Ask the Mountain!

• Location access: We need to check briefly whether you are on the Staffelberg (GPS permission is required for "Read" and "Sign").

Your data is not tracked. Please allow access to get the full functionality.

For security and authenticity reasons, signing is tied to two conditions:

• Location: You have to be right on the Staffelberg. Your browser will ask for permission to use your location – please confirm with "Allow".
• GPS signal: Your smartphone has to be able to receive an active GPS signal. In some places (e.g. inside buildings or with poor reception) positioning can fail.

Here are pictures from iOS:

In general, the iPhone has to allow location services:

Safari has to be given permission as well (likewise Chrome or other browsers)

Safari asks once more!

staffelberg.de once more as well!

Here are the step-by-step instructions:

1. Turn on system-wide location services

First make sure your iPhone is allowed to share location data at all:

• Go to Settings > Privacy & Security.
• Tap Location Services and turn on the switch at the top.

2. Allow access for Safari

For the browser itself to access your location, you have to allow it in the list of apps:

• Stay under Settings > Privacy & Security > Location Services.
• Scroll down the list of apps until you find Safari (or "Safari Websites").
• Tap it and choose "While Using the App".

3. Website-specific permission in Safari

When you visit a particular website that asks for your location, you have to confirm this once more for that site:

• Open the website in Safari.
• In the address bar, tap the "AA" symbol to the left of the URL (or the page settings symbol).
• Tap Website Settings.
• Find Location and make sure it is set to "Allow".

Since iOS manages permissions centrally, you first have to allow Chrome in the iOS settings and then allow the website inside Chrome.

1. System-wide location services (iOS)

• Go to Settings > Privacy & Security > Location Services.
• Make sure the switch at the top is turned on.
• Find Chrome in the app list and make sure "While Using the App" is selected.

2. Website-specific permission in Chrome

• Open Chrome and visit the website you want.
• In the address bar, tap the lock symbol on the left (or the symbol to the left of the URL).
• Tap Site settings.
• Find Location.
• Change the setting to "Allow".

On Android it works in a similar way, but is usually managed directly through the app settings.

1. System-wide location services (Android)

• Go to Settings > Location.
• Make sure Use location is turned on.
• Tap App permissions (or "App access to location").
• Find Chrome in the list and choose "Allow only while using the app".

2. Website-specific permission in Chrome

• Open Chrome and go to the website that should ask for your location.
• At the top right, next to the address bar, tap the three dots (⋮).
• Choose Settings > Site settings.
• Tap Location.
• Make sure the switch for location is turned on.
• If the website is listed under "Blocked", tap it and choose "Allow".

To keep our digital summit book genuine, determining your location is technically required. We do not store movement profiles; the GPS data is only checked at the moment of the entry, to make sure you are really there. After that, the information is only used for the timestamp and the confirmation.

You don't have to look for them manually. As soon as you click "Sign" and your location permission is active, our system automatically records the precise coordinates of your position on the summit.

• File formats: We accept .jpg, .jpeg and .png.
• Size: The file may be 10 MB at most.
• Number: One picture per entry is possible.

If you made a mistake by accident, please contact our administration team through the info page -> email. Please give your name and the time of the entry so that we can adjust or remove the entry for you.

Yes, the digital summit book is a voluntary offer for all visitors to the Staffelberg. It costs you nothing.

The Staffelberg – lovingly called the "Berg der Franken", the Mountain of the Franconians – towers 539 metres above the Main Valley. It lies in beautiful Upper Franconia, on the north-western edge of the Franconian Switzerland, only a stone's throw from Bad Staffelstein.

What makes the mountain so special:

• View: It offers a breathtaking panorama over the Upper Main Valley, which is even sung about in the famous Frankenlied.
• History: On the summit plateau you meet not only nature but also traces of the past – from the historic St. Adelgunde's Chapel to the excavation sites of the ancient Celts (oppidum).
• A stop for refreshments: The popular Staffelbergklause invites you to linger right on the summit.

Good to know: The Staffelberg is a protected natural monument. To preserve the peace and the nature, numerous well-signposted hiking trails lead up from Bad Staffelstein and the surrounding villages (such as Romansthal). Whether you are out for exercise or just want to enjoy the view – a climb up the Mountain of the Franconians is always worth it!

The Staffelberg is an experience all year round. In spring and summer the wide views are especially tempting, while the summer solstice in June brings a very special, mystical mood to the summit. In autumn the colours of the Main Valley are wonderful, and in winter the snow-covered plateau offers an impressive stillness.

Yes, after your climb you can recharge at the Staffelbergklause right on the Staffelberg. It offers regional Franconian specialities and is the ideal place to enjoy the view over a Brotzeit (a traditional snack) or a drink before you sign our summit book digitally.

This site is a private project for the digital summit book and has no connection to the Staffelbergklause. Since opening hours can change seasonally or at short notice, it is best to check the official website or Google Maps for current information.

In principle yes, but only up to the start of the plateau.

The Staffelberg is a protected nature reserve. To protect the sensitive nature and keep the peace for all visitors, there is a strict ban on riding anywhere on the summit plateau – this expressly includes e-bikes and bicycles.

What you should know:

• Getting there: You are welcome to use your e-bike to cover the way to the Staffelberg.
• Parking: Please leave your bike or e-bike at the beginning of the plateau next to the Staffelbergklause, in the areas provided. The rest of the climb has to be done on foot.

For drivers the same still applies: the summit is closed to all motor vehicle traffic. Please use the official car parks in the valley.

