Pottenstein & Pottenstein Castle
Pottenstein / Burg Pottenstein
Franconian Switzerland's most popular town, where a thousand-year-old castle on a cliff overlooks the valley. It makes a good base for caves, rock climbing and summer toboggan runs.
Pottenstein lies about 30 km southwest of Bayreuth, its houses squeezed between white dolomite cliffs. Pottenstein Castle on the hilltop was begun in the 11th century and is one of the oldest castles in Franconia. It houses a museum and is open in summer. Around Easter, the town's fountains are decorated with painted eggs, and on 6 January the "Perpetual Adoration" lantern festival lights up the entire valley. Nearby are the Teufelshöhle (Devil's Cave), outdoor toboggan runs and numerous climbing routes. Castle admission is about €7.
Opening hours
Castle open approx. April-October; town open all day
Nearby sights
- Erlebnisfelsen Pottenstein
- Teufelshöhle
- Klumpertal
- Tüchersfeld
- Rabenstein Castle & Sophienhöhle
- Gößweinstein Basilica & Castle
- Rabeneck Castle
- Riesenburg