The Neubürg is a striking isolated hill on the eastern edge of Franconian Switzerland, south-west of Mistelgau. Its flat summit plateau (around 590 m) rises unobstructed above the landscape and offers a sweeping panoramic view, which is particularly beautiful at sunset. The regional association ‘Neubürg – Franconian Switzerland’ is also named after it.
🗿 Hilltop settlement
People have lived here for thousands of years: from the Neolithic period right through to the Celtic era, the hill was repeatedly home to a fortified hilltop settlement. The last of these phases, the La Tène period (from around 450 BC to the turn of the era), corresponds to the Late Iron Age, during which the Celts lived in Central Europe. Remains of the ancient ramparts still give a glimpse of this long history of settlement today.
🎨 Nature Art Space
Since 2003, the Neubürg has been a ‘Nature Art Space’. On the plateau, artists from the region, as well as from Germany, France and Switzerland, exhibit their works – mostly land art created from local materials that blends into the landscape. One example is the ‘Little Dwarf of the Wohnsgehaiger Hill’, which recalls the legend of the hard-working dwarves who are said to have once lived in a cave beneath the mountain.
🥾 Hiking
Several paths lead up to the Neubürg, such as the Neubürgweg or a circular walk starting from Truppach or Wohnsgehaig. As the plateau is open and treeless, you can see the mountain from a distance and it’s hard to get lost.
🚗 How to get there
From a car park below the summit, the plateau can be reached on foot in just a few minutes; the climb is also easily manageable with children. The summit plateau is freely accessible, and the artworks are on display outdoors all year round.