Burg Feuerstein Airport

Burg Feuerstein Airport (EDQE) sits on a plateau above the town of Ebermannstadt in Upper Franconia, Bavaria, serving as a general aviation airstrip for the Franconian Switzerland region. The field is named after the nearby Burg Feuerstein, a medieval castle that now houses a youth hostel and event venue. With a single paved runway measuring roughly 550 meters, the airport primarily accommodates light aircraft, gliders, and helicopters. It operates on a restricted schedule—open only at certain times, so advance planning is essential.

The airport functions as a base for the local aviation club and is occasionally used for scenic flights over the picturesque landscape of rolling hills, limestone cliffs, and river valleys. For visitors arriving by car, the free parking lot right next to the apron makes access straightforward. While the airport has no commercial airline service, it is a practical entry point for private pilots exploring northern Bavaria.

Getting There

Burg Feuerstein Airport is located about 5 kilometers southeast of Ebermannstadt town center, roughly 40 kilometers northeast of Nuremberg. By car, take the A3 motorway to exit 79 (Höchstadt an der Aisch), then follow the B470 towards Ebermannstadt. From there, local roads lead to the airport, signposted as Flugplatz Burg Feuerstein. The drive from Nuremberg takes about 40 minutes in light traffic.

Public transport connections are limited. The nearest railway station is in Ebermannstadt, served by regional trains from Nuremberg via Forchheim. From the station, a taxi covers the 5-kilometer distance in about 10 minutes. There is no regular bus service directly to the airport, so renting a car or arranging a ride is strongly advised.

Cyclists and hikers can reach the airport via the Franconian Switzerland network of trails, but the final ascent to the plateau is steep. For those flying in, the airport has a small apron with tie-downs, but no refueling facilities—pilots should confirm fuel availability with the operator in advance.

Inside the Terminal

The terminal at Burg Feuerstein Airport is about as simple as they come: a single-story building with a small waiting area, a toilet (including a wheelchair-accessible one), and a basic office. Check-in, if applicable, is a handshake with the pilot or club member. The atmosphere is informal and unhurried—think community airfield rather than commercial hub.

The building has a wheelchair-accessible entrance and a wheelchair-accessible car park, ensuring ease of access for passengers with mobility needs. There is no security screening, no shops, and no food service. Passengers should bring their own snacks and water. The free parking lot is immediately adjacent, and free street parking is also available along the access road.

What the terminal lacks in amenities, it makes up for in views. Large windows face the runway and the surrounding hills. On a clear day, the sight of gliders circling over the Franconian Switzerland landscape is a quiet pleasure. For departure, simply arrive a few minutes early, use the facilities, and walk directly to the aircraft.

Burg Feuerstein Airport and Ebermannstadt

Ebermannstadt, a town of around 7,000 people, sits in the heart of Franconian Switzerland (Fränkische Schweiz), one of Germany's oldest nature parks. The region is defined by its dramatic karst landscape: steep limestone cliffs, deep valleys, caves, and rivers like the Wiesent that carve through the terrain. It is a paradise for hikers, climbers, and cyclists.

The airport's name comes from Burg Feuerstein, a castle built in the 12th century on a rocky outcrop overlooking the Wiesent valley. Today, the castle operates as a youth hostel and conference center, offering dormitory-style accommodation and a restaurant. The castle grounds are open to the public, and the tower provides panoramic views of the surrounding countryside.

Ebermannstadt itself has a charming medieval core with half-timbered buildings, a market square, and the 16th-century town hall. The local brewery, Brauerei Friedmann, produces traditional Franconian beers, and several beer gardens offer a place to relax after a day outdoors. The region is also known for its annual Easter fountains tradition and its many rock formations, such as the Schauertal valley with its caves and the Walberla mountain, a popular hiking destination.

For travelers arriving by private aircraft, Burg Feuerstein Airport is a convenient starting point for exploring this area. The airport's location makes it easy to reach the nearby Binghöhle cave, the Wiesent river for canoeing, and the town of Forchheim with its half-timbered old town. The combination of natural beauty, cultural heritage, and outdoor activities makes Ebermannstadt a worthwhile destination beyond the airport itself.

Practical Information

Burg Feuerstein Airport is not open every day. Operating hours vary by season and by the schedule of the local aviation club. Contact the airport directly to confirm availability before traveling. The website (https://www.edqe.de/) provides current information, and the phone number (09194 797575) is staffed during operational hours.

Parking is free in both the designated lot and on the adjacent streets. The facility is wheelchair accessible throughout. There is no fuel pump on site; the nearest fuel station is in Ebermannstadt, about 5 kilometers away.

One concrete piece of advice: call ahead or check the website to ensure the airfield is open on your intended day. Because the airport has no fixed schedule, arriving unannounced may result in a locked gate and an empty runway.