4.6
(443)
17,149
riders
527
rides
Road cycling around Rothsee (Hauptsperre), located south of Nuremberg in the Franconian Lake District, offers a diverse landscape for cyclists. The region features a mix of scenic environments, including mixed forests, open fields, and routes along the lake's shore. Terrain includes mostly paved paths with moderate elevation gains, and the area is characterized by meadows and forests. Cyclists can also encounter features such as the Rothsee Main Dam and the Main-Danube Canal.
Last updated: June 29, 2026
4.5
(34)
1,031
riders
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
4.3
(4)
444
riders
Easy road ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.

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41
riders
Easy road ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
31
riders
Easy road ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
13
riders
Moderate road ride. Great for any fitness level. Some segments of this route may be unpaved and difficult to ride.
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Here you can cross the canal
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This is always a good meeting point for the challenge
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Super view of the Main-Danube Canal
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The terrace is closed during the winter months.
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There is a viewing platform at the lock which is open daily from May to November.
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The Eckersmühlen lock was built between 1980 and 1985 as part of the construction of the Main-Danube Canal federal waterway and opened on June 15, 1991. It is located partly within the territory of the town of Roth, part of the municipality of Haimpfarrich, and the town of Hilpoltstein, part of the municipality of Heuberg, and is designed as an economy lock with three economy basins south of the lock basin. From the upstream water of the lock, water from the Eckersmühlen section can be fed into Lake Roth via a 300 m long tunnel. Downstream of the lock, the Kleine Roth is diverted beneath the canal in a 200 m long culvert, but can also discharge water from Lake Roth via an inlet structure if necessary.
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You should almost wait until a ship comes.
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There are over 500 road cycling routes available around Rothsee (Hauptsperre), offering a wide variety of options for different skill levels and preferences.
The terrain around Rothsee (Hauptsperre) is diverse, featuring a mix of scenic environments. You'll find routes leading through beautiful mixed forests, open fields, and along the lake's shore. While many paths are paved and relatively flat, some routes include moderate elevation gains, especially as you venture further from the immediate lakeside.
Yes, the area is well-known for its circular routes. A popular option is the approximately 12 km long circular path directly around the Rothsee. Many of the routes listed, such as the Rothsee – Main-Danube Canal at Rothsee loop, are designed as loops, allowing you to start and end at the same point.
You can explore several interesting features. The Rothsee itself is a central attraction, with routes often crossing the 1.6-kilometer-long main dam, which offers panoramic views. You can also see the Heuberg Lake Centre, the Main-Danube Canal, and the Eckersmühlen lock. Along some routes, you might even spot unique art installations like the 'Fliegendes Fahrrad' (Flying Bicycle).
Absolutely. Out of over 500 routes, 158 are classified as easy, making them perfect for beginners or those looking for a relaxed ride. An example of an easy route is the Main-Danube Canal at Rothsee – Radsport Fritz Buchstaller loop, which is just under 7 km long with minimal elevation.
Yes, while many routes are relatively flat, there are 56 difficult routes and 308 moderate routes that offer more significant elevation gains for experienced cyclists seeking a challenge. The Rothsee – Main-Danube Canal at Rothsee loop, for instance, is a moderate 50.7 km route with over 400 meters of elevation gain.
The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.6 stars from over 400 reviews. More than 16,000 road cyclists have explored the varied terrain, often praising the well-maintained paths, diverse landscapes, and scenic views of the lake and surrounding nature.
The Rothsee area is well-equipped with parking facilities, especially around popular access points like the Seezentrum Heuberg. Many routes start from locations with designated parking, making it convenient to begin your ride.
Yes, the Rothsee area is generally accessible by public transport, particularly from nearby towns like Roth. You can plan your journey to reach various starting points around the lake, though specific bus routes and schedules should be checked for the most current information.
The Rothsee area, especially around the Seezentrum Heuberg, offers amenities including cafes and restaurants where you can refuel. There are also various accommodation options in the surrounding villages and towns, catering to visitors looking to extend their stay.
The spring, summer, and early autumn months generally offer the most pleasant conditions for road cycling around Rothsee (Hauptsperre). During these seasons, the weather is typically mild, and the natural scenery is at its most vibrant. The area is also known for events like the DATEV Challenge Roth and Rothsee-Triathlon, highlighting its appeal during warmer months.
Many of the easier, mostly paved paths around the Rothsee are suitable for families. The 12 km circular path around the lake, for instance, is accessible and offers a pleasant ride for all ages. Routes with minimal elevation and away from heavy traffic are ideal for family outings.


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