The best cycling routes around Ellertshäuser Lake
4.5
(646)
3,442
riders
268
rides
Touring cycling around Ellertshäuser Lake offers a diverse environment for outdoor activities. The region is centered around the artificial Ellertshäuser Lake, the largest recreational lake in Lower Franconia. Cycling routes traverse through forests, fields, and quiet side roads, featuring both paved and unpaved sections. The landscape includes varying elevations, with some routes requiring moderate to very good fitness.
Best touring cycling routes around Ellertshäuser Lake
- The most popular touring cycling route is Friesenhausen Castle – Aidhausen Village Shop loop from…
Last updated: May 20, 2026
3.9
(7)
40
riders
Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.5
(13)
32
riders
29.9km
01:51
240m
240m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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4.3
(3)
5
riders
42.3km
02:55
430m
430m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.3
(3)
11
riders
Hard bike ride. Good fitness required. You may need to push your bike for some segments of this route.
4.5
(2)
6
riders
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Popular around Ellertshäuser Lake
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Tips from the Community
Beautiful to look at, no matter from where
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Beautiful setting, but appearances are deceiving! The stately estate is visibly falling into disrepair.
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Friesenhausen Castle was built as a moated castle in the 13th/14th century.
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Welcome to Friesenhausen Castle The small village of Friesenhausen, part of the municipality of Aidhausen, is beautifully situated at the foot of the Haßberge hills. Along with the Protestant St. George's Church and the Catholic Church of the Assumption of Mary, Friesenhausen Castle is a defining feature of the village. The current building dates back to a Gothic castle surrounded by a moat. In the 16th century, a Renaissance palace was built over the castle courtyard and later converted into a Baroque palace. Further details can be found under the section on the castle's history. To commemorate the village's 1200th anniversary in 2016, a historical guide to Friesenhausen Castle will be published, containing a detailed history of the castle's construction as well as numerous illustrations. The property is privately owned and is generally not open to the public. Groups of 20 or more can request a guided tour by contacting us. Photography is not permitted inside the castle, and animals are not allowed on the premises. On Sunday, September 11, 2016, this year's Open Monument Day will take place. On this occasion, Friesenhausen Castle will open its gates from 12 pm to 5 pm (guided tours will be offered by family members; a small contribution towards expenses is requested). Coffee and cake will also be available. Larger groups can register for the event on this day by contacting us. http://www.schloss-friesenhausen.de/index.html
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Architectural History of Friesenhausen Castle Around the year 1300, several local lords held sway in Friesenhausen simultaneously. A Gothic moated castle in a small lake existed from approximately 1300 to 1741 and was at times owned by the Truchseß von Wetzhausen family. Traces of this family can still be found in the Protestant Church of St. George. The Gothic lake castle, however, was demolished in 1741, and the lake was filled in with the rubble. The present Renaissance-Baroque castle in Friesenhausen also originates from a Gothic castle, which, however, did not stand in the adjacent lake but was surrounded by a moat. Around 1563, the married couple Schenk von Ostheim-Steinau von Steinrück built a Renaissance castle over the Gothic moated castle, incorporating the castle courtyard. The conversion to a Baroque castle and further construction work were carried out under the Würzburg Cathedral canon Johann Philipp Fuchs von Dornheim and the Lords von... Dalberg, who embellished the entire complex with numerous additions such as the gate and the equestrian statues. In 1940, Franz Karl Prince zu Salm-Salm acquired the castle, but resided there only temporarily. As early as 1938, it had served as quarters for women of the Reich Labor Service, later as accommodation for prisoners of war, a military hospital for wounded German soldiers, and finally as a transit camp for expellees from Silesia and the Sudetenland. Subsequently, Caritas Würzburg established a retirement home there, which remained in operation until March 1957. After this intensive use, the building stood empty for 16 years, which is why Prince Salm sold the urgently needed renovation of the castle to the von Eichborn family in March 1973. You can read the detailed, richly illustrated architectural history in our newly published 2016 art guide. http://www.schloss-friesenhausen.de/baugeschichte.html
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A beautiful path leads all the way around Lower Franconia's largest lake. The lake is a great place for a break. You can grab a snack at the kiosk and, if the weather's nice, sit on the sandy beach.
