The best MTB trails around Waischenfeld

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.

A broad, wide valley with a gently hilly landscape.

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

At sunset it is gigantic there

Cooling down

Neubürg

A very nice after-work round