Forchheim

Forchheim is a small town in Franconia with an interesting old town.

Understand
Forchheim is an old place even by German standards, and as it had lost most of its relevance by the 20th century it is quite well preserved. Forchheim owes its former importance to being a Kaiserpfalz, or a place where the emperor could rest and hold court during his travels and as such it served as one of several "capitals" (there being no one fixed imperial residence) during the 10th century and beyond.

By train
Forchheim has regular S-Bahn service from Nuremberg and Erlangen as well as Bamberg and is part of the VGN network. The is east of the centre.

By plane
The next airport is in Nuremberg and is connected to the main station via the subway (~12 minutes) which is part of the VGN network as is the S-Bahn from there to Forchheim. Other airports offer more connections, but you will still pass through Nuremberg when taking the train to Forchheim.

By car
Both B470 (busy on weekends in the summer) and A73 offer connections to Forchheim.

By boat
The Main Danube Canal passes through Forchheim.

Get around
As Forchheim is rather small and wasn't built with the automobile in mind, walking is a good way to see the old town. If you stay longer a car or bike might be a good idea, especially for day trips that can't be done by train.

Regular events
Annafest is probably the most noteworthy event in town and regionally second only to the Bergkrichweih in Erlangen. It is usually held around late July, early August and draws crowds from throughout the region.

Drink
Forchheim retains four breweries that all produce mostly for a rather local market. If you like beer, sample them all and take a bottle or two home.



Hallerndorf




At the foot of Kreuzberg

On the Kreuzberg
On the Kreuzberg near Hallerndorf in the middle of the forest, below the medieval pilgrimage church, three breweries invite you to eat and drink. From the parking lots to the first beer you have to walk a few steps.



Go next

 * Forchheim is the perfect entry point for (though not located inside of) Franconian Switzerland
 * If you enjoy old towns Bamberg makes for a fascinating - and easy - day trip, as there is a direct train connection