Hollfeld
Krögelstein, 96142 Hollfeld, Deutschland
Rock Krögelstein Town Center | Hiking & Rock Village
Krögelstein is not a classic event location, but a developed district with a strong landscape character, a special historical core, and a rare connection between village and rock. The city of Hollfeld describes Krögelstein as a rock village in the Kaiserbach Valley, where houses are partially built into rock walls and rock towers. This combination of settlement, valley space, dolomite rocks, and ancient traces makes the place so attractive for visitors. Those who arrive here experience not just a town center, but an entire natural and cultural space that unfolds piece by piece while walking, looking, and discovering. Krögelstein is located in the Franconian Switzerland and is now part of the city of Hollfeld in the Bayreuth district. For many visitors, the place is therefore a quiet but impressive starting point for hikes, rock views, and historical explorations. ([hollfeld.de](https://www.hollfeld.de/seite/710000/besondere-orte.html))
Rock Village Krögelstein: History between Hallstatt Period and Castle Destruction
The history of Krögelstein goes back much further than the first written mention. The city of Hollfeld refers to burial mounds in Braunholz from the Hallstatt period, indicating settlement long before the actual documentary transmission. The first known written mention dates back to 1149, when the place appears as Crogelstein in a document from Bishop Eberhard II of Bamberg. This shows that Krögelstein was already integrated into a network of rule, land ownership, and ecclesiastical order in the High Middle Ages. Later, the Lords of Crogelstein appear in the records, but around 1300 this lineage dies out. In 1313, Bishop Wulfing sold the church and castle to the Bamberg cathedral chapter. This chapter leased the properties, among others, to the family von Aufseß. Even these few stations make it clear that Krögelstein is not just a village on the edge of Franconian Switzerland, but a place with a long, multilayered history. ([hollfeld.de](https://www.hollfeld.de/seite/710000/besondere-orte.html))
Particularly formative is the connection between castle and noble history. In 1500, the cathedral chapter handed over the fortress Krögelstein along with its properties to Prince-Bishop Groß zu Trockau with the stipulation to grant it as a fief to the Diez von Giech. Through the family von Giech, Krögelstein remains closely connected to Franconian noble and ruling history. The grandson Georg Wolf von Giech was married to Ottilie, a daughter of Conrad von Absberg. This allowed Hans Thomas von Absberg to find refuge in Krögelstein after his raids. In 1523, the Swabian League besieged the castle, advanced against the robber knights at the urging of Nuremberg, and blew up the abandoned castle with four tons of powder. This destruction still shapes the place today, as the former castle was not rebuilt. Only a decorative arch remains, which still stands today as a visible sign of the past in the village. Those who visit Krögelstein encounter a place whose present calm rests on a remarkably eventful history. ([hollfeld.de](https://www.hollfeld.de/seite/710000/besondere-orte.html))
The parish church also continues this story. The city of Hollfeld reports that various coats of arms of the family von Giech can be found at the parish church, including on the baptismal font from 1560, in the choir vault, and on the stair tower. Additionally, two members of the family are said to be buried there. It is even possible that the church originated from a castle chapel. This mixture of architectural history, noble symbolism, and religious continuity makes the town center exciting for historically interested visitors. Unlike a reconstructed sight, Krögelstein is a place where one reads the traces not in a museum but in the townscape itself. This gives the rock village its special charm: history is not closed here but continues to be visible in rock, church, and village image. In 1978, Krögelstein was finally incorporated into the city of Hollfeld and has since belonged to the municipality as a district. ([hollfeld.de](https://www.hollfeld.de/seite/710000/besondere-orte.html))
Hiking in Krögelstein: Franconian Mountain Trail, Round Tour and Start at the Hiking Parking Lot
For hikers, Krögelstein is particularly interesting because the place connects several landscape-rich sections. The ErlebnisRegion Franconian Switzerland describes the Krögelstein round trail as a tour on the Franconian Mountain Trail with the route Krögelstein - Zedersitz - Wonsees - Krögelstein. The loop is about 14.4 kilometers long, involves approximately 298 meters of elevation gain and loss, and reaches a maximum height of 478.7 meters. The target group explicitly mentioned is a family-friendly hike with opportunities for refreshment. This is crucial for many visitors, as the tour is suitable not only for sporty hikers but also for connoisseurs, families, and day visitors who want to experience Franconian Switzerland at a balanced pace. The starting point is at the hiking parking lot at the end of the village of Krögelstein, from where it goes left into the forest. This entry already shows how closely the village and nature are intertwined here. ([erlebnis-fraenkische-schweiz.net](https://www.erlebnis-fraenkische-schweiz.net/maps/fraenkischer-gebirgsweg-kroegelstein-rundweg))
Particularly characteristic is the path leading over marked sections. The tour initially follows the red 6 along the edge of the forest and leads through a valley basin framed by rock formations typical of Franconian Switzerland. Along the way, one passes the Säukirch and later the Kuhleitner Wand, before the path continues through meadows and forest paths towards Zedersitz. From there, it goes towards Kainach and further through a landscape where forest edges, open heights, and valley sections create a varied picture. The official description also emphasizes that one can already recognize Sanspareil and the castle Zwernitz in the distance. Those who wish can even extend the tour and continue from the high plateau over Wonsees to Sanspareil. Thus, Krögelstein is not only a starting point but a hub in a larger hiking area that is ideal for half-day or full-day tours. ([erlebnis-fraenkische-schweiz.net](https://www.erlebnis-fraenkische-schweiz.net/maps/fraenkischer-gebirgsweg-kroegelstein-rundweg))
