confirm that tale but locals like to tell it regardless.
- Burgruine Neideck, Wiesenttal. Next to Streitburg on a neighboring hill, this castle ("Neid" means envy) is said to have fallen victim to the same quarrel as Streitburg although, again, the actual history was different.
Kaiserpfalz, Kapellenstraße 16, +49 9191 714327.
Town Hall. Built in the 15th and 16th century.
Kellerberg. From 11:00 daily. 23 beer gardens in on an idyllic wooded hillside. Site of the world famous beer and music festival "the Annafest" taking place annually over 10 days at the end of July.
Burgruine Streitburg, Wiesenttal. This ruined castle is on a hill right next to the hill Neideck stands on (see below) "Streit" means "quarrel" in German and the tale goes that the two neighboring castles had a quarrel with each other leading to the destruction of both. The actual history doesn't confirm that tale but locals like to tell it regardless.
Burgruine Neideck, Wiesenttal. Next to Streitburg on a neighboring hill, this castle ("Neid" means envy) is said to have fallen victim to the same quarrel as Streitburg although, again, the actual history was different.
Annafest is probably the most noteworthy event in town and regionally second only to the Bergkrichweih in Erlangen. It is usually held around late July, early August and draws crowds from throughout the region.
- Zollhaus, Hauptstraße 4, +49 9191 970990. Mains €10-15.
Zollhaus, Hauptstraße 4, +49 9191 970990. Mains €10-15.
Forchheim retains four breweries that all produce mostly for a rather local market. If you like beer, sample them all and take a bottle or two home.
- Forchheim is the perfect entry point for (though not located inside of) Franconian Switzerland
- If you enjoy old towns Bamberg makes for a fascinating - and easy - day trip, as there is a direct train connection