The best running trails in Löhlitzer Wald

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).

The present-day Baroque church of St. Martinus in Nankendorf was built between 1746 and 1748, and its 42-meter-high steeple towers over the small village. It is no longer possible to say with certainty how many church buildings stood in Nankendorf before this time. However, the parish of Nankendorf is one of the oldest in Upper Franconia and existed even before the founding of the Diocese of Bamberg in 1007. The patron saint of the parish church is St. Martin (Martinus). St. James was added as a second patron saint later. The highlight of the liturgical year is the "Perpetual Adoration" at the end of the year, followed by a candlelight procession. Bengal lights, wax candles, and wood fires illuminate the surrounding slopes and rocks. The houses are decorated with candles, and the waters of the Wiesent River are lit.

The so-called Kunigundenbrunnen (Cunigunde Fountain) in Waischenfeld, next to the old brewery: Completely inaccurate from a historical perspective, the fountain was relocated during the renovation of the square and renamed at the same time. It's actually called Johannesbrunnen (John's Fountain) after the statue of John of Nepomuk, which has stood here since 1715 and protects the bridge from flooding. To make the fountain appear more attractive, a female figure was added, washing clothes right next to the fountain.

The old water supply in Nankendorf was renovated in 2009.

You will find the tourist information office in the town center. The friendly ladies are happy to help with any questions. Next to the fire station there are public toilets if you are in a hurry on your tour 😉

Fountain with a small sculpture. Next to it are a few benches for resting

A real oasis of well-being on the Wiesent