Highlights 2025

Franconia – Culture.Nature.Joy. – Travel Highlights for 2025

16 different vacation landscapes, one vacation region: That is Franconia! The north of Bavaria is full of surprises and spoils visitors with delicious cuisine, beer and wine specialties, half-timbered houses, magnificent baroque buildings, urban lifestyle, and a diverse nature for those seeking active experiences.

800 Years of History at the Coburg Fortress

The Coburg Fortress turns 800

Take a journey into the past at the Coburg Fortress, celebrating its 800th anniversary. A comprehensive exhibition (July 4 to November 9, 2025) will explore the eventful history of this iconic landmark in Franconia. From its origins as a medieval border castle to its time as the "Luther Fortress" and the transformations of the 19th and 20th centuries, the exhibition vividly brings its historical development to life.

more information about Coburg Fortress

Turmoil for Freedom: 500 Years of the German Peasants' War

When the German Peasants' War Set the Nation Ablaze

Inspired by the writings of the Reformation, peasants across Germany rose up in 1525. They rebelled against excessive taxes and their status as serfs, among other grievances. Five hundred years later, numerous events and special exhibitions commemorate the bloody days of this first German freedom movement.

One of the centers of the peasant revolt against the nobility was Rothenburg ob der Tauber. In 2025, the events of that time will come alive there through various formats: the mobile event series “Uffrur! …on the road” (June 28, 2025), an Italian opera night (July 11, 2025), or the Imperial City Festival (September 5–7, 2025).

In 1525, the situation was particularly tense in the prince-bishop’s residence city of Würzburg. Fortress Marienberg, which played a significant role during the revolt, will host the “Museum für Franken” exhibition “1525 – Franconia Demands Freedom(s)” from April 11 to October 26, 2025. Selected artifacts will highlight the motives and demands of the insurgents. A second Würzburg exhibition, titled “Peasants! Protest, Turmoil, Justice”, will run at the Museum im Kulturspeicher from April 12 to August 3, 2025, spanning artistic depictions of the Peasants' War from the 19th century to the present.

200 Years of Jean Paul

The First Professional Writer

Born in 1763 in Franconia, the writer was one of the most widely read authors of his time and is considered the first professional writer in Germany.

To mark the 200th anniversary of his death, the places connected to his Franconian legacy are honoring him. From March to November 2025, Bayreuth will host readings, exhibitions, and concerts. In his birthplace, Wunsiedel, the play “Hoppelpoppel or Jean Paul’s Magic Land” will premiere at the Luisenburg Festival on August 15, 2025. Earlier in the year, from March 21 to 23, 2025, the “Jean Paul Birthday Weekend” will take place. Throughout the year, “Jean Paul in Small Doses” will guide visitors to important places from his childhood and provide insights into the role of local cuisine in his life and work. This will also be served as an exclusive Jean Paul menu at the Luisenburg Resort.

In Coburg, a special exhibition by the Coburg State Library will be displayed in autumn 2025 to celebrate the occasion.

For those wishing to follow in the poet’s footsteps, the “Jean Paul Trail” offers a scenic journey, connecting key locations of his life between Joditz and Sanspareil.

more about Jean Paul

75 Years of the Ansbach Rococo Festival

The Era of the "Wild Margrave"

In the anniversary year 2025, visitors to Ansbach can look forward to an unforgettable journey into the era of the "Wild Margrave." From June 28 to July 6, 2025, the city will shine with its unique Rococo charm. Numerous historic landmarks, testifying to the opulent past of the Margrave’s Residence, provide the perfect backdrop for a festival that delights all the senses. For nine days, exhibitions, masquerade balls, readings, concerts, and a baroque casino night will invite visitors to experience the lifestyle of the "Wild Margrave." 

more about Ansbach Rococo Festival

A Celebration of Culture and Art in Germany

Highlights from Music, Literature, and Art

Other notable events include the German Choral Festival in Nuremberg, which brings together choirs from across the country, and the 45^th Erlangen Poetry Festival, one of the most prestigious literary gatherings in the German-speaking world. Additionally, art lovers can enjoy a unique exhibition at the Georg Schäfer Museum in Schweinfurt, marking its 25th anniversary with a display of over 5,000 graphic works from its collection.

