The best traffic-free bike rides around Forst Neustädtlein am Forst

The Rote Main is the longer of the two headwaters of the Main river and significantly shapes the cityscape of Bayreuth. The river owes its name to the clay-rich soils of its catchment area. Especially after rainfall, reddish clay particles are washed into the water, giving it a characteristic reddish-brown color. It originates in the Lindenhardter Forst in the Franconian Switzerland, about 10 kilometers south of Bayreuth. At around 72 to 73 kilometers, it is significantly longer than the Weiße Main. Near Kulmbach (Schloss Steinenhausen), it merges with the Weiße Main to form the actual Main.

The Main floodplains between Bayreuther Nordring and Heinersreuth form a valuable recreational area, characterized by a wide, idyllic river landscape and the thematic Rot-Main-Auen-Weg. In this area, the Roter Main makes "beautiful swings" (meanders) through the floodplain. The landscape consists of species-rich meadows, tall herb communities, and remnants of floodplain forests. Part of the path is designed as an educational trail, where you pass wooden animal figures such as a beaver and an owl. The floodplains are a habitat for rare animal species such as the kingfisher or the stork. From Nordring, the path leads through open countryside for about 3.5 kilometers directly to Heinersreuth. The route is flat and often runs on paved or asphalted cycle paths, making it ideal for family outings. On the way to Heinersreuth and further to Unterkonnersreuth, you pass striking buildings such as the Masel-Mühle and the Wiesenmühle. The area is part of the Unteres Rotmaintal protected area, which prevents development and ensures the preservation of the floodplain.

The Wiesenmühle (also called Unterkonnersreuther Mühle) is a historic grist and saw mill in Unterkonnersreuth, a district of Heinersreuth. It is located directly on the Roten Main river and looks back on a history of over 600 years. The mill was first documented in 1398 in the Landbuch A. Today's main building is a two-story building with a gable roof, bearing the year 1796, but is considerably older in its core. As a protected monument, it is an important testimony to the regional history of milling. For over ten generations (from 1603 to 1904), the mill was run by the Hähn/Hahn family. A tombstone of the miller Martin Hahn from 1701 can still be seen today at the baroque rectory in Bindlach. It formerly served as a combined grist and saw mill. The milling operation continued until 1963, while the sawmill was in operation until 1975. The entire 19th-century grain mill technology is excellently preserved over three floors. Today, the mill's water power is used for electricity generation.

Good cycle path

Beautiful cycle path along the water

View over the Bayreuth area

wonderful high-altitude trail from Bayreuth to Eckersdorf for hiking or cycling

The **Altenplos watermill** is a historic and fascinating structure that plays an important role in the history of the region. Here is some interesting information about the mill: ### General information - **First mention**: The mill was documented as early as **1398**, making it one of the oldest structures in Altenplos. - **Duration of operation**: The mill has been operated by the Weigel family for around **400 years**, which underlines its long tradition. ### Historical significance - **Modernization**: In **1947** the grain mill was modernized to meet the demands of the time. - **Dam**: One year after the modernization, the dam, which was badly damaged by the "gnawing and drilling water" of the Red Main, was rebuilt. ### Use and activities - **Bicycle tours**: The mill is a popular point for cyclists who want to explore the surrounding area. There are easy bike rides suitable for all fitness levels. - **Events**: The mill is occasionally used for various events, showing that it is still a vibrant part of the community today.