The hiking environment of the city of Hollfeld also shows that Krögelstein is integrated into a well-connected network of trails. The municipal hiking page describes connections via Hollfeld, Weiher, Freienfels, Wiesentfels, Krögelstein, and Kainach and refers to further transitions to Sanspareil, Wonsees, and other parts of the region. Therefore, those who want to hike in Krögelstein can use the place as the center of a flexible route planning: short walks around the rock walls, a family-friendly round tour on the Franconian Mountain Trail, or longer connections towards Wachholdertal and Sanspareil. This is precisely the advantage of the place for active holidaymakers. One does not have to choose between history and nature, as both lie immediately next to each other. The hiker experiences the rock scenery, the valley spaces, and the historically significant points almost in the same breath. ([hollfeld.de](https://www.hollfeld.de/seite/709989/wandern-radfahren-nordic-walking-und-laufen.html))
Kaiserbach Valley, Dolomite Rocks, and Protected Natural Monuments
The Kaiserbach Valley is the scenic backbone of Krögelstein. The city of Hollfeld emphasizes that the place lies in the Kaiserbach Valley and that the houses partially cling directly to or into the rock walls. Thus, the topography becomes not only a backdrop but a defining building element of the place. The surrounding landscape is characterized by dolomite, and this geology makes the rocks so distinctive. In the county directory of natural monuments, several dolomite rocks and caves are specially protected in and around Krögelstein. These include, among others, the dolomite rock formation Altes Schloss with cave C 117, the dolomite rock tower Säukirche with cave C 36, the dolomite rock mass with the Schwalbensteingrotte C 121, as well as the dolomite rock formations with the caves C 113, C 116, C 118, and C 120 a to c. This enumeration alone shows how closely nature, cave worlds, and rock formations are located in this small space. For visitors, this results in a landscape that one can not only observe but almost read like an open-air archive of earth and settlement history. ([hollfeld.de](https://www.hollfeld.de/seite/710000/besondere-orte.html))
Among the particularly well-known points is also the Great and Small Devil's Hole, which is mentioned in the municipal hiking description in connection with the path through the village. The area is therefore not only characterized by a single rock but by a whole series of striking formations that are distributed along the slopes and valley edges. Some of these rock spaces have names that immediately spark curiosity: Altes Schloss, Säukirche, Schwalbensteingrotte, or Teufelsloch. Such names tell much about the perception of the landscape by generations of residents and hikers. They connect nature description, folklore, and local reference. Particularly interesting is also that for the dolomite rock formations with caves C 113, C 116, C 118, and C 120 a to c, the use of cave C 116 as a cellar is permitted. This is a small but revealing detail, as it shows how closely the landscape was connected not only with hiking but also with historical everyday use. ([landkreis-bayreuth.de](https://www.landkreis-bayreuth.de/fileadmin/user_upload/Redaktion/Formulare_und_Merkbl%C3%A4tter/Naturschutz/Naturdenkm%C3%A4ler/liste-der-naturdenkmaeler-im-lkr-bt.pdf))
Therefore, those who visit Krögelstein should not only look at the place itself but also at the connection between the valley slope, rock, and use. The protected dolomite rocks are not isolated individual objects but part of a larger ensemble that stretches across both sides of the valley. This structure also explains why Krögelstein is compared to Tüchersfeld: both places thrive on the dense interlocking of rock and settlement. For the perception on site, this means that the most beautiful impressions often do not accumulate at a single viewpoint but arise during slow walking between the town center, rock wall, and valley path. The Kaiserbach Valley is therefore not just a geographical term but the actual stage of the rock village. ([hollfeld.de](https://www.hollfeld.de/seite/710000/besondere-orte.html))
Access and Parking in Krögelstein
For practical planning, the official hiking parking lot is particularly important, which is located at the end of the village of Krögelstein. According to the tour description, the Krögelstein round trail begins there, and from there it goes left into the forest. Therefore, those who specifically target the place for hiking should plan the parking lot as a starting point and not try to begin the tour in the middle of the densely built rock area. This is sensible because the actual strength of the place lies precisely in the calm approach from the valley and along the marked paths. The hiking description also makes it clear that the route is well signposted with the red 6. This allows the tour to be undertaken without complicated navigation, which is especially helpful for day visitors. ([erlebnis-fraenkische-schweiz.net](https://www.erlebnis-fraenkische-schweiz.net/maps/fraenkischer-gebirgsweg-kroegelstein-rundweg))
In the municipal hiking overview, Krögelstein is also listed as part of a larger network of trails in and around Hollfeld. From here, sections can be connected to Kainach, Sanspareil, or towards other districts. Therefore, for access: if you want to see not only the town center but also undertake an active tour, it is best to drive to the hiking parking lot or the end of the village and then plan to continue on foot. The region is not an urban infrastructure with parking garages and wayfinding systems but a landscape-shaped starting point where orientation works through the village, parking lot, and markings. This fits the character of the rock village. It is a place where one does not organize arrival through tickets or entrances but through a calm entry into the landscape. ([erlebnis-fraenkische-schweiz.net](https://www.erlebnis-fraenkische-schweiz.net/maps/fraenkischer-gebirgsweg-kroegelstein-rundweg))
