The best gravel rides around Hollfeld

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.

Be

beautiful valley, just flat, ideal for family outings, the crowning glory is the Kuchenmühle at the end

The cycle path between Hollfeld and Stechendorf is officially known as the Franconian Switzerland High Trail. The path follows the former railway line between Bayreuth and Hollfeld, which was closed in 1974. Thanks to the use of the old railway line, the route is largely flat and gently sloping. From Hollfeld, the path leads along the Wiesent Valley towards Stechendorf and on to Bayreuth. It is often also referred to as a leisure cycle path or a railway line path.

Cooling down

I always enjoy driving here.

One of my favorite routes in Franconian Switzerland.

The path to the cave is now quite overgrown, and there are also fallen trees in the way. I visited the cave once before around 2010, when the path was more accessible. Definitely worth a detour for adventurous hikers.