Things to do & excursions

Our house is located in Teuschnitz in the Franconian Forest, right on the doorstep of the Rennsteig region – the heart of one of Germany’s most beautiful hiking and holiday regions. Right outside the door and within a short drive you will find these highlights:

Arnica Academy Teuschnitz

We are very proud of our Arnica Academy, which makes nature tangible again. It is a centre that brings old, handed-down knowledge into harmony with the current state of science. Ointments, creams, teas and other select herbal creations can be purchased in its small shop-café. Right in the village, just a few minutes‘ walk from our house.

Herb garden Teuschnitz

The herb garden at the Arnica Academy is an experience for all the senses – smell, hear, see, feel… A stroll through the garden is a little learning journey through the special plant world of the Franconian Forest. The garden is also a popular venue for open-air wedding ceremonies.

Water playground & town centre

A playground like a little recreation area: water runs through the grounds as a small stream and flows into a Kneipp basin, and the climbing tower was designed by a sculptor. From the market square with its fountain and town church, it is only a few minutes‘ walk to the palace garden, the playground, the herb garden and the Arnica Academy. Our tip for families: after the playground, head to our beer garden – homemade lemonade for the little ones, an Aperol or freshly tapped beer for the grown-ups.

Hiking & cycling on the Rennsteig

Teuschnitz lies directly on the Rennsteig region – home to Germany’s most famous ridge trail. Well connected to long-distance trails such as the Frankenwaldsteig and the FrankenwaldSteigla circular routes, our house is the ideal base for hikers and cyclists. In winter, the cross-country ski trails of the Rennsteig region beckon. From beer to bed, we have everything ready for active guests – insider tips for tours are on the house.

Rosenberg Fortress & Kronach, town of Lucas CranachAPPROX. 20 MIN BY CAR

One of Germany’s largest and best-preserved fortresses towers over the historic old town of Kronach, birthplace of the painter Lucas Cranach the Elder. With guided tours, a museum and a wonderful view over the Franconian Forest – a must-see on any visit to the region.

Photo: Tors, public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Lauenstein Castle & Thüringer WarteAPPROX. 15 MIN BY CAR

The fairytale hilltop castle of Lauenstein is one of the most beautiful castles in Franconia. Right next door, the Thüringer Warte lookout tower offers a sweeping view over the Green Belt – the former inner-German border, today a unique natural habitat.

Photo: Ermell, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Tropical house on the RennsteigAPPROX. 15 MIN BY CAR

Papaya, guava and more than 220 tropical plant species in the middle of the Franconian Forest: the energy-self-sufficient tropical house „Klein Eden“ in Kleintettau uses waste heat from the neighbouring glass industry – a fascinating destination for the whole family (open March to November).

Photo: Kronach Fotos, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Ködel reservoirAPPROX. 10 MIN BY CAR

Bavaria’s largest drinking-water reservoir lies picturesquely nestled in the forests of the Frankenwald. The circular trail around the lake is one of the region’s most popular half-day walks – easily done with a pram, too.

Photo: Aagnverglaser, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Whitewater rafting in WallenfelsAPPROX. 20 MIN BY CAR

In summer, the Wilde Rodach river becomes an attraction: on the traditional raft rides you experience the centuries-old craft of timber rafting up close – getting wet is guaranteed. The rafting museum in Unterrodach tells the story behind it.

DöbrabergAPPROX. 30 MIN BY CAR

The highest peak of the Franconian Forest (794 m) with a lookout tower: on a clear day the view stretches from the Fichtelgebirge to the Thuringian Forest – a rewarding destination for a half-day hike.

Photo: Muck, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons