The Steigerwald Forest spans approximately 50 kilometres between the River Aisch in the south and the River Main in the north und provides a connection between the Haßberge Mountains and the Frankenhöhe Uplands.
Starting from the northern and central Mainfränkische Platte, a hill country arises, characterised by vineyards and wide areas covered with forests and meadows. Thus, the “ascending forest”, or in German: “steigender Wald”, functioned as an eponym for the name “Steigerwald”. In the southern part of the Steigerwald Forest, the uplands are divided into several mountains and mountain ranges.
The Steigerwald Panoramic Path commences at the spa gardens in Bad Windsheim, situated approximately one kilometre from the railway station (DB) and the thermal bath. The beginning is signposted. The path ends at Michaelsberg Hill high above Bamberg. Several bus routes connect Michaelsberg Hill to the railway station (DB) and the town centre. The total path is 161 kilometres in length, or 176 kilometres if you take into account the access and exit paths of the few outlying stages. The total elevation amounts to 3648 metres. The path is consistently marked for a hike in both directions, only the information along the excursion paths taking hikers to sights or overnight stays and towns are provided following a particular direction.
