Best attractions and places to see around Buckenhofer Forst, located in Middle Franconia, Germany, is a natural area characterized by extensive forest and diverse wildlife. It offers numerous outdoor recreational opportunities within the larger Sebalder Reichswald and Nürnberger Reichswald. This region provides a rich environment for nature lovers and hikers, featuring a mix of pine and deciduous trees.
Last updated: August 30, 2026
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Since 2003, the last truly wild horses have lived in a large enclosure in the Tennenlohe Forest near Erlangen. They help maintain the open sandy areas by grazing on grasses and young shrubs. A circular path leads around the enclosure – with a bit of luck, you can observe the animals from the path.
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Anyone looking for relaxation will quickly find what they are looking for here. With a bit of luck, you can even have the rest area to yourself so that you can switch off completely and listen to the rushing of the water in the water wheel
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A large enclosure is available to the wild horses, in which they ensure that the open spaces are preserved.
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In the east of Erlangen lies the vast recreation area and nature reserve of the Tennenloher Forest. It is one of the largest sand ecosystems in southern Germany and inspires with its extensive, almost steppe-like open spaces, mostly densely covered with fragrant heather. Goats and a relevant population of the rare Przewalski's horses graze on these. In addition, you will find moor paths secured with wooden planks, which give the landscape an almost mystical character https://www.outdooractive.com/de/route/wandern/staedteregion-nuernberg/wildpferde-und-cheeky-goats-im-tennenloher-forst/125619433/
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There is a water wheel festival here - usually on the Saturday after Ascension Day. The water wheels are dismantled and stored over the winter
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Currently you can see a lot of goats and 4 wild horses right at the beginning of the tour at the first large game reserve. After that we didn't see any more animals yesterday on the entire 9.2 km tour. It's best to take binoculars with you, then you can see them better 😉. The area is quite large and so you can only see the animals from a distance.
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Always fun for the youngest.
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Buckenhofer Forst and the adjacent Tennenloher Forst are rich in wildlife. You can observe fallow deer at the Fallow Deer Enclosure Tennenloher Forst, often from an observation platform. The Przewalski Horse Enclosure, Tennenloher Forest is home to rare Przewalski horses, which help maintain the unique sandy grasslands. The forest also features a wild boar enclosure with an observation point. Birdwatchers can spot species like the Eurasian Pygmy Owl and Great Spotted Woodpecker, especially in areas like Zigeunereck.
Yes, the region offers several historical points of interest. You can visit Atzelsberg Castle, an 18th-century castle that now hosts a restaurant and beer garden. The Stadelner Waterwheel is a historical engineering marvel, showcasing the traditional water-powered structures of the Regnitz river landscape. Throughout Buckenhofer Forst, you'll also find various memorial stones, such as the Walter-Vogel-Stein and Manfred-Wurm-Gedenkstein, commemorating local foresters and historical figures.
Buckenhofer Forst is characterized by its extensive forest ecosystem, featuring a mix of pine and deciduous trees. You'll find several natural springs and small ponds, including the Hasenbrünnlein and Weißenseebrünnlein. Small streams like Langer Fichtengraben and Altschmiedlesgraben add to the natural charm. The forest is also known for seasonal flora like blueberries, primroses, and autumn crocuses, making it a scenic area for walks.
Absolutely. The wildlife enclosures are particularly popular with families. Children can enjoy observing fallow deer at the Fallow Deer Enclosure Tennenloher Forst and the rare Przewalski horses at the Przewalski Horse Enclosure, Tennenloher Forest. The Stadelner Waterwheel is also a popular destination for families and cyclists during the summer months.
The area around Buckenhofer Forst is ideal for various outdoor activities. You can explore numerous running trails, such as the 'Wild boar enclosure – Rehbockweiher loop' or the 'Krötenteich loop'. For hiking, options range from easy routes like 'Five Marksmen Weir – Indian Gorge loop' to moderate trails like 'Panoramic splendour on the Marloffsteiner Höhe'. Mountain biking enthusiasts can find trails like 'Trail to the Dürer Spring – Gründlach Moor loop'. You can find more details on these activities and routes in the dedicated guides for running, hiking, and MTB trails around Buckenhofer Forst.
Yes, for scenic views, consider visiting At the foot of the Solarberg Fürth. This spot offers great distant views, and it's particularly recommended for watching sunsets and sunrises, especially when there's fog over the meadows. The observation platforms at the wildlife enclosures also provide good vantage points for observing animals.
Buckenhofer Forst is enjoyable year-round, with each season offering a different experience. Spring brings blooming primroses, while summer allows for observation of the waterwheels and lush greenery. Autumn is particularly scenic with changing leaf colors and the fallow deer rut. The robust Przewalski horses can be observed throughout the year. For specific activities like the Stadelner Waterwheel, it operates from April 1st to September 30th.
The Tennenloher Forst, bordering Buckenhofer Forst, is a 934-hectare nature reserve with a unique history as a former military training ground. It now hosts over 1600 species, many of which are endangered. A key feature is the presence of Przewalski horses, which graze the area to preserve valuable sandy grasslands and heaths. You might also spot rare insects like the blue-winged grasshopper.
Buckenhofer Forst is known as an excellent location for birdwatching. A specific section of the forest called 'Zigeunereck' is part of a European bird sanctuary. Throughout the forest, you can spot a variety of species, including the Eurasian Pygmy Owl, Great Spotted Woodpecker, Black Woodpecker, and Tawny Owl. Many of the well-maintained paths are suitable for birdwatching.
The forest contains several memorial stones that mark historical events and figures. For instance, the Walter-Vogel-Stein commemorates a head forester, and the Arnoldgedenkstein marks the tragic death of forester Arnold. The Kreuzeiche (Cross Oak) is a significant natural landmark that has served as a navigational point for centuries. For more detailed historical context, you can refer to resources like the Wikipedia page for Buckenhofer Forst.
Yes, Atzelsberg Castle, an 18th-century castle, has been renovated and now includes a restaurant and a beer garden, offering a historical ambiance alongside modern hospitality. This makes it a convenient spot for refreshments after exploring the nearby trails and attractions.


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