VGN Nature Park hike – mining and the devil in the Höllental

This hike through the Höllental Valley is ideal for you if you want to experience the rugged side of the Franconian Forest. A landscape shaped by myths and a long history of mining.

Starting directly at Marxgrün train station, you'll quickly leave everyday life behind. Fill up your water bottle at the Höllensprudel mineral spring along the way to experience the Höllental Valley with all your senses. Soon, you'll be hiking along the old railway line through the Höllental Valley proper, where bizarre rock faces and the rushing Selbitz River accompany you. The Hirschsprung (Stag Leap), a wooden heraldic animal high above the cliffs, marks perhaps the most iconic point of your hike.

With every step, you'll leave more civilization behind, following the path through the valley, over the legendary Teufelssteg (Devil's Bridge) and past the Teufelsfelsen (Devil's Rock). Down in the valley, you'll reach the Friedrich-Wilhelm-Stollen visitor mine, made famous by Alexander von Humboldt. The tunnel is still accessible today.

A geological discovery trail guides you further before you slowly approach Lichtenberg with its impressive castle ruins. From the preserved fortress walls, your view stretches far across the Franconian Forest, the Höllental valley, and into Thuringia. The final stretch of the trail then takes you to Bad Steben, the most famous spa town in northern Bavaria. Here, you can connect to the VGN (German Regional Transport Network) and easily return home.