The best cycling routes around Aufseß

A particularly charming place, both scenically and geographically, in the northern part of Franconian Switzerland is the Eichenmühle, an idyllic estate in the municipality of Plankenfels. The historic property owes its very special significance to its striking location in the region's river system: directly below the mill, the nearly seven-kilometer-long Truppach, coming from Obernsees, flows into the Wiesent, which flows south there, from the left. Nestled in a wide valley bordered by wooded slopes and striking rock formations, the Eichenmühle once used the water power at this distinctive junction as a classic grain mill. Today, the historically rich site, which is reached via a short side road from the main road, is a perfect orientation and resting point for nature enthusiasts. It is located directly on popular hiking and cycling routes – such as the well-known tour “Truppach meets Wiesent” – and makes the gentle, water-rich river landscape of the Franconian natural scenery perfectly experienceable for excursionists.

An absolute highlight for history and photography enthusiasts in the Wiesenttal is the historic mill in the Nankendorf district of Waischenfeld. First documented in 1539, the striking building is one of the oldest architectural monuments in Franconian Switzerland. The current appearance as a long sandstone and half-timbered building with a hipped roof essentially dates back to 1800 and has been proudly owned by the Sebald family for centuries. Anyone standing on the idyllic riverbank today can admire the impressive undershot water wheel, which until 1992 still ground grain and today generates environmentally friendly green electricity. A closer look at the southern corner of the house also reveals historical flood marks, testifying to the dramatic water levels of past times. After extensive renovation in recent years, the owner family plans to make the fascinating historical mill technology inside accessible to the public in the long term as a small mill museum, making the place a perfect stopover on any discovery tour.

nice little place to linger

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.

Before this rocky cross, a brief thought from Pope Francis, who passed away on Easter Monday this year. Although he was unable to participate in the traditional Stations of the Cross with the Holy Father at the Colosseum in Rome on Good Friday 2025 due to health reasons, he posed the following question in his meditation on the occasion: "Where are we on Golgotha? Beneath the cross? At a distance? Far away? Or perhaps, like the apostles, we are no longer here." He then continues his meditation: "You breathe, and this breath, the last and the first, longs only to be received. Lord Jesus, lead us to your gift. Do not let your breath of life dissipate."

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View from the pavilion

Very nice route, well signposted, apart from about 250 minutes of gravel, everything is on very good asphalt.