Best attractions and places to see around Tschirn are found within the Frankenwald (Franconian Forest) mountain range in northern Bavaria, Germany. This region features a blend of natural landscapes, historical landmarks, and cultural sites. Tschirn is situated in the heart of the Frankenwald Nature Park, characterized by forests, rivers, and lakes, including the Ködeltalsperre. The area offers opportunities to explore local history and traditional crafts.
Last updated: May 11, 2026
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This is the former Lehesten roofing slate opencast mine. Its dimensions alone are impressive; along with the nearby Oertelsbruch, it was one of the largest slate quarries on the continent (approximately 800 m long, 300 m wide, and up to 80 m deep). Source: Wikipedia
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The tower is located on the Wetzstein hill. A circular hiking trail to Staatsbruch Lehesten also runs here.
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A beautiful region 🤩 If you like, you can also take a detour to the Alvater Tower.
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The model village in the Lehesten Slate Park has existed since 2008. It is expanded annually in cooperation with the local roofing school. There are many different ways of covering a roof, a gable or a tower with slate. One model even shows a flower made of slate.
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The tower on the Wetzstein was built as a memorial against the expulsion of people and as a place of remembrance of a lost homeland. After the expulsion of the Germans from Czechoslovakia in 1945/46, local friends founded the Altvaterturmverein Langgöns in 1976. In 1999, the association rebuilt the Altvaterturm, which collapsed on May 2, 1959 and was not rebuilt, on the Wetzstein in a true-to-original manner.
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In the "Land of Blue Gold," as the slate is called here because of its distinctive color, the tradition of Thuringian-Franconian slate mining can still be experienced today. This extraordinary industrial complex, located at what was once one of Europe's largest open-cast slate mines, provides a hands-on experience of the history and processing of slate. The entire Staatsbruch Slate Park area is a nature reserve. 170 Red List species have now been confirmed to have settled in this partially inaccessible area.
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The Göpel shaft system, unique in Europe, is the heart of the “Historic Lehesten Slate Mining” monument ensemble and the trademark of the slate park. The Göpel shaft system was built around 1850, five years after the open-cast mine opened. On the north-west edge of the now closed and flooded roofing slate open-cast mine, the Göpel shaft was used to lift mined slate rock and thus stabilize the production flow. The rock was transported to the adjacent double-slitting hut and processed.
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Beautiful views around the dam.
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The region around Tschirn is rich in history. You can visit the Lehesten Slate Quarry Industrial Heritage Site, an extraordinary complex showcasing the tradition of Thuringian-Franconian slate mining. Another significant historical landmark is the Göpelschacht Shaft Complex, Lehesten, a unique shaft system central to the historic slate mining monument ensemble. Additionally, the Altvaterturm, located on the Wetzstein hill, serves as a memorial and meeting place with historical displays.
Yes, Tschirn is nestled in the Frankenwald Nature Park, known for its lush forests, rivers, and lakes. A prominent natural feature is the Ködeltalsperre, Bavaria's largest drinking water reservoir, often called the 'Fjord of the Franconian Forest.' You can enjoy scenic views from the Ködel Reservoir Water Intake Tower or the Ködeltalsperre — Southern End. The Altvaterturm also offers panoramic views from its viewing platform.
The Frankenwald Nature Park offers numerous opportunities for outdoor activities. The 11-kilometer circular route around the Ködeltalsperre is popular for hiking, cycling, and inline skating. You can find various routes for running, gravel biking, and cycling in the area, ranging from easy to difficult. The region is ideal for exploring forests and lakes.
Many attractions around Tschirn are suitable for families. The Lehesten Slate Quarry Industrial Heritage Site and the Göpelschacht Shaft Complex, Lehesten offer educational insights into local history. The circular path around the Ködeltalsperre, including the Ködel Reservoir Water Intake Tower and Ködeltalsperre — Southern End, is great for walks and bike rides with children. The Altvaterturm also welcomes families.
Absolutely. Tschirn is a prime location for hiking within the Frankenwald Nature Park. The 11-kilometer asphalt path around the Ködeltalsperre is a popular choice for hikers. For more options, you can explore various running and hiking trails that traverse the diverse landscapes of the region, offering different difficulty levels.
The Ködeltalsperre, also known as the 'Fjord of the Franconian Forest,' is Bavaria's largest drinking water reservoir. You can walk, cycle, or inline skate along the scenic 11-kilometer circular route around the dam. Key points of interest include the Ködel Reservoir Water Intake Tower and the Ködeltalsperre — Southern End, both offering beautiful views of the reservoir.
The Lehesten Slate Quarry Industrial Heritage Site is a significant industrial monument that preserves the history of Thuringian-Franconian slate mining. It was once one of Europe's largest open-cast slate mines. The entire Staatsbruch Slate Park area is also a nature reserve, home to many Red List species. The Göpelschacht Shaft Complex, Lehesten is an integral part of this historical site, showcasing the methods used to extract slate.
Yes, the Ködel Reservoir Water Intake Tower is noted as being wheelchair accessible, allowing visitors to enjoy the views of Bavaria's largest drinking water reservoir. The circular path around the Ködeltalsperre is generally well-maintained and suitable for various mobility needs.
The Frankenwald region is beautiful year-round. Spring and autumn offer pleasant temperatures for hiking and cycling amidst vibrant foliage. Summer is ideal for longer outdoor excursions around the Ködeltalsperre. In winter, the nearby skiing area at Ochsenkopf provides opportunities for skiing or snowboarding, though some hiking trails might be less accessible.
Tschirn offers insights into Franconian tradition through its well-preserved historic buildings, chapels, and historical paths. The 'Alte Mühle' (Old Mill) museum provides a glimpse into local history and culture. Additionally, the local associations, church festivals, and traditional customs contribute to a strong sense of community and cultural life.
Definitely. The Frankenwald Nature Park provides excellent terrain for cycling and mountain biking. The 11-kilometer asphalt path around the Ködeltalsperre is perfect for a leisurely ride. For more challenging routes, you can explore the various gravel biking and cycling routes available in the region, catering to different skill levels.
The Altvaterturm is a significant landmark located on the Wetzstein hill. It serves as a memorial against expulsion and a place of remembrance for a lost homeland, rebuilt in 1999. The tower stands 35.8 meters tall and offers a viewing platform at 824 meters above sea level, providing extensive views of the surrounding landscape. It also houses rooms displaying local and historical material.


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