4.6
(3247)
12,724
hikers
190
hikes
Hiking trails around Hersbruck are characterized by the diverse landscapes of the Franconian Jura, often referred to as Hersbruck Switzerland. The region features rolling hills, distinctive rock formations, and expansive mixed and beech forests. Hikers can explore idyllic valleys, including the Pegnitz Valley, which offers well-signposted trails alongside the river. This varied terrain provides options for different hiking experiences.
Last updated: May 8, 2026
4.7
(122)
474
hikers
7.66km
02:12
180m
180m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.7
(28)
140
hikers
7.39km
02:16
260m
260m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

Sign up for free
4.7
(125)
481
hikers
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.7
(45)
149
hikers
16.1km
04:29
280m
280m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.6
(60)
175
hikers
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
Get access to more routes and recommendations from other explorers.
Sign up for free
Already have an account?
Our route recommendations are based on thousands of hikes, rides, and runs completed by other people on komoot.
Start today with a free account
Your next adventure awaits.
Login or Signup
Popular around Hersbruck
Hop Weeks in the Nürnberger Land – Hiking Trails Full of Delight
High up on the SevenSummits in the Nuremberg region
The Franconian Trail – A Diverse Hiking Dream Across 24 Stages
Explore southern Germany – hiking and biking with the VGN
Get out into the fresh Nuremberg air – winter walks with VGN leisure tips
Hiking quiet paths through the Nürnberger Land in Bavaria
Autumn hikes in Bavaria
Cool down in Bavaria's lakes
Cycling to the Hop Weeks in the Nuremberg Region
Sustainable cycling holidays — e-bike Tours through Franconia
The name "Nürnberger Tor" (Nuremberg Gate) comes from the fact that Heldburg fell to the Burgraves of Nuremberg in 1353. Under the rule of the Nuremberg Burgraves (the later Hohenzollerns), the town was fortified. The master builder Caspar Bock from Nuremberg was significantly involved in the expansion of the town's fortifications in the 16th century, which architecturally solidified the connection to the city of Nuremberg.
7
0
The trail (in the map "Hersbruck Circular Trail No. 1") is difficult to find or follow, at least currently (August 2025). Fallen wood is everywhere, and no path is visible. You have to "feel" your way a (short) way toward the "Westlicher Albrandweg."
0
0
Sitting and thinking...
1
0
Great view of Hersbruck and the Pegnitz Valley.
0
0
Beautiful bathing lake with many small bays where you can be alone.
3
0
A beautifully landscaped park with a variety of roses and other plants. There are many benches inviting you to linger, a fountain in the back, and two sculptures commemorating the suffering. Hersbruck was a satellite camp of the Flossenbürg concentration camp. The concentration camp memorial is located directly behind the rose garden on Badstraße.
0
0
Beautiful excursion destination with restaurant
0
0
The lake is fed by the Happurger Bach and its left tributary, the Kainsbach. The Happurg pumped-storage power plant, which began operation in 1958 and is owned by Großkraftwerk Franken AG (later acquired by E.ON and now part of Uniper), used the lake as its lower reservoir. The associated upper reservoir is located on the Deckersberg. The lake's average size is approximately 55 hectares. The lake takes its name from the neighboring village of Happurg. It was built by the Nuremberg architect and Nuremberg Culture Prize winner Franz Reichel. As early as 1962, the upper reservoir drained through underground cavities and crevices into which the water from the upper reservoir seeped away. Following further seepage of the water supply, the power plant has been out of operation since January 2011. Renovation work was repeatedly postponed, and completion was initially planned for 2016. As early as 2013, the recommissioning was postponed to 2017 following the submission of the renovation report.
0
0
Hersbruck offers an extensive network of hiking trails, with over 180 routes recorded on komoot. These range from easy strolls to more challenging day trips, catering to all experience levels.
The terrain around Hersbruck, often called Hersbruck Switzerland, is characterized by the diverse landscapes of the Franconian Jura. You'll find rolling hills, distinctive rock formations, expansive mixed and beech forests, and idyllic valleys like the Pegnitz Valley. Some routes, such as those through the Bitterbachschlucht, feature wilder, more natural paths with water-carved sandstone.
Yes, Hersbruck offers several challenging routes. For instance, the Arzberg – SevenSummits in the Nuremberg region includes a climb to the Arzberg peak, offering panoramic views. The Kupferbergsteig is another challenging circular trail with spectacular regional vistas. More demanding sections, like the Höhenglücksteig via ferrata, can be found along routes such as the Heinrich-Scheuermann-Weg.
The best seasons for hiking in Hersbruck are spring and autumn, when the mild climate and vibrant natural colors create a particularly inviting atmosphere. In spring, the valleys burst with new growth, and in autumn, the forests display stunning foliage. Even in summer, many shaded paths or routes along rivers like the Pegnitz offer a refreshing experience.
Yes, Hersbruck is great for families. The Märchenwaldweg (Fairytale Forest Trail) is a popular choice, featuring various stations with characters from well-known fairy tales, making the hike entertaining for children. Many of the 99 easy routes available on komoot are also suitable for families looking for a relaxed outing.
Absolutely. Many hiking trails in Hersbruck are designed as circular routes, allowing you to start and end at the same point. For example, the View of Hersbruck – View of Hersbruck Old Town loop offers scenic views of the town, and the Kupferbergsteig is a challenging circular trail around the Kupferberg mountain.
Hersbruck's trails lead to many natural highlights. You can explore the wildly romantic Bitterbachschlucht gorge, visit the Happurger Quarry Lake with its magnificent views, or discover unique geological features like the 'Windloch' collapse doline and the 'Schlangenfichte' botanical rarity along the Heinrich-Scheuermann-Weg. The region is also known for its impressive rock formations and caves.
Yes, the region around Hersbruck is rich in historical sites. You can find several castles nearby, such as Hohenstein Castle, Hartenstein Castle, and the Rothenberg Fortress. These offer glimpses into the region's past and often provide excellent viewpoints.
Many hiking tours in Hersbruck are easily accessible. Several circular hiking trails conveniently start and end at the two Hersbruck train stations, making them ideal for those using public transport. For drivers, parking facilities are generally available near popular trailheads, especially in and around the town of Hersbruck.
The hiking trails around Hersbruck are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.6 stars from over 3,100 reviews. Hikers often praise the diverse landscapes, from the unique rock formations of the Franconian Jura to the serene Pegnitz Valley, as well as the well-maintained and varied network of paths suitable for all levels.
Yes, Hersbruck offers unique themed trails that combine hiking with educational experiences. Examples include the '4-season agricultural trail' and the 'bee trail at Hutanger,' which feature interactive stations and information boards about modern agriculture, forestry, and the vital role of bees in nature.
Yes, a section of the renowned Franconian Mountain Trail (Frankenweg) leads through Hersbruck. This long-distance trail extends over 400 kilometers through beautiful Franconian landscapes and offers unique views of the Pegnitz Valley, providing an option for those seeking multi-day adventures.


Browse the best Hikes in other regions.