Best natural monuments around Dormitzer Forst are found within this publicly owned forest, which is part of the larger Nuremberg Reichswald. Located in the district of Erlangen-Höchstadt, the area features diverse natural landscapes including unique rock formations, springs, and significant forest protection areas. These natural features offer insights into the region's geology, ecology, and local history. The topography of Dormitzer Forst provides varied terrain for exploration.
Last updated: October 11, 2026
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Since 2003, the last truly wild horses have lived in a large enclosure in the Tennenlohe Forest near Erlangen. They help maintain the open sandy areas by grazing on grasses and young shrubs. A circular path leads around the enclosure – with a bit of luck, you can observe the animals from the path.
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A beautiful path leads directly along the Lillachquelle
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A large enclosure is available to the wild horses, in which they ensure that the open spaces are preserved.
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In the east of Erlangen lies the vast recreation area and nature reserve of the Tennenloher Forest. It is one of the largest sand ecosystems in southern Germany and inspires with its extensive, almost steppe-like open spaces, mostly densely covered with fragrant heather. Goats and a relevant population of the rare Przewalski's horses graze on these. In addition, you will find moor paths secured with wooden planks, which give the landscape an almost mystical character https://www.outdooractive.com/de/route/wandern/staedteregion-nuernberg/wildpferde-und-cheeky-goats-im-tennenloher-forst/125619433/
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beautiful source
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Always fascinating, sometimes more, sometimes less water and again completely different when you walk along the stream bed in dry weather
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Currently you can see a lot of goats and 4 wild horses right at the beginning of the tour at the first large game reserve. After that we didn't see any more animals yesterday on the entire 9.2 km tour. It's best to take binoculars with you, then you can see them better 😉. The area is quite large and so you can only see the animals from a distance.
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Dormitzer Forst offers a variety of unique natural features. You can explore the geological formations of the Bitterbach Gorge, a gorge cut into Burgsandstein. The area also features the constantly dripping water of the Tropfender Fels, creating a distinctive microhabitat, and the intriguing rock formation known as Jungfernsitz, steeped in local folklore.
Yes, Dormitzer Forst is home to natural monuments with historical and cultural ties. The Lillach Valley Trail is known for its scenic beauty and easily walkable paths. Additionally, the Dürerquelle (Dürer Spring) is believed to have inspired the renowned artist Albrecht Dürer, making it a culturally significant natural site.
The area around Dormitzer Forst's natural monuments is excellent for various outdoor activities. You can find numerous trails for mountain biking, running, and road cycling. For example, explore the diverse MTB Trails around Dormitzer Forst, enjoy scenic Running Trails around Dormitzer Forst, or embark on longer Road Cycling Routes around Dormitzer Forst.
Absolutely. The Przewalski Horse Enclosure, Tennenloher Forest, is a great family-friendly option where you can observe these wild horses grazing. The Märchenweiher near Atzelsberg and its Western spring also offer tranquil settings suitable for families to enjoy nature.
Many natural monuments in Dormitzer Forst, such as the Lillach Valley Trail, are particularly scenic after rainfall or snowmelt, making spring an excellent time to visit when water flows are strong. The Bitterbach Gorge also offers a distinct experience throughout all seasons, making it a year-round destination.
The Dormitzer Forst is part of the larger Nuremberg Reichswald, which includes the significant Naturwald Feuchtwälder im Nürnberger Reichswald. This forest protection area is the largest in Central Franconia, characterized by diverse wet forest ecosystems. It serves as a vital habitat for a wide array of species, including kingfishers, woodcocks, various woodpeckers, and rare fungi and plants, highlighting its ecological importance as a Natura 2000 protected area.
Yes, Dormitzer Forst features several water-related natural monuments. The Sambach-Weiher (Sambach Ponds) are known for fish farming and offer a tranquil setting to observe the interaction between human activity and the natural water ecosystem. Additionally, the Dürerquelle is a layered spring, and the Tropfender Fels is notable for its continuous water drip.
Visitors frequently appreciate the diverse experiences offered by the natural monuments. For instance, the Bitterbach Gorge is loved for its changing appearance throughout the year. The Lillach Valley Trail is praised for its easily walkable paths and footbridges, especially after rain or snowmelt. The Märchenweiher near Atzelsberg is often described as a peaceful place to relax and forget the stress of everyday life.
The Przewalski Horse Enclosure, Tennenloher Forest, is an excellent spot for wildlife viewing, where you can observe Przewalski horses and peacock goats. The Naturwald Feuchtwälder im Nürnberger Reichswald, with its diverse wet forest ecosystems, is also a vital habitat for various bird species like kingfishers and woodcocks, offering opportunities for birdwatching.
The terrain around Dormitzer Forst's natural monuments is varied. You can expect easily walkable paths and footbridges along trails like the Lillach Valley Trail. Other areas, such as the Bitterbach Gorge, feature more rugged terrain cut into sandstone. The broader Dormitzer Forst area, being part of the Nuremberg Reichswald, includes diverse landscapes from moist valley alder forests to drier mixed beech and oak forests.
Beyond the more popular spots, the Tropfender Fels offers a curious and visually interesting natural phenomenon with its continuous water drip, providing a unique stop for nature lovers. The Jungfernsitz, with its unusual rock formation and accompanying folklore, also presents a captivating spot for those seeking a touch of mystery and tradition off the main paths.


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