No, driving up to the summit is not permitted. The Staffelberg is a sensitive nature reserve. That is why a strict ban on cars and bicycles applies to the entire summit plateau.

For cyclists: You can cycle to the Staffelberg to shorten the route. However, cycling is only allowed up to the beginning of the climb onto the plateau. Please use the designated bicycle stands there. The last stretch is reserved for walkers, to protect nature and recreation in this area.

For drivers: The summit is completely closed to public motor vehicle traffic. Please park your vehicle in the hiking car parks in the valley.

The shortest way leads up from the hiking car park in the Romansthal district. The route is about one kilometre long and takes you in roughly 20 to 30 minutes, relaxed, along the former track and through the forest straight onto the plateau to St. Adelgunde's Chapel and the Staffelbergklause.

The Staffelberg is easily reachable for walkers of any age. We still recommend sturdy shoes and weatherproof clothing, as it is often windier on the summit plateau than in the valley. When the sun is out, also take care to use enough sun protection, as the summit area is very exposed.

The parish fair (Kirchweih) on the Staffelberg is a deeply rooted tradition that has taken place every year on the first Sunday in July since 1663. The festival day combines its church core – a festive procession with the decorated statue of Saint Adelgunde – with convivial company. After the official part, a Frühschoppen (a morning drink with company), traditional Kerwes doughnuts and lively music at the Staffelbergklause invite you to experience living local history in an authentic atmosphere.

The Romansthal hiking car park is one of the most popular starting points for the Staffelberg. Depending on your pace, the climb takes about 30 to 45 minutes. The path is well surfaced and leads you gently (only the first ascent, a few metres...) uphill through forest and open fields straight up to the summit plateau.

The Staffelberg is a striking outlier massif of the Franconian Jura and rises 539 metres above sea level. From this summit you enjoy one of the most beautiful views over the whole Main Valley and far into the Upper Main Valley.

You will find the summit at the following coordinates:

• Latitude: 50.092763
• Longitude: 11.023566 

This data takes you straight to the striking spot with the best view. We recommend using a digital map beforehand to plan the ascent routes.

Yes, that is the beauty of the Staffelberg – many paths lead to the summit! Besides the classic from the Romansthal car park, there are these popular alternatives:

• From Loffeld: A beautiful tour through the idyllic Löwenthal.
• From Uetzing: The lovely ascent via the "Uetzicher Kappl" (chapel) or the "Alter Staffelberg".
• From Vierzehnheiligen: A relaxed path along the ridge that connects the basilica with the mountain.
• From Bad Staffelstein: The scenic ascent that offers a fantastic view of the Main Valley.
• From Stublang: A varied path that leads you through the gentle hills, past the Spitzberg.
• From Horsdorf: Perfect for walkers who appreciate quiet, wooded paths. Past the only vineyard on the Staffelberg's south slope.
• From Wolfsdorf: An insider tip for an ascent along the Hasenweg, which leads you through a particularly natural cultural landscape.

Whether a leisurely stroll or a somewhat more demanding climb – there is a suitable path to the summit for everyone.

The Querkeleshöhle (Querkele Cave) is one of the most mysterious places on the mountain. According to legend it is the home of the "Querkele" – small, dwarf-like mountain spirits. Walkers say that you should be especially quiet near the cave so as not to disturb its residents. Whether it is just a legend or there is more behind it remains a secret that you may be able to get to the bottom of yourself on a visit.

The legend of the "fish in the mountain" is one of the most profound stories of our region. It tells of a golden fish that is said to have once swum in a hidden mountain lake beneath the summit. The legend urges modesty: a greedy fisherman tried to catch the fish, whereupon the lake vanished into the rock together with the treasure. To this day it reminds us to treat nature with respect and to value the small wonders along the way, instead of only chasing great riches.

The four striking patriarchal crosses on the Staffelberg are far more than simple decoration. They bear witness to the long and eventful history of the "Mountain of the Franconians".

Historical meaning: The crosses go back historically to the time before the 9th century. They originally served as a widely visible symbol of church jurisdiction and of the protected area of St. Adelgunde's Chapel. In a time when the church played a central role in administration and jurisdiction, these crosses told people that they were within a special legal district.

Living tradition: Today the four crosses also symbolise the close bond between the mountain and the four surrounding villages: Romansthal, Horsdorf, Loffeld and Stublang. The residents of these villages still take care of the upkeep of the crosses and the altars that belong to them. The crosses are thus a lovely example of how history and living local custom merge on the Staffelberg.

Why is there always a flag flying here? The red-and-white Franconian flag on the summit is a strong symbol of Franconian identity and culture. The Staffelberg is regarded as the "Mountain of the Franconians"; the flag serves as a widely visible sign in the "Gottesgarten", the Garden of God, around Bad Staffelstein.

Who looks after the flag? The annual renewal in spring is organised by the Fränkischer Bund e.V. This lovely tradition goes back to the legacy of the Staffelstein master carpenter Alfons Röder, who once donated the first flag. Since 1999 this legacy has been continued by the Fränkischer Bund.

Does the flag have to be replaced often? Yes, because the weather on the plateau is rough. As the flag is exposed to strong winds all year round, it has to be replaced with a fresh one at least once a year – usually in spring.

Is there a special tradition for it? The festive raising in spring is a fixed date. It is often combined with a small gathering of walkers and members of Franconian organisations, who sing the Frankenhymne together – a special moment of community on the summit.

What does the flag look like? It shows the traditional red and white of the Franconians with the Franconian rake in the centre.

This website would like to set up a small digital memorial to Ivo Hennemann and the three hermits who followed him. Take a look (in German):

staffelberg-eremiten.de