Best natural monuments around Kraftshofer Forst include significant natural features within this unincorporated area and state forest in Middle Franconia, Germany. The region is home to a section of the Naturwald Feuchtwälder im Nürnberger Reichswald, the largest forest protection area in Middle Franconia, preserving diverse wetland ecosystems. The Gründlach river flows through the area, and Buchenbühl hill marks the highest elevation at 390.8 meters above sea level. These natural features offer opportunities to explore a preserved natural environment.
Last updated: July 8, 2026
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Wöhrder See, Nuremberg Wöhrder See, the youngest of Nuremberg's waterways, is a popular local recreation area in the heart of the city, providing a natural habitat for endangered species. It is not a natural lake, but was created by damming the Pegnitz River, which flows through it. The idea for an inner-city lake existed as early as the 1930s. The project was approved for implementation in October 1959. In addition to the City of Nuremberg, the State Water Management Authority and the Middle Franconia District were involved in the planning and construction. Recreational concerns were not the only priority in the design. The lake is also part of the extensive flood protection measures after the Second World War. Construction work began in 1968 with the Lower Wöhrder See and continued until 1972. The sand trap above the waterway was built between 1972 and 1975. The final construction phase of the Upper Wöhrder Lake was completed in 1981. Text / Source: Nürnberg Infos.de / Nürnberger Nachrichten https://nuernberginfos.de/gewaesser-nuernberg/woehrder-see.php
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The beautiful fountain stands on the edge of Nuremberg's main market square. It is shaped like a Gothic church spire and is one of Nuremberg's main attractions and is also part of the Historical Mile. Legend has it that whoever turns the golden ring on the fountain's grille will have three wishes granted. There is another black ring on the opposite side of the fountain. Some people claim that this is the real lucky ring and that the "golden" one is the tourist ring... Just try it out! 😉
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The myth of the brass ring, which is seamlessly forged into the iron grate, also has a legend. It is said to have got in like this: Master Kuhn, who built the grate around the well, had a daughter called Margret, who was courted by his apprentice. But because he did not want to give his child to a poor boy, he forbade this courtship and threw him out. It is said to have said something like: "It will come to nothing! It will come to nothing, just as you can make the rings on the well grate turn!" The master then went away and the apprentice wanted to prove that he could do something and secretly made the ring. Then he cut it open, inserted it into the grate, soldered, hammered and filed until you could no longer see the seam. Then he left town and never came back. When the master returned home, he realized that he had been too strict. He regretted being thrown out and would have liked to have the clever apprentice back and given him his daughter too, but it was too late and Margret cried her eyes out. One of the rings is considered a lucky charm; according to legend, whoever turns it will be blessed with children. The brass ring is usually thought to be the lucky charm, but many Nuremberg residents believe that the iron ring is the "real ring" and therefore the lucky charm. According to another legend, the sculpture of the fountain was actually commissioned as the top of the tower of the Frauenkirche (also on the main market), but this was rejected due to the lack of a way to lift it.
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Master Kuhn, who built the gate around the fountain, had a daughter called Margret, who was courted by his apprentice. But because he did not want to give his child to a poor boy, he forbade this courtship and threw him out. The apprentice is said to have said: "It will be as little use as you can make the rings on the fountain gate turn!" The master went away on a trip and the apprentice wanted to prove that he could do something and secretly made the ring. Then he cut it open, inserted it into the gate, soldered, hammered and filed until the seam was no longer visible. He then left the city and never returned. When the master returned home, he regretted being thrown out and would have liked to have the clever apprentice back and give him his daughter too. The brass ring is usually considered to be the lucky charm, but many Nuremberg residents believe that the iron ring is the "real ring" and therefore the lucky charm.
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A walk around the lake can be a lovely family walk. A total of 6.5 km with no elevation gain and a lovely, varied route.
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The “Beautiful Fountain” is a gem on the main square of Nuremberg and dates back to the end of the 14th century.
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The real "lucky" ring is in the west of the gate. West is where Norma is roughly 😉. Oh yes... and the ring is also supposed to make you return to Nuremberg as a foreigner (tourist) 😍
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During the Second World War, the Beautiful Fountain was encased in a concrete shell and survived the air raids on Nuremberg unscathed.
