Glosberger Weg KC 14

We reach the Glosberg pilgrimage site when we start the hike at the Silbermann complex.

The Franciscan Way also originated nearby, at the Franciscan monastery (Oblate Monastery). If we want to reach this historic path, we only have to walk a short distance along Alte Ludwigsstädter Straße to the railroad bridge. We follow the sidewalk to the left. Before we turn left again into a side street, a sign informs us about the Franciscan Way. The path runs parallel to the FrankenwaldSteigla "Entlang der Marter" trail in large parts.

We walk along the Haßlach river out of town. We see the stepped, former sandstone mining areas, pass the Holy Ponds on the edge of the Haßlach valley and encounter the Stations of the Cross and wayside shrines restored on the initiative of Roland Graf. In the second quarter of the 18th century, the Franciscan monks had to walk this path, which we are hiking today, in all weathers in order to hold the many services at the well-frequented pilgrimage site of Glosberg. 

After a section of forest, we reach the state road, which we cross and walk a good 100 meters to the left next to it. On the tree-lined field path, we turn right to the road leading to Glosberg.

We can now walk the last stretch to Glosberg on the road with little traffic, or take the FrankenwaldSteig trail on a small detour to the right through the fields, avoiding a section of road.

After visiting the pilgrimage church, the FrankenwaldSteig trail accompanies us to the upper end of the village. There, at the fork in the path, we can decide how to reach the forest chapel, which invites us to linger and reflect in silence. We can choose the Way of the Cross straight ahead and steeply uphill, passing the grave of an unknown soldier. However, we can also reach our destination via the less steep forest path uphill to the left (with the European long-distance hiking trail, blue X) if we follow it and make a small detour twice to the right at a spider trail about one kilometer away.

Without the FrankenwaldSteig trail branching off to the right, we then continue uphill along the less steep forest path. After leaving the forest, we soon reach the crossroads, the Trebesberg cross with its fantastic views.

From the Trebesberg cross, we turn right and continue straight ahead on the road leading to Steinberg to the single Gries, 500 m above sea level, with its sandstone marter dating from 1746. According to Otto Knopf, the property, which is currently used by the Catholic Church, was once also a convalescent home and retreat house for the Jesuit order.

Continue straight ahead above the houses. As we continue through the forest, along the edge of the woods and in the open air with wonderful views (information board and seating area with a view of the Franconian Line), we pass the idyllically situated single Trebesgrund to the hamlet of Letzenberg ("vacation on the farm"). Accompanied by a magnificent view from the Franconian Line to Coburg, we soon reach the Letzenhof.

We continue along the road and turn right below the Einzel at the edge of a paddock, walk along the pasture and soon turn left towards the road. We take the road briefly to the left and then cross the road to the right into the forest. If we keep to the right again immediately, we make a long and fairly steep climb up the slope of the Kammberg (468 m). Then we hike slightly downhill again on a pleasant path in the forest into the open.

We cross a road straight ahead and hike with a beautiful view over the open meadow to the forest. When we emerge from the forest again at a small dip, there is another beautiful view. After a gentle ascent through the forest, we meet the Frankenweg shortly before its end. At the edge of the forest, we enjoy the view of the Seelach and Gehülz rivers and the surrounding area of Kronach. The path takes us through fields to the start of the "Kilometerweg". At its end, we walk through the fortress park to Rosenberg Fortress and the start of the historic old town.

Since 1249, Rosenberg Fortress has secured access to the three Franconian Forest valleys and symbolized the power of the Bamberg bishops. From 1656 to 1733, it was expanded into a fortress that was never conquered. We walk past the parking lot and driveway to the fortress to the prison (4.8 km). An information board opposite the prison provides information about the town's many historical sights. One thing is certain: you have to experience Kronach (preferably with a guided tour) in order to get to know its many highlights.

Our hiking route, however, takes us immediately at the end of the prison on a footpath through the Wolfsschlucht gorge downhill to Schwedenstraße. If we follow it to the right, we soon come across the Burgenweg again, which takes us back to the nearby Silbermann complex.

Hans Silbermann (1890-1976) was a school inspector in the former district of Naila, local historian, publisher of local history works, honorary member of the FWV, honorary citizen of Marxgrün, honorary archivist of the town and district of Kronach, author of the town chronicle and numerous chronicles of numerous Franconian Forest communities.