The best cycling routes in Naturpark Fränkische Schweiz - Frankenjura

Anyone who follows the Wiesent downstream from the historic Eichenmühle mill experiences one of the most untouched and picturesque sections of the entire valley. This section of the trail combines spectacular geology, centuries-old cultural history, and a vibrant river ecosystem in a confined space and is best explored on foot or by bike on the paved, natural farm track. The adventure begins directly below the old mill property at the Truppach confluence. Here, the upper Wiesent valley celebrates a small, quiet river spectacle when the Truppach, coming from the direction of Obernsees, joins from the left. Framed by dense alder stands and willows, the confluence area has an almost enchanted atmosphere. Looking back from the small Truppach bridge, you are offered a fantastic panorama: in the foreground, the water merges, while in the background, the historic half-timbered mill and the imposing dolomite walls rise up. Continuing along the river course in the shade of these mighty, bright rock formations, you reach the historic river weir on the Wiesent. Where the water now gently babbles over the barrier, the economic heart of the valley once beat. For centuries, the weir regulated the water level for the so-called "Wässerwiesen" – a sophisticated irrigation system that is now a UNESCO World Heritage site. At the same time, the facility was used for fishing, which is reflected in the name of the subsequent hamlet, Aalkorb. The designation, over a thousand years old, goes back to wooden fish traps that were hung in the flowing Wiesent at precisely these weirs. Today, the former barrier has been ecologically redesigned so that rare fish species such as the brown trout can once again easily pass the obstacle on their migrations. Behind the weir, the valley widens slightly, and the path leads along striking, vertical climbing rocks directly into the elongated district of Waischenfeld, Nankendorf. Here, the Wiesent flows quietly and peacefully through the village, past old willows, and invites you to stop for a well-deserved refreshment after an eventful passage through nature.

Super Trails

Very well-maintained property from the outside. From the inside, you don't have to like buildings for this purpose.🤔

In the years 1356 - 1360, the then Emperor Charles IV had a stately castle built on the small island on the Pegnitz. It served as a resting place on the way from Nuremberg to the imperial residence in Prague. The coat of arms hall is a stone testament to his power: 112 colorfully painted coat of arms shields of Bohemian noble families are carved into the wall. They were skillfully carved and painted into the sandstone by stonemasons. The coat of arms friezes are among the highest achievements of medieval heraldry.

The RMD canal is great. Great paths that you can cycle on

Simply beautiful to walk the path. Keep your eyes open and you can observe dragonflies, nutria, trout, and ducks.

The building you see today was built immediately after its destruction in the 2nd Margraves' War. The citizens rebuilt it in record time: Material. Massive sandstone was used, giving the building its characteristic, sturdy appearance to this day. A late Gothic structure with Renaissance influences was created. Particularly striking is the steep timber-framed gable, which was later plastered over. The town hall was much more than just an office for the mayor back then. The open ground floor (the so-called arcades) used to house the bread and meat benches. Bakers and butchers sold their goods here under the protection of the city council. The city council met on the first floor, and justice was administered. The council bell in the turret announced important verdicts or warned of fire. From early on, there was a "council room" in the town hall where the council members were entertained.

The castle was built between 1356 and 1360 by Emperor Charles IV. It was strategically located on the "Golden Road", the important trade route between Nuremberg and Prague. Charles IV used it as a stopover castle and residence to consolidate his claims to power in the region. Today, it houses an external campus of the Nuremberg Academy of Fine Arts.