Fichtelpark

Keen walkers and cyclists can head for the network of signposted trails around Kirchenlamitz (10 minutes’ walk). If you’d care to combine your exercise with a bit of local history, follow the ‘Quarry’ hiking route to the hilltop remains of medieval Epprechtstein Castle (50 minutes) for stunning views over forested valleys to the Fichtel peaks. You can take a cooling dip in the lake at Forstwiesenbruch (also 50 minutes), and if you’ve got kids along with you, the maze-like Granitlabyrinth (half an hour) is a popular side visit too. If you’re up for a longer trek, aim for the observation tower at Grosser Kornberg (an hour and 20 minutes), where there’s also a playpark and a freeride downhill run for skateboarders. You have plenty of other hiking options to choose from, including the forested Saalequelle (look out for birds of prey) and Zellerfels (both 20 minutes’ drive), where you’ll come across dramatic formations in the sandstone rock. You can find more bizarre granite shapes at Drei Brüder (Three Brothers, 20 minutes), a popular landmark for rock climbing, and there are tumbling waterfalls to be admired at Thus (15 minutes), accessed via a ramble through moss-swathed woodland.