Pottenstein

Pottenstein is located in the heart of Franconian Switzerland, surrounded by rocks, water, forests, romantic mills and pretty half-timbered houses. The state-approved climatic health resort at the confluence of the Püttlach, Weihersbach and Haselbrunnbach streams is one of the most popular holiday destinations in the region for good reason. Nestled in a truly wild and romantic setting, Pottenstein scores with a variety of attractions – from the world-famous Devil's Cave to the fossil hunting site, from the idyllic outdoor rock pool to the action-packed adventure rock and from the executioner's museum to the devotional trail. This unique mix of relaxation and adventure ensures that not only those seeking relaxation, but also adventure seekers, education enthusiasts, culinary fans, families and even the spiritually inclined will find what they are looking for here – all year round. 

The most important date in Pottenstein's calendar of events is 6 January: on Epiphany, the parish traditionally commemorates the ‘Decision of Eternal Adoration’ from 1759. At nightfall, a large procession moves through the town, festively decorated with countless lights and historic triumphal arches, while hundreds of mountain fires blaze on the rocky outcrops all around. Countless visitors from near and far are fascinated by this archaic magic of lights every year.

The history of the town can be traced back to 918 and is closely linked to that of the castle of the same name, which is almost a thousand years old. Until 1057, the town belonged to the Margraves of Schweinfurt, but then passed through marriage to Count Palatine Botho of Carinthia, who had the castle built on the striking mountain spur ‘Bothone-Stein’ above the town, but later transferred ownership to the Bishopric of Bamberg. Pottenstein was granted town rights as early as 1323. The town burned down completely several times, for example in 1128 during an attack by the Staufer Duke Frederick of Swabia and most recently in 1736. With the exception of the castle and the civic hospital, there are therefore no buildings in Pottenstein today that were built before 1736, although the historic old town is characterised by beautiful half-timbered buildings. In 1803, Pottenstein finally became part of Bavaria. In the course of the Bavarian territorial reforms of 1972 and 1978, numerous surrounding municipalities were incorporated, including Tüchersfeld, Leienfels and Hohenmirsberg.