Town Center, Castle Ruin, and Parish Church Krögelstein
The town center of Krögelstein is particularly worth seeing due to a striking rock mass. The city of Hollfeld describes that this rock mass resembles the profile of the Old Fritz. At the same time, a decorative arch a few meters further reminds of the castle that was blown up in 1523. These few elements condense the entire town history into a small spatial area: rock, castle remnants, and ecclesiastical building are closely situated together. For visitors, this means that the town center cannot be reduced to a typical village structure. It is rather a historically charged rock space that is shaped by the current everyday life of the place but not covered. Those who walk slowly here quickly recognize that Krögelstein derives its character from the connection of medieval castle history, rock scenery, and developed village structure. ([hollfeld.de](https://www.hollfeld.de/seite/709989/wandern-radfahren-nordic-walking-und-laufen.html))
The town center also includes the former castle chapel or today's parish church. According to the representation of the city of Hollfeld, various coats of arms of the family von Giech are preserved there, including on the baptismal font from 1560, in the choir vault, and on the stair tower. Additionally, two members of the family are said to be buried there. The church may have originated from a castle chapel. Thus, it is not only a religious center but also a historical document of the history of rule and family. Those interested in architecture, heraldry, or Franconian noble history will therefore find a particularly dense access to the past of the place here. In connection with the decorative arch and the rock mass, a townscape emerges that goes far beyond the usual impression of a small village. This is exactly why it is worthwhile not just to drive through during a visit, but to consciously stop in the town center and perceive the layers of the place. ([hollfeld.de](https://www.hollfeld.de/seite/710000/besondere-orte.html))
Excursions from Krögelstein: Sanspareil, Wonsees, and Other Paths
Krögelstein is also interesting because several well-known destinations of Franconian Switzerland can be connected from here. The official hiking description mentions not only Zedersitz and Wonsees on the round tour but also sight references to Sanspareil and the castle Zwernitz. Additionally, the municipal hiking page refers to extensions from the high plateau over Krögelstein towards Wonsees and Sanspareil. Therefore, if one plans a longer day in the region, Krögelstein can be understood as a building block of a larger tour. One then experiences not just a single rock village but a whole sequence of scenic and cultural stations. This is particularly attractive for guests who are exploring Franconian Switzerland for the first time, as it allows for several typical impressions to be bundled: rock landscape, Wacholdertal, historical places, and striking viewpoints. ([erlebnis-fraenkische-schweiz.net](https://www.erlebnis-fraenkische-schweiz.net/maps/fraenkischer-gebirgsweg-kroegelstein-rundweg))
Particularly obvious is the combination with Sanspareil. The tourist and municipal path guidance shows that the area between Krögelstein, Wonsees, and Sanspareil belongs together if one wants to truly understand the landscape. This is more than just a mere excursion recommendation, as the paths, valleys, and visible destinations are closely interconnected here. From Krögelstein, the surroundings almost automatically unfold through walking: along forest edges, over heights, through valley sections, and to further rock spaces. Those who want to explore the place photographically, historically, or scenically should take time for this connection. Krögelstein is thus not an isolated point on the map but a starting node for everything that characterizes Franconian Switzerland in this region. This openness to combinations makes the place so valuable for hikers, day visitors, and culture enthusiasts. ([erlebnis-fraenkische-schweiz.net](https://www.erlebnis-fraenkische-schweiz.net/maps/fraenkischer-gebirgsweg-kroegelstein-rundweg))
Sources:
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Rock Krögelstein Town Center | Hiking & Rock Village
Krögelstein is not a classic event location, but a developed district with a strong landscape character, a special historical core, and a rare connection between village and rock. The city of Hollfeld describes Krögelstein as a rock village in the Kaiserbach Valley, where houses are partially built into rock walls and rock towers. This combination of settlement, valley space, dolomite rocks, and ancient traces makes the place so attractive for visitors. Those who arrive here experience not just a town center, but an entire natural and cultural space that unfolds piece by piece while walking, looking, and discovering. Krögelstein is located in the Franconian Switzerland and is now part of the city of Hollfeld in the Bayreuth district. For many visitors, the place is therefore a quiet but impressive starting point for hikes, rock views, and historical explorations. ([hollfeld.de](https://www.hollfeld.de/seite/710000/besondere-orte.html))
Rock Village Krögelstein: History between Hallstatt Period and Castle Destruction
The history of Krögelstein goes back much further than the first written mention. The city of Hollfeld refers to burial mounds in Braunholz from the Hallstatt period, indicating settlement long before the actual documentary transmission. The first known written mention dates back to 1149, when the place appears as Crogelstein in a document from Bishop Eberhard II of Bamberg. This shows that Krögelstein was already integrated into a network of rule, land ownership, and ecclesiastical order in the High Middle Ages. Later, the Lords of Crogelstein appear in the records, but around 1300 this lineage dies out. In 1313, Bishop Wulfing sold the church and castle to the Bamberg cathedral chapter. This chapter leased the properties, among others, to the family von Aufseß. Even these few stations make it clear that Krögelstein is not just a village on the edge of Franconian Switzerland, but a place with a long, multilayered history. ([hollfeld.de](https://www.hollfeld.de/seite/710000/besondere-orte.html))
