Lillach Valley Sinter Terraces

The water here does not simply run downhill; it flows over little moss-green steps, pools and cascades. The sinter terraces in the Lillach valley near Weißenohe were built by the stream itself: limestone dissolved in the spring water is deposited as calcareous tufa and slowly grows into steps. The Lillach is regarded as an outstanding example of the sinter streams of Franconian Switzerland and won an award in Bavaria's 2021 "Outstanding Streams" competition.

How the terraces form

The Lillach rises east of Weißenohe from a karst spring in a small rock cave at 463 metres, with an average flow of about 50 litres per second. Water that has dissolved lime underground releases carbon dioxide as it flows over moss and obstacles, and the lime is deposited as tufa steps. After almost three kilometres the Lillach joins the Kalkach to form the Aubach. Both the spring and the terraces are protected geotopes, and the terraces are also a natural monument.

What to see

• Sinter steps: Shallow pools and small waterfalls along much of the stream, best when the water is high.
• Lillach spring: At the top, water emerges from a rock cave; at Easter it is decorated as an Easter fountain, a Franconian custom.
• Wildlife: About 130 species each of beetles and butterflies or moths, plus fire salamanders, dippers and the golden-ringed dragonfly.
• Boardwalks and panels: Since 2016 the path has been secured with boardwalks, bridges, railings and new signs.

Walk and getting there

The short Lillach valley nature trail from Weißenohe is about 3 km there and back, about an hour. Weißenohe, in the district of Forchheim, lies on the Gräfenberg railway from Nuremberg, a little over 20 km north-east of the city. The path has steps and is only partly suitable for prams.

Good to know

About 50,000 visitors come each year to this sensitive protected area. Stay on the paths and do not step on the fragile terraces; storms can close the path because of falling trees.

Tripto tip

Come in spring or after rain, when the stream carries the most water. Round off the walk at the monastery brewery in Weißenohe.