The Frankenjura limestone mountains are well-known in the rock-climbing community, and parts of that chain can be found in Pottenstein, Germany. Here, an intrepid climber is dwarfed by huge trees as he tackles one of the rock faces in April 2014. (Michael S. Darnell/Stars and Str)
The Frankenjura limestone mountains are well-known in the rock-climbing community, and parts of that chain can be found in Pottenstein, Germany. Here, an intrepid climber is dwarfed by huge trees as he tackles one of the rock faces in April 2014. (Michael S. Darnell/Stars and Str)
Family-friendly attractions are to be found amid the natural beauty of Pottenstein, like this summer toboggan track. (Michael S. Darnell/Stars and Stripes)
The Pottenstein Castle predates the township below and was once the prison of St. Elizabeth of Hungary, a canonized princess from the 13th century. (Michael S. Darnell/Stars and Stripes)
The adjacent town of Gössweinstein has plenty of shopping, food and cultural sites, like the Gössweinstein Basilica, built in the 18th century. (Michael S. Darnell/Stars and Stripes)
The Teufelshöle, or Devil's Cave, is one of the main attractions in Pottenstein. This limestone cavern is an easy walk and has English recordings available. (Michael S. Darnell/Stars and Stripes)
Family-friendly attractions are to be found amid the natural beauty of Pottenstein, like this summer toboggan track. (Michael S. Darnell/Stars and Str)
The trout smokehouse located at the entrance to the Pottenstein township is a perfect place to grab a quick bite of a local delicacy for relatively little money. Each fish can feed two people and costs between 5 and 6 euros. (Michael S. Darnell/Stars and Stripes)
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Germany’s Bavarian countryside, draped in the vibrant greens, yellows, blues and reds of spring, is rarely more inviting than it is at this very moment.
During this brief window between the dull, cold gray of winter and the heat of summer lies the perfect opportunity to get out and explore the natural wonders of the region. There are many destinations available to do exactly that, but Pottenstein, a small town roughly 30 miles from Grafenwöhr, is one of the best.
Pottenstein is home to only about 5,500 full-time residents, but it’s a fairly popular resort and travel destination for those in the know in southern Bavaria. It’s a town that has transformed into an amusement park of sorts, with natural and man-made attractions sprinkled throughout town.
Activities range from canoeing and hiking to more unconventional pursuits, such as spelunking and summer tobogganing.
Many resorts advertise having “something for everyone,” but it’s true with Pottenstein. There are ample camping grounds and hiking paths for nature fans, and at least one sheer mountain wall for adrenaline-seeking rock climbers. Folks who want to get out into nature but who don’t want strenuous exercise can take it easy at the natural warm springs or take a leisurely float on a pedal boat.
Pottenstein has several kids parks and activities, and the camping areas have adjacent playgrounds. The township proper even has shopping and several points of cultural interest, such as a 1,000-year-old castle that sits above the town.
For me, the availability of good, quality food is always a plus when choosing a destination for an excursion. Pottenstein even manages to pull that off.
At the entrance to the town, there is a small fishery (called simply Forellenräucherei, or Trout Smokehouse) that breeds its own trout, pulls them out of the water and smokes the fish right on site.
It’s hard to come up with any reason why Pottenstein shouldn’t be on everyone’s short list of destinations while in Bavaria. It’s inexpensive, unusual and full of things to do and see.
darnell.michael@stripes.com
Pottenstein, Germany Directions Address: Pottenstein, Germany, 91278. (GPS keyword: Pottenstein, Teufelshöle). From Grafenwöhr, take the B470 highway west directly to Pottenstein.
Times Most attractions open between 9 a.m.-10 a.m. and close between 5 p.m.-6 p.m.
Costs Since this is not an actual amusement park, costs are essentially up to each visitor. Activities such as renting a boat or riding the toboggan will cost a few euros, as will exploring the cave or the natural warm springs. A family of four can take an English-friendly guided tour of the Teufelshöle (Devil’s Cave) for 12 euros, which is about the most expensive activity there. Nature paths, kids parks and some of the historic sites are free. Parking can cost a couple of euros an hour; free parking spots around town fill up quickly.
Food In addition to the Trout Smokehouse (closed Wednesdays), there is a small cafe built into the Devil’s Cave and a few restaurants toward the far end of town.
Information Pottenstein Tourist Office phone: (+49) (0) 9243/708-41 or -42; city website: www.pottenstein.de.