In 2025, the Bing Cave in Streitberg, part of the Franconian Switzerland region, celebrates the 120th anniversary of its discovery. The cave, made accessible to the public thanks to Nuremberg toy manufacturer Ignaz Bing, captivates visitors with its stunning stalactite formations and offers special guided tours to explore its fascinating geology.

Furthermore, the year marks the 75th anniversary of the Romantic Road, a scenic route that leads travelers from Würzburg to Füssen, passing through medieval towns and enchanting landscapes. This iconic journey remains one of Germany’s most beloved cultural and historical experiences. The Castle Road, from Mannheim to Bayreuth, showcases over 70 majestic castles and palaces, immersing visitors in the architectural splendor of medieval fortresses and baroque residences. Together, these routes provide an unforgettable exploration of Germany's rich cultural heritage and historical treasures.

A Magical Winter Wonderland Awaits in the 15 Franconian Cities

Wonderful Christmas Time

The enchanting scents of exotic spices and sweet gingerbread fill the air at Franconia's Christmas markets, where intricately decorated stalls create a festive atmosphere. The gentle sounds of Christmas music set the stage for quiet reflection on the beauty of the Advent season. Renowned markets like the Christkindlesmarkt in Nuremberg and the Reiterlesmarkt in Rothenburg ob der Tauber offer a uniquely romantic holiday experience.

Cities such as Ansbach, Aschaffenburg, Bamberg, Bayreuth, Coburg, Dinkelsbühl, Eichstätt, Erlangen, Forchheim, Fürth, Kulmbach, Nuremberg, Rothenburg, Schweinfurt, and Würzburg showcase the magic of a Franconian winter with their own charming traditions and celebrations.

more about Christmas Time in Franconia

A Celebration of Historic Landmarks

Franconia's UNESCO World Heritage

Franconia is also home to five UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including Bamberg’s old city, the Margravial Opera House in Bayreuth, Bad Kissingen as part of the "Great Spa Towns of Europe" and the Residenz Castle in Würzburg. Another World Heritage Site is the Limes, the ancient Roman wall that is a testament to Franconia’s importance in ancient times.

more about UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Franconia

Where Flavor Meets Relaxation in Franconia

Culinary Delights and Wellness Escapes

Franconia is known for its rich culinary traditions, featuring regional dishes, local beers, and wine produced from its picturesque vineyards. The region is also renowned for wellness tourism, with 19 health resorts and spa towns offering modern wellness programs alongside traditional healing methods. Notably, Bad Königshofen’s natural healing lake celebrates 20 years in 2025, providing a unique, chlorine-free swimming experience.

A Haven for Cyclists and Hikers

Exploring Franconia’s Unique Natural Landscapes

Franconia's distinctive natural landscapes invite visitors to actively explore them. For cycling enthusiasts, Franconia’s river routes are highly recommended, including the MainRadweg Bicycle Trail, the Regnitz Bicycle Trail, and the Tauber Altmühl Bicycle Trail. E-bike services, rental and charging stations, service centers, and cyclist-friendly accommodations provide extra support for riders (www.frankentourismus.com/specials/bicycling).

Hikers in Franconia can look forward to a diverse range of trails and outstanding hiking quality. Highlights include historic routes such as the 261-kilometer Celtic Experience Trail, the 427-kilometer Franconian Mountain Trail, which winds through breathtaking mountain ranges, and more than 50 additional trails recognized with prestigious Quality or Premium Trail certifications, all promising an unforgettable experience (www.frankentourismus.com/specials/hiking).

Among these quality trails is a true pioneer: the "Franconia Trail: From the Rennsteig to the Swabian Alb". Certified 20 years ago as Germany’s first Quality Trail – Wanderbares Deutschland, this long-distance trail has been leading hikers to Franconia’s most beautiful spots. Spanning around 520 kilometers, it connects diverse Franconian vacation landscapes, passing sites like the legendary Staffelberg, the mystical “Hölle” valley, serene natural settings, and magnificent castles.

On its penultimate section, the Frankenweg reaches the Altmühltal Nature Park, which is also celebrating a milestone in 2025: the 20th anniversary of the Altmühltal Panorama Trail. This 200-kilometer path offers breathtaking views as it winds from Gunzenhausen to Kelheim, often along natural paths through the distinctive juniper heathlands.