Was ist los in Franken? Feb. 26, 2016

A bicycle fair in Fürth gets sports enthusiasts ready for spring.

ANSBACH, Germany (Feb. 26, 2016) — “Was ist los in Franken?” details off-post community events and activities occurring throughout Lower, Upper and Middle Franconia.

Volksmarch Hiking Days
Volksmarches or “Internationale Wandertage” are a form of non-competitive physical fitness training, which takes the participants through some of the most beautiful landscapes in Germany. The walking distance varies from 5 to 10 or 20 kilometer routes on scenic trails through forests, along rivers and lakes or around historic sites. There is no set start time, but a window of time for hikers to start the route, and finish it at their own pace. Trails are typically marked well along the way. Many trails are stroller-friendly and provide great opportunity to explore the countryside. After the walk the local hiking clubs usually offer food and drink in a hall or tent, sometimes even at a half-way point. Avid hikers can get a hiking passport stamped each place they participate, and many clubs reward their visitors with a small token. To learn more about Volksmarches in Germany, visit DVV Wandern.

Volksmarch and Half Marathon in Rothenburg
One of the first hiking events of the year in the area takes place in Rothenburg on Feb. 27 and 28. Distances to cover include 6, 11 and 21 k (half marathon), as well as an 11-k Altstadtwanderung (goes through old town) on Saturday only. Meeting point is the Sporthalle on Erlbacher Str. 5; starting times are 7 a.m. – 4 p.m. for 6-, 11- and 21k distances, and noon to 4 p.m. for the 11k Altstadtwanderung on Saturday; on Sunday 6 and 11 k start from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m., while the half-marathon starting time is 7 a.m. to noon. To learn more, email Wandern@rothenburg-wandern.de or go to Volksmarch Rothenburg.

Easter Egg Market in Erlangen
Erlangen is hosting the International Easter Egg Market on Feb. 27 and 28 in the Redoutensaal on Theaterplatz/ Wasserturmstr. 16. About 40 artists and hobby painters present their oval works of art, displaying traditional techniques of egg decoration. Opening times are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; to learn more, go to Ostereiermarkt

Bockbier Fest in Zirndorf
Zirndorf is celebrating a Bockbierfest with a selection of the strong brew and live music on Feb. 27 at the Paul-Metz-Halle (Volkhardtstr. 33), starting at 7 p.m. To learn more, visit www.zirndorf.de.

Easter Market in Kammerstein
An Easter market takes place in the Sporthalle in Kammerstein on Feb. 28 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. To learn more, visit Landratsamt Roth.

Last Week for Terracotta Soldiers in Nürnberg
The exhibition “The Terracotta Army and the Legacy of the Eternal Emperor” can currently be seen in Nürnberg at the former AEG factory grounds in Muggenhofer Straße 135. The exhibition is open until March 3, Wednesday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. (last entry at 5 p.m.). To learn more, visit http://terrakottaarmee.de/.

Basketball in Ansbach
The Ansbach Piranhas basketball team is playing against Leitershofen on Saturday, March 5 at 7:30 p.m. at the Sporthalle (Gym) of the Theresiengymnasium (Schreibmüllerstraße 10, Ansbach). To learn more about the team, check out their Facebook site at Ansbach Piranhas.

Bicycle Fair in Fürth
A bicycle fair takes place in the Stadthalle Fürth (Rosenstr. 50) on March 5 and 6 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Visitors can find out about the latest trends, accessories and travels. To learn more, visit Rad 16.

Open House at the Exotic Animal Resort in Ansbach
The mini zoo for rescued tigers and other exotic animals in Ansbach-Wallersdorf is hosting their monthly open house on Sunday, March 6 from 1 to 5 p.m. Guided tours take place every full hour, tiger feeding time is 5 p.m. in the tiger house. Visitors will be well taken care of with warm beverages, bratwurst and waffle; also for sale will be their calendar for 2016. Admission is free, but donations are always welcome. To learn more, visit Raubtier-und-Exotenasyl.

Volksmarch in Ansbach: 40 Years of German-American Hiking Day 
The annual German-American Volksmarch, hosted by the German-American Hiking Club Ansbach, takes place for the 40th time in Ansbach/Elpersdorf, March 12 and 13. Distances to hike are 5, 10 and 20 k; starting times on both days are 7 a.m. to 1 p.m., sign-up on site possible. Food and beverages will be available on site (Liebigstrasse 1, Autohaus parking lot). To learn more, go to Volksmarch in Ansbach.