The best MTB trails around Langweiler Wald

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.

Anyone looking for the characteristic natural beauty and deep-rooted history of the Franconian Switzerland will find a particularly impressive ensemble at the foot of the Hirtenberg near Plankenfels. Here, on the picturesque upper reaches of the Wiesent, lies the historic Eichenmühle. The historically protected isolated farmstead looks back on a centuries-old tradition as a grist and saw mill and is now a significant regional monument under protection. The historic estate is now privately owned and the idyllic courtyard is closed to through traffic, but this does not detract from the experience: From the nearby river bridge, visitors are offered one of the most famous and beautiful postcard motifs of the Wiesent Valley. Directly behind the venerable mill buildings, the imposing Eichenmühler Wände rise steeply into the sky. This mighty rock face of light Franconian dolomite – a typical mass limestone from the Jurassic period – forms a rugged, majestic backdrop. In calm weather and clear sunshine, the historic half-timbering of the mill and the white rock formations are perfectly reflected on the mirror-smooth water surface of the Wiesent. For active holidaymakers and mountaineers, the striking geotop is primarily known as a challenging climbing area in the Franconian Jura. Divided into the two sectors "Linke Wand" and "Rechter Turm", the rock offers varied routes. The narrow approach branches off shortly before the Plankenfels town sign (coming from the direction of Nankendorf). However, as the foot of the wall is very narrow, steep, and covered with scree, the area directly below the rocks is not suitable for families with children. Hikers and leisure cyclists will get their money's worth on the comfortable, asphalted valley path, which bypasses the mill and guarantees the safest and most impressive view of this fascinating interplay of man and nature.

Connection path Nankendorf - Waischenfeld. Marked hiking trail.

Small spot to rest and catch your breath.

A broad, wide valley with a gently hilly landscape.

This is our recommendation for a stop. Delicious food and super friendly service. In summer, there's lovely seating in the beer garden.

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.