4.5
(5123)
25,391
hikers
1,140
hikes
Bus station hiking trails in Birkacher Wald lead through a lush, unpopulated forest area in Upper Franconia, Bavaria. This region is characterized by extensive woodlands, part of a larger interconnected forest system that includes wooded hills and natural brooks. The terrain offers varied paths suitable for exploration, providing a tranquil natural experience.
Last updated: May 25, 2026
5.0
(1)
16
hikers
Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(4)
15
hikers
7.35km
01:56
70m
70m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

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4.0
(3)
14
hikers
5.45km
01:28
60m
60m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(1)
7
hikers
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
8
hikers
9.16km
02:24
70m
70m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Wooden cross with a corpus of Christ. In 1929, the forestry administration erected a memorial in the Birkach Forest at the intersection of various hiking trails for the forestry workers who fell or went missing in World War I. This memorial is maintained today by the Stegaurach Veterans' Association.
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The chapel was consecrated in 1976. Various chapels had stood on this site since the Middle Ages, but they were repeatedly destroyed.
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Here someone was very great
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The martyrdom directly on the Way of St. James depicts the Holy Trinity, and a bench next to it invites you to take a break.
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According to legend, it was built by a wagon driver who, long ago, had gotten stuck with his wagon in the marshy area there. After spending the entire night in extreme distress and danger to his life, he swore that "if he was rescued, he would level this dangerous place and have a chapel built there in honor of the Seven Sleepers." The wagon driver probably dedicated the chapel to the Seven Sleepers, who are rarely venerated as saints in our region, because he had found a martyrdom scene with a relief of the Seven Sleepers there. This martyrdom was mentioned in various writings in 1530 and 1575.
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The Seven Sleepers Chapel stands at the southern end of Stegaurach, on the road from Dellern to Hartlanden. In the simply furnished interior of the chapel, a stone altar forms the focal point. The altar relief depicts seven men at rest, the holy Seven Sleepers, with God the Father enthroned above them, surrounded by clouds and angel heads. The names of the Seven Sleepers, "Maximian, Malchus, Martinian, Dionysius, Johannes, Serapion, and Constantinus," were only recently inscribed above the altar. The Slavs, in particular, venerated the Seven Sleepers as saints, and so it is possible that, as early inhabitants of this area, they brought their cult to Stegaurach. On the other hand, one could also assume that, at the time of the Crusades, a returning participant from the local area heard of these saints, perhaps experienced the power of their intercession, and spread their veneration here.
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The wooden chapel was built around 1600 and first renovated in 1661. In 1696, it was replaced by a larger stone structure on the same site. Until 1825, its feast day was celebrated with a solemn procession of Stegaurach's faithful. Afterward, this beautiful custom fell into oblivion for a long time. It wasn't until 1860 that the parish remembered it again, and since then, it has held an annual procession to the Seven Sleepers Chapel on June 27th.
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Birkacher Wald offers a wide selection of hiking trails accessible directly from bus stations, with over 1100 routes available. This includes a diverse range of difficulties, from easy strolls to more challenging day hikes.
The terrain in Birkacher Wald is primarily characterized by lush forest cover and varied natural features. You'll find well-maintained forest paths, gentle slopes, and some winding sections, typical of the Upper Franconian landscape. While specific unique geological formations aren't prominent, the region offers a pleasant mix of wooded hills and tranquil areas suitable for exploration.
Yes, Birkacher Wald has numerous easy routes perfect for families. One excellent option is the Blacksmith's Chapel – Neuer See loop from Birkach, which is an easy 7.1 km trail. Many of the 655 easy routes available are suitable for all ages and start conveniently from bus stations.
Hikers can discover several points of interest. The beautiful Wolfsbrunn Pond is a highlight, offering a serene spot for a break. You can also visit the peaceful Schmied's Chapel, which provides tables and benches. Other notable features include the Sweden Cross Hartlanden and the Enchanted Forest Trail with Natural Ponds.
Absolutely. Many of the trails in Birkacher Wald are designed as loops, allowing you to start and end your hike at the same bus stop. For example, the Sweden Cross Hartlanden loop from Stegaurach is an easy 5.5 km circular route, perfect for a shorter outing.
Birkacher Wald is enjoyable throughout the year, but spring and autumn are particularly beautiful. In spring, the forest comes alive with fresh greenery, while autumn offers stunning foliage. Summer provides pleasant shade under the trees, and even winter hikes can be magical, especially after a snowfall. Public transport access remains consistent across seasons, making it easy to visit anytime.
Yes, many trails in Birkacher Wald are dog-friendly, making it a great destination for hiking with your canine companion. The tranquil forest paths and natural surroundings provide an excellent environment for dogs. Always remember to keep your dog on a leash where required and clean up after them to preserve the natural beauty for everyone.
The komoot community highly rates the trails in Birkacher Wald, with an average score of 4.5 stars from over 4800 ratings. Reviewers often praise the peaceful, unspoilt forest atmosphere, the well-marked paths, and the convenience of accessing diverse routes directly from public transport stops. The presence of natural features like the Wolfsbrunn Pond and historical sites like Schmied's Chapel also receives positive mentions.
For those seeking a greater challenge, Birkacher Wald does offer more demanding routes. An example is the Sweden Cross Hartlanden – Work of art on the transformer house loop from Stegaurach, a difficult 29.2 km trail with significant elevation changes, perfect for experienced hikers looking for a full day out.
Yes, there are plenty of moderate hikes available. These routes offer a good balance of distance and elevation, suitable for hikers looking for more than an easy stroll but less than a difficult trek. The Sweden Cross Hartlanden – Stepping Stones Crossing loop from Stegaurach is a moderate 10 km option, providing a rewarding experience.
Yes, several routes will take you past the region's beautiful water features. The Wolfsbrunn Pond is a prominent attraction, and you might also encounter the Forest Pond Near Kreuzschuh or the Duck and Frog Pond on various trails, offering picturesque spots for a break.


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