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Kraftshofer Forst is notable for its diverse natural features. It encompasses a significant section of the Naturwald Feuchtwälder im Nürnberger Reichswald, the largest forest protection area in Middle Franconia, preserving unique wetland ecosystems. The Gründlach river flows through the area, contributing to its ecological diversity, and the Buchenbühl hill marks the highest elevation at 390.8 meters above sea level.
Yes, several natural monuments are suitable for families. For instance, a walk around Wöhrder Lake is a popular family activity, covering 6.5 km with no elevation gain. The Pegnitz River also offers beautiful paths along its banks, past old buildings and nature reserves, which are great for all ages. Additionally, the Przewalski Horse Enclosure in Tennenloher Forest is a unique and educational experience for families.
The natural forest wetlands of Kraftshofer Forst, particularly within the Naturwald Feuchtwälder im Nürnberger Reichswald, are crucial for biodiversity. Visitors might encounter diverse flora and fauna adapted to wetland conditions. A unique wildlife experience is offered at the Przewalski Horse Enclosure in Tennenloher Forest, where you can observe these rare wild horses and peacock goats grazing to preserve sandy habitats.
The area around Kraftshofer Forst offers various outdoor activities. You can explore numerous hiking trails, enjoy mountain biking, or go road cycling. For specific routes, you can check out the guides for MTB Trails around Kraftshofer Forst, Road Cycling Routes around Kraftshofer Forst, and Running Trails around Kraftshofer Forst.
Yes, there are many trails. For a leisurely walk, the 6.5 km path around Wöhrder Lake is highly recommended. For a more natural experience, paths along the Pegnitz River lead through nature reserves. For those seeking a bit more adventure, the Bitterbach Gorge offers a unique landscape to explore, though it can be dry in summer. You can find more options in the Running Trails around Kraftshofer Forst guide, which includes various routes suitable for hiking.
The natural monuments around Kraftshofer Forst offer different experiences throughout the year. Spring, after the snowmelt, is ideal for seeing the Bitterbach Gorge with flowing water. Summer is great for enjoying the local recreation areas like Wöhrder Lake. Autumn brings beautiful foliage to the forest areas. Even in winter, the robust animals at the Przewalski Horse Enclosure can be observed.
Yes, the Beautiful Fountain in Nuremberg is a notable example. This Gothic-style fountain, while man-made, is designated as a natural monument and is a significant landmark. Legend has it that turning a specific ring on its grille can grant wishes.
Visitors particularly appreciate the opportunity to enjoy nature without traveling far. The Wöhrder Lake is praised as a lovely local recreation area suitable for walks, sports, and family fun. The Bitterbach Gorge is loved for its changing appearance throughout the seasons, making it a repeated highlight for many. The peaceful paths along the Pegnitz River are also a favorite for experiencing nature.
While specific parking locations and fees for each natural monument are not detailed, Kraftshofer Forst is generally accessible. For areas like Wöhrder Lake, parking facilities are typically available due to its popularity as a recreation area. For other forest and river areas, look for designated parking spots at trailheads or near access points.
Kraftshofer Forst is part of the larger Nuremberg region, which has a public transport network. While direct access to every natural monument might vary, major points of interest like Wöhrder Lake and the Beautiful Fountain in Nuremberg are well-connected by public transport. For more remote natural areas, you might need to combine public transport with a walk or cycle.
Yes, the Bitterbach Gorge is a prime example, cut into the Burgsandstein, offering a distinct geological landscape. The broader Kraftshofer Forst also features the Gründlach river and its associated streams, which have shaped the terrain over time, creating varied natural environments.
Generally, dogs are welcome on many trails in natural areas around Kraftshofer Forst, especially on public paths. However, it's always advisable to keep them on a leash, particularly in nature reserves like the Naturwald Feuchtwälder im Nürnberger Reichswald, to protect wildlife and ensure a pleasant experience for all visitors. Specific rules may apply to certain protected areas or enclosures like the Przewalski Horse Enclosure.


Extend your search for the best caves by checking out these guides of the top ones around Kraftshofer Forst: