Was ist los in Franken? April 11 to 17, 2013

By Ms. Bianca Sowders (IMCOM)April 12, 2013

Volksmarch
(Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

Volksmarch in Franken

Volksmarches have been popular with Americans stationed in Europe for decades, and with winter on its way out and the weather gradually improving, the hiking season is about to pick up again. Participants in Germany can typically choose from 5/6k, 10k or 20k distances; hikers don't start all at once, but within a certain time frame and cover the chosen distance at their own pace. Food and drinks are sold on location and registration is possible on site. It is best to contact the listed point of contact for exact starting times, updates and detailed location information. For other locations within Germany, visit www.dvv-wandern.de.

Here is a quick look at upcoming Volksmarches in Franconia:

- April 13 and 14 in Creussen: Hike (5/10/20 km) and bike (25k); Wanderfreunde Funkendorf-Creussen, 09270-399, Start time: Saturday 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., Sunday 7 to 11 a.m. at Mehrzweckhalle, Bahnhofstr. 11, 95473 Creussen -- www.dvv-wandern.de/files/file/funkendorf-1.pdf.

- April 13 and 14 in Höchstadt (5/10/20 km); Wanderfreunde Höchstadt, 09193-3351. Start time: 6 a.m. to noon at An der Steige 5, Aischtalhalle, 91315 Höchstadt a.d. Aisch -- www.dvv-wandern.de/files/file/hchstadt.pdf.

- April 27 and 28 in Görau (6/10/20 km); Wanderverein Görau e.V., 09278/774828, vorstand@wanderverein-goerau.de, www.wanderverein-goerau.de. Start time: 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. - April 27 and 6:30 to 11:30 a.m. April 28 at Festhalle am Orseingang von Görau, 95466 Weidenberg -- www.dvv-wandern.de/files/file/grau.pdf.

- April 27 and 28 in Burk (5/10/20 km); Wanderfreunde Burk e.V., 09822/1614. Start time: 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. April 27 and 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. April 28 at Meierndorfer Strasse 4, 91596 Burk -- www.dvv-wandern.de/files/file/burk.pdf.

Spring Fest in Nürnberg

The annual spring fest at the Dutzendteich in Nürnberg is scheduled now through April 14. For details, map and opening hours, visit www.volksfest-nuernberg.de.

Bamberg Spring Fest

The Bamberger Frühjahrsplärrer is one of the largest spring fests in the area. It takes place at the Plärrerplatz an der Breitenau (ZeppelinstraYe) now through April 14 from 2 to 9:30 p.m. and 1 to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday. For details visit www.schausteller-bamberg.de.

Abba Tribute Live Show in Ansbach

The ABBA World Revival Show takes place in the Ansbacher Kammerspiele (Maximilianstr. 27a) April 5 at 8:30 p.m.

Garden Fair in Bamberg

The outdoor garden fair, Blüte & Ambiente, on Böhmerwiese (HeiliggrabstraYe 57) is April 12 through 14 and offers colorful information and entertainment for the whole family. Be inspired by new plants, decoration, crafts and much more. Opening hours are Friday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. A free shuttle bus takes visitors to the fair from the park-and-ride lot at Breitenau and the stop "Ottokirche." Admission is 7 Euros for adults; children younger than 14 enter free; dogs are welcome if on a leash. To learn more, visit www.bluete-ambiente.de.

Tulip Festival in Pappenheim

The tulip festival "Tulipomania" in Pappenheim (BahnhofstraYe) takes place April 14 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. It honors Count Friedrich Ferdinand von Pappenheim with groups in historical costumes, musicians and singers. To learn more, visit www.pappenheim.de.

Herbs and Spices Market in Bad Windsheim

The Freilandmuseum (open air museum) Bad Windsheim on Eisweiherweg 1 is hosting an herbs and spices market April 20 -- May 5; find healing herbs, teas and candy, local perennials and lots of information about their use in kitchen and as home remedies. The market is open daily during museum hours (10 a.m. -- 6 p.m.) For more details go to www.freilandmuseum.de.

Japanese Cherry Blossom Festival in Fürth

The annual Japanese Cherry Blossom Festival at the Grüne Halle (Krautheimer StraYe 11) in Fürth on April 21 offers lots of events and entertainment Japan style. There will be performances of Sumo wrestlers, Ikebana, Aikido, Iaido, Karate, Kobudo, Manga Cosplay, Koto, Haiku and Shakuhachi; watch a Japanese tea ceremony, learn how to do Origami and much more. The festival is open from noon to 8 p.m., admission fee for adults is 6 Euros, children under 12 years enter free. To learn more, go to www.gruenehalle.de.

Beer Day in Bamberg

An annual highlight for beer lovers is the „Day of the Beer" in Bamberg's pedestrian zone April 23; taste different kinds of beer like Pils, Rauchbier or WeiYbier -- just make sure you have a designated driver or use public transportation! To learn more, visit www.bamberg.info.

Venetian Market in Nürnberg

The Venetian Market downtown Nürnberg is scheduled to take place April 24 -- May 1; this is an opportunity to enjoy the Italian way of life with Italian food or taking rides in a gondola down the Pegnitz river. The "Carnevale di Venezia" takes place on April 28 at 2 p.m. near the Liebesinsel, which can be observed from the Fleischbruecke near the Hauptmarkt. To learn more, visit www.venezianischermarkt.de.