Particularly formative is the connection between castle and noble history. In 1500, the cathedral chapter handed over the fortress Krögelstein along with its properties to Prince-Bishop Groß zu Trockau with the stipulation to grant it as a fief to the Diez von Giech. Through the family von Giech, Krögelstein remains closely connected to Franconian noble and ruling history. The grandson Georg Wolf von Giech was married to Ottilie, a daughter of Conrad von Absberg. This allowed Hans Thomas von Absberg to find refuge in Krögelstein after his raids. In 1523, the Swabian League besieged the castle, advanced against the robber knights at the urging of Nuremberg, and blew up the abandoned castle with four tons of powder. This destruction still shapes the place today, as the former castle was not rebuilt. Only a decorative arch remains, which still stands today as a visible sign of the past in the village. Those who visit Krögelstein encounter a place whose present calm rests on a remarkably eventful history. ([hollfeld.de](https://www.hollfeld.de/seite/710000/besondere-orte.html))
The parish church also continues this story. The city of Hollfeld reports that various coats of arms of the family von Giech can be found at the parish church, including on the baptismal font from 1560, in the choir vault, and on the stair tower. Additionally, two members of the family are said to be buried there. It is even possible that the church originated from a castle chapel. This mixture of architectural history, noble symbolism, and religious continuity makes the town center exciting for historically interested visitors. Unlike a reconstructed sight, Krögelstein is a place where one reads the traces not in a museum but in the townscape itself. This gives the rock village its special charm: history is not closed here but continues to be visible in rock, church, and village image. In 1978, Krögelstein was finally incorporated into the city of Hollfeld and has since belonged to the municipality as a district. ([hollfeld.de](https://www.hollfeld.de/seite/710000/besondere-orte.html))
Hiking in Krögelstein: Franconian Mountain Trail, Round Tour and Start at the Hiking Parking Lot
For hikers, Krögelstein is particularly interesting because the place connects several landscape-rich sections. The ErlebnisRegion Franconian Switzerland describes the Krögelstein round trail as a tour on the Franconian Mountain Trail with the route Krögelstein - Zedersitz - Wonsees - Krögelstein. The loop is about 14.4 kilometers long, involves approximately 298 meters of elevation gain and loss, and reaches a maximum height of 478.7 meters. The target group explicitly mentioned is a family-friendly hike with opportunities for refreshment. This is crucial for many visitors, as the tour is suitable not only for sporty hikers but also for connoisseurs, families, and day visitors who want to experience Franconian Switzerland at a balanced pace. The starting point is at the hiking parking lot at the end of the village of Krögelstein, from where it goes left into the forest. This entry already shows how closely the village and nature are intertwined here. ([erlebnis-fraenkische-schweiz.net](https://www.erlebnis-fraenkische-schweiz.net/maps/fraenkischer-gebirgsweg-kroegelstein-rundweg))
Particularly characteristic is the path leading over marked sections. The tour initially follows the red 6 along the edge of the forest and leads through a valley basin framed by rock formations typical of Franconian Switzerland. Along the way, one passes the Säukirch and later the Kuhleitner Wand, before the path continues through meadows and forest paths towards Zedersitz. From there, it goes towards Kainach and further through a landscape where forest edges, open heights, and valley sections create a varied picture. The official description also emphasizes that one can already recognize Sanspareil and the castle Zwernitz in the distance. Those who wish can even extend the tour and continue from the high plateau over Wonsees to Sanspareil. Thus, Krögelstein is not only a starting point but a hub in a larger hiking area that is ideal for half-day or full-day tours. ([erlebnis-fraenkische-schweiz.net](https://www.erlebnis-fraenkische-schweiz.net/maps/fraenkischer-gebirgsweg-kroegelstein-rundweg))
The hiking environment of the city of Hollfeld also shows that Krögelstein is integrated into a well-connected network of trails. The municipal hiking page describes connections via Hollfeld, Weiher, Freienfels, Wiesentfels, Krögelstein, and Kainach and refers to further transitions to Sanspareil, Wonsees, and other parts of the region. Therefore, those who want to hike in Krögelstein can use the place as the center of a flexible route planning: short walks around the rock walls, a family-friendly round tour on the Franconian Mountain Trail, or longer connections towards Wachholdertal and Sanspareil. This is precisely the advantage of the place for active holidaymakers. One does not have to choose between history and nature, as both lie immediately next to each other. The hiker experiences the rock scenery, the valley spaces, and the historically significant points almost in the same breath. ([hollfeld.de](https://www.hollfeld.de/seite/709989/wandern-radfahren-nordic-walking-und-laufen.html))
Kaiserbach Valley, Dolomite Rocks, and Protected Natural Monuments
The Kaiserbach Valley is the scenic backbone of Krögelstein. The city of Hollfeld emphasizes that the place lies in the Kaiserbach Valley and that the houses partially cling directly to or into the rock walls. Thus, the topography becomes not only a backdrop but a defining building element of the place. The surrounding landscape is characterized by dolomite, and this geology makes the rocks so distinctive. In the county directory of natural monuments, several dolomite rocks and caves are specially protected in and around Krögelstein. These include, among others, the dolomite rock formation Altes Schloss with cave C 117, the dolomite rock tower Säukirche with cave C 36, the dolomite rock mass with the Schwalbensteingrotte C 121, as well as the dolomite rock formations with the caves C 113, C 116, C 118, and C 120 a to c. This enumeration alone shows how closely nature, cave worlds, and rock formations are located in this small space. For visitors, this results in a landscape that one can not only observe but almost read like an open-air archive of earth and settlement history. ([hollfeld.de](https://www.hollfeld.de/seite/710000/besondere-orte.html))
Among the particularly well-known points is also the Great and Small Devil's Hole, which is mentioned in the municipal hiking description in connection with the path through the village. The area is therefore not only characterized by a single rock but by a whole series of striking formations that are distributed along the slopes and valley edges. Some of these rock spaces have names that immediately spark curiosity: Altes Schloss, Säukirche, Schwalbensteingrotte, or Teufelsloch. Such names tell much about the perception of the landscape by generations of residents and hikers. They connect nature description, folklore, and local reference. Particularly interesting is also that for the dolomite rock formations with caves C 113, C 116, C 118, and C 120 a to c, the use of cave C 116 as a cellar is permitted. This is a small but revealing detail, as it shows how closely the landscape was connected not only with hiking but also with historical everyday use. ([landkreis-bayreuth.de](https://www.landkreis-bayreuth.de/fileadmin/user_upload/Redaktion/Formulare_und_Merkbl%C3%A4tter/Naturschutz/Naturdenkm%C3%A4ler/liste-der-naturdenkmaeler-im-lkr-bt.pdf))
Therefore, those who visit Krögelstein should not only look at the place itself but also at the connection between the valley slope, rock, and use. The protected dolomite rocks are not isolated individual objects but part of a larger ensemble that stretches across both sides of the valley. This structure also explains why Krögelstein is compared to Tüchersfeld: both places thrive on the dense interlocking of rock and settlement. For the perception on site, this means that the most beautiful impressions often do not accumulate at a single viewpoint but arise during slow walking between the town center, rock wall, and valley path. The Kaiserbach Valley is therefore not just a geographical term but the actual stage of the rock village. ([hollfeld.de](https://www.hollfeld.de/seite/710000/besondere-orte.html))
Access and Parking in Krögelstein
For practical planning, the official hiking parking lot is particularly important, which is located at the end of the village of Krögelstein. According to the tour description, the Krögelstein round trail begins there, and from there it goes left into the forest. Therefore, those who specifically target the place for hiking should plan the parking lot as a starting point and not try to begin the tour in the middle of the densely built rock area. This is sensible because the actual strength of the place lies precisely in the calm approach from the valley and along the marked paths. The hiking description also makes it clear that the route is well signposted with the red 6. This allows the tour to be undertaken without complicated navigation, which is especially helpful for day visitors. ([erlebnis-fraenkische-schweiz.net](https://www.erlebnis-fraenkische-schweiz.net/maps/fraenkischer-gebirgsweg-kroegelstein-rundweg))
In the municipal hiking overview, Krögelstein is also listed as part of a larger network of trails in and around Hollfeld. From here, sections can be connected to Kainach, Sanspareil, or towards other districts. Therefore, for access: if you want to see not only the town center but also undertake an active tour, it is best to drive to the hiking parking lot or the end of the village and then plan to continue on foot. The region is not an urban infrastructure with parking garages and wayfinding systems but a landscape-shaped starting point where orientation works through the village, parking lot, and markings. This fits the character of the rock village. It is a place where one does not organize arrival through tickets or entrances but through a calm entry into the landscape. ([erlebnis-fraenkische-schweiz.net](https://www.erlebnis-fraenkische-schweiz.net/maps/fraenkischer-gebirgsweg-kroegelstein-rundweg))
Town Center, Castle Ruin, and Parish Church Krögelstein
The town center of Krögelstein is particularly worth seeing due to a striking rock mass. The city of Hollfeld describes that this rock mass resembles the profile of the Old Fritz. At the same time, a decorative arch a few meters further reminds of the castle that was blown up in 1523. These few elements condense the entire town history into a small spatial area: rock, castle remnants, and ecclesiastical building are closely situated together. For visitors, this means that the town center cannot be reduced to a typical village structure. It is rather a historically charged rock space that is shaped by the current everyday life of the place but not covered. Those who walk slowly here quickly recognize that Krögelstein derives its character from the connection of medieval castle history, rock scenery, and developed village structure. ([hollfeld.de](https://www.hollfeld.de/seite/709989/wandern-radfahren-nordic-walking-und-laufen.html))
The town center also includes the former castle chapel or today's parish church. According to the representation of the city of Hollfeld, various coats of arms of the family von Giech are preserved there, including on the baptismal font from 1560, in the choir vault, and on the stair tower. Additionally, two members of the family are said to be buried there. The church may have originated from a castle chapel. Thus, it is not only a religious center but also a historical document of the history of rule and family. Those interested in architecture, heraldry, or Franconian noble history will therefore find a particularly dense access to the past of the place here. In connection with the decorative arch and the rock mass, a townscape emerges that goes far beyond the usual impression of a small village. This is exactly why it is worthwhile not just to drive through during a visit, but to consciously stop in the town center and perceive the layers of the place. ([hollfeld.de](https://www.hollfeld.de/seite/710000/besondere-orte.html))
Excursions from Krögelstein: Sanspareil, Wonsees, and Other Paths
Krögelstein is also interesting because several well-known destinations of Franconian Switzerland can be connected from here. The official hiking description mentions not only Zedersitz and Wonsees on the round tour but also sight references to Sanspareil and the castle Zwernitz. Additionally, the municipal hiking page refers to extensions from the high plateau over Krögelstein towards Wonsees and Sanspareil. Therefore, if one plans a longer day in the region, Krögelstein can be understood as a building block of a larger tour. One then experiences not just a single rock village but a whole sequence of scenic and cultural stations. This is particularly attractive for guests who are exploring Franconian Switzerland for the first time, as it allows for several typical impressions to be bundled: rock landscape, Wacholdertal, historical places, and striking viewpoints. ([erlebnis-fraenkische-schweiz.net](https://www.erlebnis-fraenkische-schweiz.net/maps/fraenkischer-gebirgsweg-kroegelstein-rundweg))
Particularly obvious is the combination with Sanspareil. The tourist and municipal path guidance shows that the area between Krögelstein, Wonsees, and Sanspareil belongs together if one wants to truly understand the landscape. This is more than just a mere excursion recommendation, as the paths, valleys, and visible destinations are closely interconnected here. From Krögelstein, the surroundings almost automatically unfold through walking: along forest edges, over heights, through valley sections, and to further rock spaces. Those who want to explore the place photographically, historically, or scenically should take time for this connection. Krögelstein is thus not an isolated point on the map but a starting node for everything that characterizes Franconian Switzerland in this region. This openness to combinations makes the place so valuable for hikers, day visitors, and culture enthusiasts. ([erlebnis-fraenkische-schweiz.net](https://www.erlebnis-fraenkische-schweiz.net/maps/fraenkischer-gebirgsweg-kroegelstein-rundweg))
Sources:
Rock Krögelstein Town Center | Hiking & Rock Village
Krögelstein is not a classic event location, but a developed district with a strong landscape character, a special historical core, and a rare connection between village and rock. The city of Hollfeld describes Krögelstein as a rock village in the Kaiserbach Valley, where houses are partially built into rock walls and rock towers. This combination of settlement, valley space, dolomite rocks, and ancient traces makes the place so attractive for visitors. Those who arrive here experience not just a town center, but an entire natural and cultural space that unfolds piece by piece while walking, looking, and discovering. Krögelstein is located in the Franconian Switzerland and is now part of the city of Hollfeld in the Bayreuth district. For many visitors, the place is therefore a quiet but impressive starting point for hikes, rock views, and historical explorations. ([hollfeld.de](https://www.hollfeld.de/seite/710000/besondere-orte.html))
Rock Village Krögelstein: History between Hallstatt Period and Castle Destruction
The history of Krögelstein goes back much further than the first written mention. The city of Hollfeld refers to burial mounds in Braunholz from the Hallstatt period, indicating settlement long before the actual documentary transmission. The first known written mention dates back to 1149, when the place appears as Crogelstein in a document from Bishop Eberhard II of Bamberg. This shows that Krögelstein was already integrated into a network of rule, land ownership, and ecclesiastical order in the High Middle Ages. Later, the Lords of Crogelstein appear in the records, but around 1300 this lineage dies out. In 1313, Bishop Wulfing sold the church and castle to the Bamberg cathedral chapter. This chapter leased the properties, among others, to the family von Aufseß. Even these few stations make it clear that Krögelstein is not just a village on the edge of Franconian Switzerland, but a place with a long, multilayered history. ([hollfeld.de](https://www.hollfeld.de/seite/710000/besondere-orte.html))
Particularly formative is the connection between castle and noble history. In 1500, the cathedral chapter handed over the fortress Krögelstein along with its properties to Prince-Bishop Groß zu Trockau with the stipulation to grant it as a fief to the Diez von Giech. Through the family von Giech, Krögelstein remains closely connected to Franconian noble and ruling history. The grandson Georg Wolf von Giech was married to Ottilie, a daughter of Conrad von Absberg. This allowed Hans Thomas von Absberg to find refuge in Krögelstein after his raids. In 1523, the Swabian League besieged the castle, advanced against the robber knights at the urging of Nuremberg, and blew up the abandoned castle with four tons of powder. This destruction still shapes the place today, as the former castle was not rebuilt. Only a decorative arch remains, which still stands today as a visible sign of the past in the village. Those who visit Krögelstein encounter a place whose present calm rests on a remarkably eventful history. ([hollfeld.de](https://www.hollfeld.de/seite/710000/besondere-orte.html))
The parish church also continues this story. The city of Hollfeld reports that various coats of arms of the family von Giech can be found at the parish church, including on the baptismal font from 1560, in the choir vault, and on the stair tower. Additionally, two members of the family are said to be buried there. It is even possible that the church originated from a castle chapel. This mixture of architectural history, noble symbolism, and religious continuity makes the town center exciting for historically interested visitors. Unlike a reconstructed sight, Krögelstein is a place where one reads the traces not in a museum but in the townscape itself. This gives the rock village its special charm: history is not closed here but continues to be visible in rock, church, and village image. In 1978, Krögelstein was finally incorporated into the city of Hollfeld and has since belonged to the municipality as a district. ([hollfeld.de](https://www.hollfeld.de/seite/710000/besondere-orte.html))
Hiking in Krögelstein: Franconian Mountain Trail, Round Tour and Start at the Hiking Parking Lot
For hikers, Krögelstein is particularly interesting because the place connects several landscape-rich sections. The ErlebnisRegion Franconian Switzerland describes the Krögelstein round trail as a tour on the Franconian Mountain Trail with the route Krögelstein - Zedersitz - Wonsees - Krögelstein. The loop is about 14.4 kilometers long, involves approximately 298 meters of elevation gain and loss, and reaches a maximum height of 478.7 meters. The target group explicitly mentioned is a family-friendly hike with opportunities for refreshment. This is crucial for many visitors, as the tour is suitable not only for sporty hikers but also for connoisseurs, families, and day visitors who want to experience Franconian Switzerland at a balanced pace. The starting point is at the hiking parking lot at the end of the village of Krögelstein, from where it goes left into the forest. This entry already shows how closely the village and nature are intertwined here. ([erlebnis-fraenkische-schweiz.net](https://www.erlebnis-fraenkische-schweiz.net/maps/fraenkischer-gebirgsweg-kroegelstein-rundweg))
Particularly characteristic is the path leading over marked sections. The tour initially follows the red 6 along the edge of the forest and leads through a valley basin framed by rock formations typical of Franconian Switzerland. Along the way, one passes the Säukirch and later the Kuhleitner Wand, before the path continues through meadows and forest paths towards Zedersitz. From there, it goes towards Kainach and further through a landscape where forest edges, open heights, and valley sections create a varied picture. The official description also emphasizes that one can already recognize Sanspareil and the castle Zwernitz in the distance. Those who wish can even extend the tour and continue from the high plateau over Wonsees to Sanspareil. Thus, Krögelstein is not only a starting point but a hub in a larger hiking area that is ideal for half-day or full-day tours. ([erlebnis-fraenkische-schweiz.net](https://www.erlebnis-fraenkische-schweiz.net/maps/fraenkischer-gebirgsweg-kroegelstein-rundweg))
The hiking environment of the city of Hollfeld also shows that Krögelstein is integrated into a well-connected network of trails. The municipal hiking page describes connections via Hollfeld, Weiher, Freienfels, Wiesentfels, Krögelstein, and Kainach and refers to further transitions to Sanspareil, Wonsees, and other parts of the region. Therefore, those who want to hike in Krögelstein can use the place as the center of a flexible route planning: short walks around the rock walls, a family-friendly round tour on the Franconian Mountain Trail, or longer connections towards Wachholdertal and Sanspareil. This is precisely the advantage of the place for active holidaymakers. One does not have to choose between history and nature, as both lie immediately next to each other. The hiker experiences the rock scenery, the valley spaces, and the historically significant points almost in the same breath. ([hollfeld.de](https://www.hollfeld.de/seite/709989/wandern-radfahren-nordic-walking-und-laufen.html))
Kaiserbach Valley, Dolomite Rocks, and Protected Natural Monuments
The Kaiserbach Valley is the scenic backbone of Krögelstein. The city of Hollfeld emphasizes that the place lies in the Kaiserbach Valley and that the houses partially cling directly to or into the rock walls. Thus, the topography becomes not only a backdrop but a defining building element of the place. The surrounding landscape is characterized by dolomite, and this geology makes the rocks so distinctive. In the county directory of natural monuments, several dolomite rocks and caves are specially protected in and around Krögelstein. These include, among others, the dolomite rock formation Altes Schloss with cave C 117, the dolomite rock tower Säukirche with cave C 36, the dolomite rock mass with the Schwalbensteingrotte C 121, as well as the dolomite rock formations with the caves C 113, C 116, C 118, and C 120 a to c. This enumeration alone shows how closely nature, cave worlds, and rock formations are located in this small space. For visitors, this results in a landscape that one can not only observe but almost read like an open-air archive of earth and settlement history. ([hollfeld.de](https://www.hollfeld.de/seite/710000/besondere-orte.html))
Among the particularly well-known points is also the Great and Small Devil's Hole, which is mentioned in the municipal hiking description in connection with the path through the village. The area is therefore not only characterized by a single rock but by a whole series of striking formations that are distributed along the slopes and valley edges. Some of these rock spaces have names that immediately spark curiosity: Altes Schloss, Säukirche, Schwalbensteingrotte, or Teufelsloch. Such names tell much about the perception of the landscape by generations of residents and hikers. They connect nature description, folklore, and local reference. Particularly interesting is also that for the dolomite rock formations with caves C 113, C 116, C 118, and C 120 a to c, the use of cave C 116 as a cellar is permitted. This is a small but revealing detail, as it shows how closely the landscape was connected not only with hiking but also with historical everyday use. ([landkreis-bayreuth.de](https://www.landkreis-bayreuth.de/fileadmin/user_upload/Redaktion/Formulare_und_Merkbl%C3%A4tter/Naturschutz/Naturdenkm%C3%A4ler/liste-der-naturdenkmaeler-im-lkr-bt.pdf))
Therefore, those who visit Krögelstein should not only look at the place itself but also at the connection between the valley slope, rock, and use. The protected dolomite rocks are not isolated individual objects but part of a larger ensemble that stretches across both sides of the valley. This structure also explains why Krögelstein is compared to Tüchersfeld: both places thrive on the dense interlocking of rock and settlement. For the perception on site, this means that the most beautiful impressions often do not accumulate at a single viewpoint but arise during slow walking between the town center, rock wall, and valley path. The Kaiserbach Valley is therefore not just a geographical term but the actual stage of the rock village. ([hollfeld.de](https://www.hollfeld.de/seite/710000/besondere-orte.html))
Access and Parking in Krögelstein
For practical planning, the official hiking parking lot is particularly important, which is located at the end of the village of Krögelstein. According to the tour description, the Krögelstein round trail begins there, and from there it goes left into the forest. Therefore, those who specifically target the place for hiking should plan the parking lot as a starting point and not try to begin the tour in the middle of the densely built rock area. This is sensible because the actual strength of the place lies precisely in the calm approach from the valley and along the marked paths. The hiking description also makes it clear that the route is well signposted with the red 6. This allows the tour to be undertaken without complicated navigation, which is especially helpful for day visitors. ([erlebnis-fraenkische-schweiz.net](https://www.erlebnis-fraenkische-schweiz.net/maps/fraenkischer-gebirgsweg-kroegelstein-rundweg))
In the municipal hiking overview, Krögelstein is also listed as part of a larger network of trails in and around Hollfeld. From here, sections can be connected to Kainach, Sanspareil, or towards other districts. Therefore, for access: if you want to see not only the town center but also undertake an active tour, it is best to drive to the hiking parking lot or the end of the village and then plan to continue on foot. The region is not an urban infrastructure with parking garages and wayfinding systems but a landscape-shaped starting point where orientation works through the village, parking lot, and markings. This fits the character of the rock village. It is a place where one does not organize arrival through tickets or entrances but through a calm entry into the landscape. ([erlebnis-fraenkische-schweiz.net](https://www.erlebnis-fraenkische-schweiz.net/maps/fraenkischer-gebirgsweg-kroegelstein-rundweg))
Town Center, Castle Ruin, and Parish Church Krögelstein
The town center of Krögelstein is particularly worth seeing due to a striking rock mass. The city of Hollfeld describes that this rock mass resembles the profile of the Old Fritz. At the same time, a decorative arch a few meters further reminds of the castle that was blown up in 1523. These few elements condense the entire town history into a small spatial area: rock, castle remnants, and ecclesiastical building are closely situated together. For visitors, this means that the town center cannot be reduced to a typical village structure. It is rather a historically charged rock space that is shaped by the current everyday life of the place but not covered. Those who walk slowly here quickly recognize that Krögelstein derives its character from the connection of medieval castle history, rock scenery, and developed village structure. ([hollfeld.de](https://www.hollfeld.de/seite/709989/wandern-radfahren-nordic-walking-und-laufen.html))
The town center also includes the former castle chapel or today's parish church. According to the representation of the city of Hollfeld, various coats of arms of the family von Giech are preserved there, including on the baptismal font from 1560, in the choir vault, and on the stair tower. Additionally, two members of the family are said to be buried there. The church may have originated from a castle chapel. Thus, it is not only a religious center but also a historical document of the history of rule and family. Those interested in architecture, heraldry, or Franconian noble history will therefore find a particularly dense access to the past of the place here. In connection with the decorative arch and the rock mass, a townscape emerges that goes far beyond the usual impression of a small village. This is exactly why it is worthwhile not just to drive through during a visit, but to consciously stop in the town center and perceive the layers of the place. ([hollfeld.de](https://www.hollfeld.de/seite/710000/besondere-orte.html))
Excursions from Krögelstein: Sanspareil, Wonsees, and Other Paths
Krögelstein is also interesting because several well-known destinations of Franconian Switzerland can be connected from here. The official hiking description mentions not only Zedersitz and Wonsees on the round tour but also sight references to Sanspareil and the castle Zwernitz. Additionally, the municipal hiking page refers to extensions from the high plateau over Krögelstein towards Wonsees and Sanspareil. Therefore, if one plans a longer day in the region, Krögelstein can be understood as a building block of a larger tour. One then experiences not just a single rock village but a whole sequence of scenic and cultural stations. This is particularly attractive for guests who are exploring Franconian Switzerland for the first time, as it allows for several typical impressions to be bundled: rock landscape, Wacholdertal, historical places, and striking viewpoints. ([erlebnis-fraenkische-schweiz.net](https://www.erlebnis-fraenkische-schweiz.net/maps/fraenkischer-gebirgsweg-kroegelstein-rundweg))
Particularly obvious is the combination with Sanspareil. The tourist and municipal path guidance shows that the area between Krögelstein, Wonsees, and Sanspareil belongs together if one wants to truly understand the landscape. This is more than just a mere excursion recommendation, as the paths, valleys, and visible destinations are closely interconnected here. From Krögelstein, the surroundings almost automatically unfold through walking: along forest edges, over heights, through valley sections, and to further rock spaces. Those who want to explore the place photographically, historically, or scenically should take time for this connection. Krögelstein is thus not an isolated point on the map but a starting node for everything that characterizes Franconian Switzerland in this region. This openness to combinations makes the place so valuable for hikers, day visitors, and culture enthusiasts. ([erlebnis-fraenkische-schweiz.net](https://www.erlebnis-fraenkische-schweiz.net/maps/fraenkischer-gebirgsweg-kroegelstein-rundweg))
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