Best natural monuments around Kalchreuth are found in a charming community nestled in Franconian Switzerland. The region is characterized by its natural landscape, including impressive gorges and river valleys. It offers various natural attractions, providing insights into the area's geological history and scenic beauty. The landscape features weathered sandstone formations and diverse ecosystems.
Last updated: June 23, 2026
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Wöhrder See, Nuremberg Wöhrder See, the youngest of Nuremberg's waterways, is a popular local recreation area in the heart of the city, providing a natural habitat for endangered species. It is not a natural lake, but was created by damming the Pegnitz River, which flows through it. The idea for an inner-city lake existed as early as the 1930s. The project was approved for implementation in October 1959. In addition to the City of Nuremberg, the State Water Management Authority and the Middle Franconia District were involved in the planning and construction. Recreational concerns were not the only priority in the design. The lake is also part of the extensive flood protection measures after the Second World War. Construction work began in 1968 with the Lower Wöhrder See and continued until 1972. The sand trap above the waterway was built between 1972 and 1975. The final construction phase of the Upper Wöhrder Lake was completed in 1981. Text / Source: Nürnberg Infos.de / Nürnberger Nachrichten https://nuernberginfos.de/gewaesser-nuernberg/woehrder-see.php
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The beautiful fountain stands on the edge of Nuremberg's main market square. It is shaped like a Gothic church spire and is one of Nuremberg's main attractions and is also part of the Historical Mile. Legend has it that whoever turns the golden ring on the fountain's grille will have three wishes granted. There is another black ring on the opposite side of the fountain. Some people claim that this is the real lucky ring and that the "golden" one is the tourist ring... Just try it out! 😉
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The myth of the brass ring, which is seamlessly forged into the iron grate, also has a legend. It is said to have got in like this: Master Kuhn, who built the grate around the well, had a daughter called Margret, who was courted by his apprentice. But because he did not want to give his child to a poor boy, he forbade this courtship and threw him out. It is said to have said something like: "It will come to nothing! It will come to nothing, just as you can make the rings on the well grate turn!" The master then went away and the apprentice wanted to prove that he could do something and secretly made the ring. Then he cut it open, inserted it into the grate, soldered, hammered and filed until you could no longer see the seam. Then he left town and never came back. When the master returned home, he realized that he had been too strict. He regretted being thrown out and would have liked to have the clever apprentice back and given him his daughter too, but it was too late and Margret cried her eyes out. One of the rings is considered a lucky charm; according to legend, whoever turns it will be blessed with children. The brass ring is usually thought to be the lucky charm, but many Nuremberg residents believe that the iron ring is the "real ring" and therefore the lucky charm. According to another legend, the sculpture of the fountain was actually commissioned as the top of the tower of the Frauenkirche (also on the main market), but this was rejected due to the lack of a way to lift it.
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Master Kuhn, who built the gate around the fountain, had a daughter called Margret, who was courted by his apprentice. But because he did not want to give his child to a poor boy, he forbade this courtship and threw him out. The apprentice is said to have said: "It will be as little use as you can make the rings on the fountain gate turn!" The master went away on a trip and the apprentice wanted to prove that he could do something and secretly made the ring. Then he cut it open, inserted it into the gate, soldered, hammered and filed until the seam was no longer visible. He then left the city and never returned. When the master returned home, he regretted being thrown out and would have liked to have the clever apprentice back and give him his daughter too. The brass ring is usually considered to be the lucky charm, but many Nuremberg residents believe that the iron ring is the "real ring" and therefore the lucky charm.
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A walk around the lake can be a lovely family walk. A total of 6.5 km with no elevation gain and a lovely, varied route.
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The “Beautiful Fountain” is a gem on the main square of Nuremberg and dates back to the end of the 14th century.
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The real "lucky" ring is in the west of the gate. West is where Norma is roughly 😉. Oh yes... and the ring is also supposed to make you return to Nuremberg as a foreigner (tourist) 😍
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During the Second World War, the Beautiful Fountain was encased in a concrete shell and survived the air raids on Nuremberg unscathed.
