Visitors wanting to paint their own porcelain or make their own praline are in the right place in the Frankenwald Nature Park
 
That tourism associations, hotels and gastronomy have their own interest in the promotion of tourism is obvious. In the Franconia Rennsteig region in the north of the Frankenwald Nature Park, however, the manufacture industry have taken things a step further and are involved in further developing tourism in the region, whilst improving the quality of life at the same time.
Eight businesses in the region have joined forces under the title „Discover handicraft & culture” in order to enable visitors an insight into the production culture. Handicraft and culture have been established in the area for centuries and have made the region a significant pillar of economy and culture. These businesses have developed attractive products for individual visitors as well as for groups. From porcelain painting to experiencing traditional glass production, to insights into the creation and production of cosmetics, there is a wide range of skills and products whose production can be explored by everyone.

Guided tours through two of the regions confiseries , food sampling at a soup and condiment manufacturer and beer tasting at a local brewery ensure that “the taste does not get left behind”. Some of the businesses products are available globally; their products can be found in daily life or in delicatessen. The Odol bottle is made, for example, in Kleintettau and porcelain from Tettau was even delivered to the Kreml. Of course all the products are available for purchase in the region as well.
The region also has a lot to offer where classical tourism highlights are concerned: The “Rennsteig”, the most famous hiking trail in Germany which runs for 13km through the Frankenwald, leads the hiker – and now also cyclists – past striking landmarks and “Schönwappenweg”. The castle Lauenstein is enthroned above the Loquitz valley like a stronghold; opposite the Thüringer Warte and observation tower, that documents the German separation and reunion along its 117 steps:; the architectonical progressive church in Buchbach stands in contrast to the more traditional villages, which have clear Thuringian appearance.
The cooperation „Discover handicraft & culture” received the Bavarian innovation award of tourism in 2009 for their attractive and creative tourism products.

Frankenwald Nature Park

Frankenwald Tourism Service