The best running trails around Bad Staffelstein

From this viewpoint, there is a beautiful view of the Riedsee lake and the surrounding landscape. Especially in calm weather, the water surface, together with the meadows and forests of the surroundings, appears pleasantly idyllic. A rather quiet highlight away from the major sights and thus a nice stopover on a hike around the Obermain. Especially in good weather, it is worth stopping for a moment and letting your gaze wander over the lake.

The Staffelberg is one of the best-known viewpoints in Gottesgarten am Obermain – and rightly so. From the high plateau, wide views open up over the Maintal valley and the surrounding Franconian landscape. The view across to the striking elevations of the surrounding area is particularly beautiful. With good visibility, the view extends far beyond the Obermain and quickly makes it clear why the Staffelberg is one of the classic destinations in this region. On the plateau, you will also find the Staffelbergklause, which is well-suited for a stop during your hike. Together with the Basilica of Vierzehnheiligen and Banz Monastery, the Staffelberg forms the well-known trinity of Gottesgarten am Obermain. An absolute highlight of the region – and a viewpoint that is definitely worth the climb.

The fountain in the spa park of Bad Staffelstein is a nice little stopover if you are passing through the spa park. Well-maintained paths and green spaces all around invite you to linger for a short while. Particularly practical after a hike: You can take a short break here before continuing on – and the spa park is centrally located in Bad Staffelstein and thus in the middle of the Gottesgarten am Obermain. A rather small highlight, but definitely nice for a short breather on the tour.

High above the Obermain, the impressive Basilica of Vierzehnheiligen towers – one of the most famous buildings of Franconian Baroque and part of the classic trio in the Gottesgarten am Obermain. The Franciscan monastery adjoins the basilica directly. Those looking for a Franconian specialty after their visit can try the well-known Nothelfer Bier at the Trunk brewery, not far from the basilica. Vierzehnheiligen can be easily reached from Lichtenfels on foot and is also well connected by bus. A large car park is also located in the immediate vicinity of the basilica. A highlight that is perfectly suited as a hiking destination as well as a short stopover in the Gottesgarten am Obermain. Opening hours of the basilica: ☀️ May to September: 06:30–19:00 ❄️ October to April: 07:30–17:00 Please note: The opening hours are not automatically equivalent to the visiting hours. During services and liturgical celebrations, the basilica is closed for visits. A church cleaning also takes place on Thursdays from 09:00–16:00. (vierzehnheiligen.de)

From June to September, various open-air concerts take place on the Seebühne in the Kurpark, organized by the Bamberg event service. Around 1000 visitors can find a seat here. Motorized sails can be extended to provide a little shade for the audience on sunny evenings.

The modern Adam-Riese fountain (actually: 1492 fountain) was commissioned in October 2023. The water feature is named after the birth year of the Staffelstein computing master Adam Ries(e). The ground-level and easily accessible fountain is designed as an oversized abacus of the grandmaster. The water jets, which constantly vary in height and bubble up from the ground, symbolize the counting coins. At night, the water feature is a special eye-catcher because it is colorfully illuminated.

With the opening of the Ludwig-Süd-Nord-Bahn on the Bamberg-Lichtenfels section, the Staffelstein station (since 2001: Bad Staffelstein station) was also put into operation on February 15, 1846. The station building, a sandstone block construction with a hipped roof, was designed by the architect Georg Friedrich Christian Bürklein from Central Franconia, who shortly thereafter gained great fame for the new Munich Central Station designed by him.

Now that the Staffelberg has been cleared of some of the trees, it shows off well.