The best MTB trails around Plankenfels

Where the steam locomotives of the branch line from Bayreuth to Hollfeld once puffed, bicycles now roll comfortably along the asphalt path. For hikers, this section offers a wonderfully relaxed walk without major inclines. The absolute highlight of this stretch awaits us about halfway between Welkendorf and Moggendorf: An inconspicuous but perfectly placed rest bench right by the wayside invites you to put down your backpack. Those who take a seat here will be rewarded with a fantastic panorama. The view opens wide over the idyllic, green Wiesenttal valley, which gently stretches between the hills of the Franconian Switzerland. It is the perfect place for a short break – you only hear the gentle rustling of the wind, enjoy the vastness of the landscape, and literally feel the history of the old railway line, which today integrates so peacefully into nature. A wonderful vantage point to recharge your batteries for the next few kilometers.

A hidden natural gem awaits explorers just a few steps below the historic oak mill in Plankenfels. Here, Franconian Switzerland celebrates a small, quiet river spectacle: the Truppach, coming from Obernsees, flows into the clear waters of the Wiesent from the left. Directly opposite the hamlet of Kaupersberg, perched on the slope, the two bodies of water merge, forming a wonderfully untouched river valley. Framed by dense alder forests and the mighty, bright rocks of the Eichenmühler Wände, this place exudes an almost magical tranquility. For hikers and cyclists, the section of the path around the confluence is one of the most beautiful routes in the region. The idyllic path leads directly along the riverbank and connects Plankenfels with Nankendorf on gentle trails. Anyone who crosses the small bridge over the Truppach should definitely pause for a moment: the quiet splashing of the confluence and the view of the wildlife on the riverbank make the Truppach estuary a perfect spot for a short break in the green.

The Wiesent is the 78-kilometer-long main river of Franconian Switzerland, which flows in numerous natural loops through a romantic Jura valley in the area around Waischenfeld. The water body is characterized by its excellent water quality, cool temperatures, and enormous fish richness, which is why the "Wehrlsche Strecke" above the town is valued throughout Europe as a first-class area for fly fishing.

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

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).

Very nice trail section, tight curves, flowing single trail and a few small technical sections every now and then.

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.

At sunset it is gigantic there