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Very nice market square with lots of half-timbered houses
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On hot days the cafe is unfortunately overrun, otherwise you can sit there comfortably and enjoy your break
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many touring cycling routes are available around Ellertshäuser Lake?
There are over 250 touring cycling routes around Ellertshäuser Lake, catering to various skill levels. These include routes ranging from easy to difficult, ensuring options for most cyclists.
What kind of terrain can I expect on the touring cycling routes around Ellertshäuser Lake?
The cycling paths primarily consist of a mix of paved and unpaved forest and field trails, along with quiet side roads. You'll encounter varying elevations, with some routes requiring moderate to very good fitness, and occasionally, you might need to push your bike on certain segments.
Are there family-friendly touring cycling routes near Ellertshäuser Lake?
Yes, the region offers routes suitable for families. While specific 'family-friendly' routes aren't explicitly detailed, the presence of easy and moderate trails, along with the lake's recreational facilities like a water playground, suggests that many shorter, less challenging routes would be enjoyable for families. For example, the View of Lake Ellertshäuser – View of Ellertshäuser Lake loop from Ellertshäuser See is a shorter option at 10.3 miles (16.5 km).
What are some notable landmarks or viewpoints along the touring cycling routes?
Many routes offer wonderful views of the Ellertshäuser reservoir itself. You can also cycle past historical sites like Friesenhausen Castle, as seen on the Friesenhausen Castle – Aidhausen Village Shop loop from Ellertshäuser See, or Mainberg Castle, featured in the Mainberg Castle – View of Lake Ellertshäuser loop from Ellertshäuser See. The area also features natural attractions like the Lower Dam Area and the Reed Belt at Ellertshäuser See.
What do other touring cyclists enjoy most about cycling around Ellertshäuser Lake?
The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.5 stars from over 500 reviews. Cyclists often praise the diverse environment, which includes scenic views of the lake, tranquil forests, and open fields, as well as the variety of routes catering to different fitness levels.
Are there any circular touring cycling routes around Ellertshäuser Lake?
Yes, many of the routes around Ellertshäuser Lake are designed as loops, allowing you to start and end at the same point. Examples include the Lakeside Café at Ellertshäuser See – View of Mittelmühle loop from Ellertshäuser See and the Brewery Museum Fuchsstadt – View of Lake Ellertshäuser loop from Altenmünster.
What amenities are available near Ellertshäuser Lake for cyclists?
Near the lake, you'll find the Two Seasons Restaurant, offering dining opportunities. There are also glamping options for those looking for an extended stay. The lake itself provides recreational activities like swimming and a water playground.
Is it possible to reach Ellertshäuser Lake by public transport for cycling trips?
While the region is well-suited for cycling, specific public transport connections directly to the lake for cyclists are not detailed. It's advisable to check local bus or train schedules for the nearest towns and plan your route from there, or consider driving and utilizing available parking.
What is the best time of year to go touring cycling around Ellertshäuser Lake?
The area is generally enjoyable for cycling during most of the year, with spring, summer, and early autumn offering pleasant weather. The routes traverse through forests and fields, which are particularly scenic during these seasons. It's always a good idea to check local weather conditions before heading out.
Are dogs allowed on the touring cycling trails around Ellertshäuser Lake?
The region's natural surroundings, including forests and fields, generally welcome dogs. However, specific rules regarding dogs on cycling trails or in certain protected biotope areas are not explicitly stated. It's always recommended to keep dogs on a leash and ensure they do not disturb wildlife or other visitors.
Are there any particularly challenging touring cycling routes for experienced cyclists?
Yes, among the over 250 routes, there are 82 classified as 'difficult'. These routes often feature more significant elevation gains and longer distances, such as the View of Lake Ellertshäuser – View of Ellertshäuser Lake loop from Ellertshäuser See, which, despite its shorter distance, is rated difficult due to its elevation profile.
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