The best family-friendly hikes and walks in Lauterberg

In the upper reaches of the Itz River, individual peaks in the Franconian Fault-Block Country reach heights of approximately 500 meters. The Hohe Schwenge, between the Itz River and its tributary, the Fornbach, is one of the highest elevations at 505 meters. The Schwengbrunn Natural Forest Reserve lies on its southwestern lower slope and extends down to the Fornbach Valley. The stands, which have emerged from coppice management, are home to pedunculate oak, beech, quaking aspen, spruce, silver birch, hornbeam, small-leaved linden, field maple, and Norway maple. Numerous hazel trees are also present.

In the upper reaches of the Itz River, individual peaks in the Franconian Fault-Block Country reach heights of approximately 500 meters. The Hohe Schwenge, between the Itz River and its tributary, the Fornbach, is one of the highest elevations at 505 meters. The Schwengbrunn Natural Forest Reserve lies on its southwestern lower slope and extends down to the Fornbach Valley. The stands, which have emerged from coppice management, are home to pedunculate oak, beech, quaking aspen, spruce, silver birch, hornbeam, small-leaved linden, field maple, and Norway maple. Numerous hazel trees are also present.

In the upper reaches of the Itz River, individual peaks in the Franconian Fault-Block Country reach heights of approximately 500 meters. The Hohe Schwenge, between the Itz River and its tributary, the Fornbach, is one of the highest elevations at 505 meters. The Schwengbrunn Natural Forest Reserve lies on its southwestern lower slope and extends down to the Fornbach Valley. The stands, which have emerged from coppice management, are home to pedunculate oak, beech, quaking aspen, spruce, silver birch, hornbeam, small-leaved linden, field maple, and Norway maple. Numerous hazel trees are also present.

The Herzogsbrunnen (Duke's Fountain) is a spring near Rödental-Oberwohlsbach and is located near the Hohe Schwenge peak and the quarry nature reserve near Taimbach. The following information can be found on the Rödental town website: "The area around Lauterburg Castle was once a favorite hunting ground of the Dukes of Coburg. It was a separate forestry district (see Taimbach Forester's House) and had its own forester. For all those involved in a hunt, the spring was a popular meeting place and resting place. So, it was only natural to name it "Herzogsbrunnen" (Duke's Fountain) when, in 1907, nature and hiking enthusiasts had it dug and the fountain created. The plaque on the Herzogsbrunnen bears the following inscription: "What you sought when you crossed the threshold of your home, here you will find it: the pure air, a drink from the cool spring – and deep rest in the quiet peace of the forest."

The ruins of Lauterburg Castle, located along a nature trail, are located on the edge of the Oberwohlsbach district of Rödental. Since 1999, the ruins have been open to the public again and are a popular destination for young and old. Since then, the Rödental Local History Society has maintained the castle complex with particular dedication. The ruins have always been one of the most popular destinations in the Coburg region, offering magnificent views of the surrounding countryside.

The farm, with its fortified structure, was built on a medieval trade route from the Main Valley to Erfurt and a former ford over the Röden River. Over the centuries, the fortified structure developed into a moated castle and eventually a palace. Owners from the 14th century onward included the Coburg family, who, in 1451, sold the property to the mint masters of Rosenau. In 1600, the castle and estate were acquired by Duke Johann Casimir for 28,000 guilders and transferred to the princely chamber of Coburg as a domain.

The ruins of Lauterburg Castle are located on the outskirts of Oberwohlsbach on the Spitzberg, an outcrop of the Thuringian Forest on the southern slope of the Hohe Schwenge in the Coburg region. Founded around 1700, the castle was built on a hilltop castle dating back to 1150.

In summer, a beautiful beer garden beckons