This section is dedicated to take away all your "I wish someone had told me that before I went!" experiences. This way, you can spend less time settling in, and more time making new friends in your chosen hostel. We share our insider knowledge of tips, tricks and important things to look out for in Forchheim.
Forchheim is a big town over 1,200 years old and situated in north Bavaria, Germany. Its name is believed to be derived from Old High German and means “home of pines.” About 31,000 residents inhabit the seventeen square-mile (45 square-kilometer) area.
Visitors can reach the town by flying into the Nuremberg Airport, which is a half-hour drive away. Forchheim is connected to nearby cities via the Autobahn A73 (freeway), the Bundesstrasse B470 (highway), as well as a railway and S-Bahn. Once in the city, tourists can take advantage of the public buses and taxis in order to move about town.
Travelers looking for economical accommodations will be limited within Forchheim. Although visitors should be able to locate at least one hostel within the town, there might not be any hostel beds available during busy seasons. In that case, Nuremberg is a safe bet for anyone looking for a hostel.
Forchheim can get busy during several months throughout the year due to its many popular festivals. During January and February, its residents celebrate Carnival and there is a parade. During the month of June, the town’s Altstadtfest, a typically German old town festival, attracts a lot of visitors. Right after, from July through August, the Annafest creates a lot of pedestrian traffic. Other festivities celebrate wine, street music, African culture, and much more.
One main attraction of this old town is its architecture. Forchheim has a lot of buildings dating back as far as the twelfth century. The city hall, or Rathaus, is an example of such an architectural gem. Its main construction took place in 1402, with Hans Ruhalm designing and adding its decor in 1523. Due to recent renovations, public access might be limited to viewing the building solely from outside. Otherwise, the city hall holds tours of its interior, where visitors can see its spiral staircase crafted from a single oak tree. In front of the Rathaus, there may be outdoor seating for nearby eateries. There is also a beautiful fountain. During December, a Christmas market is held in front of the city hall as well. Forchheim is world-renowned for having the most beautiful and, according to the Guinness Book of World Records, the biggest Advent Calendar in the world.
Written by local enthusiast for Forchheim hostels
Jakob Lombardi