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Visitors frequently enjoy the serene Wöhrder Lake, which is a local recreation area perfect for a leisurely 6.5 km walk without elevation gain. The impressive Bitterbach Gorge, carved into the Burgsandstein, also draws many, offering a unique experience throughout the seasons. Another favorite is the path Along the Pegnitz River, which winds past old buildings and the Pegnitztal east nature reserve.
The region around Kalchreuth is rich in diverse natural features. You'll find impressive gorges like the Teufelsbadstube Gorge with its weathered sandstone formations and a small waterfall, as well as the Bitterbach Gorge. There are also tranquil bodies of water such as Wöhrder Lake and the scenic Pegnitz River, along with extensive forests like the Tennenloher Forest.
The Teufelsbadstube Gorge is a significant natural monument due to its remarkable geological features. It's approximately 500 meters long and up to 25 meters deep, showcasing impressive weathered Rhätsandstein rock formations. A stream, the Teufelsgraben, flows through it, fed by the Stephansquelle, and features a small 2-meter waterfall. It is recognized as a protected landscape component and a geotope, offering valuable insights into the region's geological history.
Yes, several natural monuments are suitable for families. Wöhrder Lake is ideal for a family walk, offering a flat 6.5 km path. The path Along the Pegnitz River is also family-friendly. Additionally, the Przewalski Horse Enclosure in Tennenloher Forest offers a unique opportunity to observe wild horses and peacock goats, making it an engaging visit for all ages.
The area around Kalchreuth's natural monuments is excellent for various outdoor activities. You can enjoy hiking on trails like the Felsenkeller, Kalchreuth – Teufelsbadstube Gorge loop, or explore numerous routes for gravel biking and running. For more detailed information on routes, you can check the hiking guide, gravel biking guide, and running trails guide for Kalchreuth.
Absolutely. A popular hiking trail is the Felsenkeller, Kalchreuth – Teufelsbadstube Gorge loop, which is a moderate 9 km route. Other options include the easy Beehives Among Orchard Trees – Pear Tree with Rest Area loop, and the moderate Kübelsbach Gorge loop. You can find more hiking options in the hiking guide for Kalchreuth.
The natural monuments around Kalchreuth offer unique experiences throughout the year. For gorges like the Bitterbach Gorge, visitors recommend seeing it in spring after the snowmelt to witness the stream in full flow, though it's beautiful at any time. The Teufelsbadstube Gorge is picturesque year-round. Generally, spring and autumn offer pleasant temperatures for hiking, while summer is great for water-based activities at Wöhrder Lake.
Many natural areas around Kalchreuth are suitable for dogs, especially hiking trails and open spaces. For example, the paths around Wöhrder Lake and Along the Pegnitz River are popular for walks with dogs. When visiting specific enclosures or protected areas like the Przewalski Horse Enclosure, it's always best to keep dogs on a leash and respect any posted regulations.
The duration of your visit depends on the monument and your activity. A walk around Wöhrder Lake, for instance, takes about 1.5 to 2 hours. Exploring the Teufelsbadstube Gorge or the Bitterbach Gorge can range from a quick stop to a longer hike, depending on the chosen route. For a comprehensive experience, dedicating a half-day or full day allows you to combine multiple sites or enjoy a longer trail.
Yes, the Przewalski Horse Enclosure in Tennenloher Forest is a unique natural monument. Here, you can observe Przewalski horses and peacock goats, which play a vital role in landscape conservation by grazing the sandy habitats. This area is one of Bavaria's largest sandy biotopes and is under conservation, offering a rare glimpse into these robust animals in a near-natural setting.
Visitors particularly appreciate the diverse and accessible natural beauty. Many enjoy the tranquility and varied routes, whether it's a peaceful walk around Wöhrder Lake or the ever-changing scenery of the Bitterbach Gorge. The opportunity to connect with nature without traveling far, combined with the geological insights offered by sites like the Teufelsbadstube Gorge, makes the region highly appealing.


Extend your search for the best caves by checking out these guides of the top ones around Kalchreuth: