Parking at Plankenfels | Hiking & Access

The parking area at Plankenfels is not a classic event location, but a useful starting point for excursions in the Franconian Switzerland. Those who park here quickly find themselves in the network of hiking trails, circular routes, and short walks that open up the Lochautal, the Plankenstein, and other viewpoints. The municipality describes its paths directly around the village: From the commuter parking lot on the state road 2186, the circular hiking trail Three Valleys leads around Plankenfels through the Lochautal, and the geological educational trail starts at the parking lot on Bayreuther Straße near the playground. This makes the location particularly interesting for people seeking nature instead of hustle and bustle. At the same time, the surroundings show why Plankenfels has had a prominent location for centuries: West of the village lies Plankenfels Castle high above the Wiesenttal, and the chronicle refers to a long history of the village and its noble families. Those looking for a quiet parking spot for hikes, walks, and day trips will find a practical starting point with direct reference to the landscape and local history. ([plankenfels.de](https://www.plankenfels.de/seite/721527/wandern-radfahren.html))

Access and Parking at the Parking Lot at Plankenfels

The access is simple: The hiking parking lot is located in the lower part of Plankenfels on Bayreuther Straße, in close proximity to the Gasthof Schwarzer Ritter and a small bus stop. A hiking board provides initial information on site, making it easy to orient oneself at the start. The municipality names the parking lot on Bayreuther Straße near the playground as the starting point for the Geological Educational Trail RW5, while a hiking website describes the parking lot at the address Bayreuther Straße 23. For visitors, this means: arrive, quickly orient, and head out directly. According to user reviews on site, the space is rather small but useful, free of charge, and usually quiet; it is considered a private gravel parking lot between two roads and is sufficient for about nine cars. This combination of proximity to the village center and tranquility makes it attractive for hikers. Those who start early in the day have the best chances for relaxed parking and a quick entry into nature. The location is also practical for short stops, as one can get from the car to the trail without a long detour and does not have to navigate through a large parking system. ([hinterindien.de](https://www.hinterindien.de/tour-nr-103-lochau-tal-plankenfels-plankenstein/))

Hiking in the Lochautal and to the Plankenstein

Those who park here have the strongest argument for the location right at their doorstep: the Lochautal and the Plankenstein. The tour description describes the Lochautal behind Plankenfels as one of the quieter valleys of the Franconian Switzerland, away from the major tourist hotspots. It also mentions the 482-meter-high Plankenstein as a prominent point, whose rock formations are still visible today and offer wide views over the northern Franconian Switzerland from above. For the official municipal tour RW5, the route starts from the parking lot on Bayreuther Straße, first going through the Lochautal, then uphill to Meuschlitz, optionally continuing to Wachstein, and finally returning to the district of Plankenstein and the rock massif. The route is about 6.1 kilometers long and is estimated to take about two hours. This makes it ideal for anyone looking for a compact half-day tour. The regional tour description also adds that the Plankenstein once housed a castle, but today is mainly experienced as a rock massif with a view. So, if you are looking for a hike with views, rocks, and valley character, you will find exactly the mix that makes Plankenfels an interesting destination in search queries for hiking parking, Lochautal, and Plankenstein. The paths are not loud, not overcrowded, and still offer enough charm to remember the day. ([hinterindien.de](https://www.hinterindien.de/tour-nr-103-lochau-tal-plankenfels-plankenstein/))

Circular Hiking Trail Three Valleys around Plankenfels

The circular hiking trail Three Valleys around Plankenfels RW3 is the second core product of the municipality around this parking lot. It is slightly shorter than the tour to Plankenstein, with about 6 kilometers and around two hours, but remains varied, as it leads from the commuter parking lot on state road 2186 through the Lochautal and returns to the village along the sports field. At the height of the fire station, the path transitions into RW2, allowing for shortcuts or extensions. Those who want to remain flexible will find an easily understandable entry into the local trail network here. This is particularly exciting for guests who only have an afternoon: You park, follow the signage, experience valley, village, and back to the valley, and do not have to plan a long journey to a separate starting point. The name Three Valleys also refers to the landscape change that characterizes Plankenfels and its surroundings. This makes the location interesting for families, walkers, and relaxed hikers looking for a well-structured loop instead of a demanding mountain march. For SEO search queries for Plankenfels, circular hiking trail, walk, or short hike, this path is particularly relevant because it logically connects the village itself, the landscape, and quick accessibility. ([plankenfels.de](https://www.plankenfels.de/seite/721527/wandern-radfahren.html))

Geological Educational Trail and the Path to Wachstein

The Geological Educational Trail Earth History RW5 provides the professional counterpart to the cozy village round. The municipality also describes it as about 6.1 kilometers long and taking about two hours, starting at the parking lot on Bayreuther Straße near the playground. From there, it goes through the Lochautal, then uphill to Meuschlitz, with a possible extension to Wachstein, and then back to Plankenstein and the rock massif. This combination of landscape and geology is a strong argument for the parking lot: The tour is not just a path but also a learning space. The Franconian Switzerland region explicitly highlights Plankenfels as a geo-tip with Plankenstein, Wachstein, and the GEO path through the Lochautal. Those interested in earth history, rock formations, and sightlines over the valley will find here a tour that offers not only physical activity but also content value. For website visitors, this is a clear SEO point: Search queries for geology, educational trail, Plankenstein, or Wachstein lead directly to this location. At the same time, the route shows how compactly the paths in Plankenfels are connected: short start, clear course, prominent viewpoint, and a return that works without detours. For many guests, this planability is more important than a spectacular but complicated start. ([plankenfels.de](https://www.plankenfels.de/seite/721527/wandern-radfahren.html))

Cycling, MTB, and Other Tours from Plankenfels

Cyclists also benefit from the parking lot at Plankenfels or from the nearby starting points in the village. The municipality mentions two specific routes: the Thermal Cycling Path Plankenfels–Obernsees with about 10 kilometers and the longer route Plankenfels–Hollfeld–Heiligenstadt–Aufseß–Plankenfels with about 40 kilometers. Additionally, an MTB tour through the Lochautal and up to the Plankenstein is described, which is classified as difficult and has many inclines. So, if you arrive by bike or want to add a small bike tour after a hike, you will find a real multipurpose area here. This fits the character of Plankenfels overall: The municipality is part of the quality hiking region Franconian Switzerland and is regularly listed as a destination for nature and active holidays in maps and tour overviews. For the parking lot itself, this means: It is not just a parking place but a logistical hub for walks, tours, hikes, and short sporty excursions. Especially because the landscape quickly changes between valley, rock, and village, different activities can be easily combined. Those who hike in the morning and want to roll in the afternoon will find short distances between the entry point, village center, and nature. This makes the location interesting for multi-day guests who want to switch flexibly between hiking shoes and bicycles. ([plankenfels.de](https://www.plankenfels.de/seite/721527/wandern-radfahren.html))

History of Plankenfels and Tips for Visiting

Those using the parking lot at Plankenfels are moving in an area with deep local history. The municipality first mentions Plankenfels in 1217 in documents and describes the castle today as private property; the chronicle points out that the castle complex located west above the Wiesenttal has a long noble and regional history. For visitors, this is particularly interesting because the parking lot can be easily combined with a village tour or a look at the historical backdrop. The location itself remains uncomplicated: small area, quickly understood, close to hiking paths, and without the character of a large event or fair parking lot. Those who start early have the best chance for relaxed parking and a calm start to the tour. Those traveling with family should think about water, sturdy shoes, and some time for viewpoints; especially the path towards Plankenstein is worth it not only for the destination but also for the perspectives along the way. And those planning only a short detour can quickly decide with RW3 or a piece of the Geological Educational Trail whether the parking lot will lead to a half hiking day or a full nature excursion. The place thus combines something that often comes together in search behavior: practical access, clear paths, nature experience, and a historical framework. This exact mix makes the parking space in Plankenfels so useful for visitors who seek neither chaos nor large infrastructure but a functional starting point with genuine landscape quality. ([plankenfels.de](https://www.plankenfels.de/seite/721480/chronik-von-plankenfels-verfasst-von-wolfgang-g%25C3%25B6rl.html))

Sources:

• Municipality of Plankenfels - Hiking & Cycling
• Municipality of Plankenfels - Chronicle of Plankenfels
• HINTERINDIEN.DE - Through the Lochau Valley to Plankenfels Plankenstein
• Franconian Switzerland - Hiking Day Tours 2019
• Franconian Switzerland - GUEST BROCHURE 2023