The best running trails in Löhlitzer Wald

Waischenfeld masterfully combines nature and culture – this becomes abundantly clear on a walk along the idyllic Wiesent river promenade. The Wiesentmauergalerie is a real splash of color in the cityscape. Here, the gray riverbanks of the Wiesent are transformed into a vibrant open-air gallery. At regular intervals, local youth and artist projects create large-format, colorful murals directly above the water's surface. Where once a wild jungle scene caught the eye, today imaginative fairy-tale motifs invite you to discover and smile. The murals are part of the extensive sculpture promenade that has stretched along the riverbank since the town's anniversary in 2015. Strolling past old willows and babbling water, you encounter high-caliber art objects made of sandstone, metal, and glass. Be sure to look out for the charming "Rothaus-Pöpel" – a sculpture depicting a legendary Waischenfeld goblin quietly rocking on a bell. The promenade proves: In Waischenfeld, you don't just walk through nature, but right through a living work of art.

For those seeking fantastic views without long hikes, the classic Panoramaweg Waischenfeld offers the perfect micro-adventure. With a length of just 1.2 kilometers, this short circular trail is an absolute favorite for families, photographers, and anyone who wants to discover the town from a bird's-eye view during a relaxed, half-hour stroll.

Anyone who follows the gentle murmur of the water on the riverbank opposite the Nankendorfer Mühle will discover a charming piece of history at the foot of the steep Lochberg wall: the Schatzbrunnen. This beautifully restored sandstone fountain was far more than just decoration in previous centuries – it served the people of Nankendorf as a vital source of drinking water. In 2009, the village community revived the historic structure from its slumber through joint effort. A special tip for spring holidaymakers: At Easter, the fountain is magnificently decorated according to old Franconian tradition with hand-tied garlands and hundreds of colourful Easter eggs. The mysterious name of the fountain also connects to the mystical world of legends in the valley. Just a short distance upstream lies the "Schatzlache" – a deep body of water from which, according to old chronicles, a green-haired nixie rose on stormy nights to guard a brightly shining gold treasure hidden at the bottom from the eyes of curious hikers. A wonderful, history-rich stopover right by the wayside, inviting you to take photos and dream.

Always worth a visit.

An absolute highlight for history and photography enthusiasts in the Wiesenttal is the historic mill in the Nankendorf district of Waischenfeld. First documented in 1539, the striking building is one of the oldest architectural monuments in Franconian Switzerland. The current appearance as a long sandstone and half-timbered building with a hipped roof essentially dates back to 1800 and has been proudly owned by the Sebald family for centuries. Anyone standing on the idyllic riverbank today can admire the impressive undershot water wheel, which until 1992 still ground grain and today generates environmentally friendly green electricity. A closer look at the southern corner of the house also reveals historical flood marks, testifying to the dramatic water levels of past times. After extensive renovation in recent years, the owner family plans to make the fascinating historical mill technology inside accessible to the public in the long term as a small mill museum, making the place a perfect stopover on any discovery tour.

The actual, classic Panoramaweg is a very short circular route of only about 1.2 kilometers in length, which leads in a stair-rich loop over the viewpoints directly above the city's rooftops. To be distinguished from this is the sporty Waischenfelder Panoramatrail, which describes an approximately 12-kilometer-long running and hiking route. This large loop uses the short walking path as a starting segment, but then extends far beyond the surrounding high plains and valleys of the region.

The over three-meter-high statue of Saint Nepomuk, which has stood next to the town bridge near the old brewery since 1715 and, according to well-known legends, is supposed to protect the bridge from misfortune. "Jo­hannes Nepomuk, defender of honor, pray for us and our city," is the translated inscription, which probably refers to an event that Waischenfeld only recently celebrated again two years ago: in 1715 it was exactly 400 years since the town was elevated to "city"; in 2015 it was a round 700 years. The assumption is underlined by an alliance coat of arms that is barely visible today, which is engraved in the base of the figure. It shows the lions of the Hochstift Bamberg coat of arms on the left, to which Waischenfeld belonged for over 400 years, and the coat of arms of the town of Waischenfeld on the right: a crowned man. Whether this is supposed to be the diocese founder Emperor Heinrich or King Ludwig, who granted the town rights in 1315, is still debated by scholars. Art experts are certain that it is a figure by the Waischenfeld master mason and stonemason Johann Schwesner.

It is pointless to speculate which of the numerous saints venerated in the Catholic (and partly also in the Protestant) Church holds the highest place in the hearts of children: Is it Saint Martin (Bishop of Tours), under whose venerable patronage this church is placed, who served as a soldier in the Roman army before his calling; and whose generous sharing of his cloak with the poor beggar is still commemorated today in lantern processions on his feast day (November 11). Or perhaps it is rather Saint Nicholas (Bishop of Myra), who, as is well known, bestows gifts upon good children during the Advent season on the eve of his feast day (December 6).