Attractions and places to see around Gesees, a municipality approximately 6 kilometers south of Bayreuth, offer a blend of historical landmarks and natural beauty. The area features a variety of natural features, including rock formations, gorges, and a significant river source. Visitors can explore historical sites like fortified churches and expansive palace grounds. This region provides diverse points of interest for those interested in history, architecture, and the natural landscape of Upper Franconia.
Last updated: May 26, 2026
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Highlight (Segment) • Gorge
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Like most river sources, it's rather unspectacular, but if you're planning to cycle the Main cycle path anyway...
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Hard to believe that this will become the Main
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Near the center of Mistelbach there are several rock formations made of Rätholias sandstone, including the Viertelstein, which stands in the middle of a field.
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The Rotmainquelle, beautifully situated and beautifully framed.
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It's beautiful how the clear water rushes over the mossy rocks. It's not one of the big waterfalls, but it's enchanting nonetheless.
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Because of its wild and romantic appearance, the Teufelsloch became a tourist destination in the 19th century. Richard Wagner also visited here often and stopped off at the Waldhütte. In the second half of the 19th century, the two-arched sandstone bridge was finally built, spanning the deep gorge and allowing access from Oberwaiz to the Waldhütte restaurant. The Teufelsloch has been a nature reserve since 1941.
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Unfortunately it was dry when we visited, so it's best to visit after the snow has melted or there has been heavy rain.
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I think the source is beautifully prepared and does credit to the Main. Compared to other river sources, such as the Lahn, one source can be clearly seen here. No one can say exactly which rivulets that flow together somewhere eventually form the Main. Thank God it was set that way in the past and that's a good thing.
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Gesees and its surroundings offer a variety of natural attractions. You can visit the Devil’s Hole Waterfalls, a wildly romantic gorge and nature reserve known for its impressive plant species and a two-arched sandstone bridge. Another significant natural monument is the Rotmain Spring, the source of the Rotmain river, beautifully situated in the Lindenhardt Forest.
Yes, the area features several striking rock formations. The Viertelstein Rock Formation near Mistelbach, also known as the Devil's Rock, is a free-standing sandstone rock showcasing distinctive honeycomb weathering. Additionally, the Buchstein Rock Formation, a protected natural monument and geotope, features sandstone rocks up to 10 meters high with beautiful cross-bedding and limonite crystallization.
In Gesees, the most prominent historical landmark is the Church of St. Marien zum Gesees, often called the 'Crown of the Hummelgau.' This Gothic fortified church, first documented in 1321 and rebuilt in 1441, is one of Upper Franconia's best-preserved fortified churches. It houses historical treasures, including 15th-century frescoes and the oldest bell in Upper Franconia, dating back to 1306.
Absolutely. Just a short distance away, you can explore the New Palace (Bayreuth Hermitage). This historic park, with foundations dating back to 1715, features water features, the Old Castle, the New Castle, and other smaller structures. It's a significant cultural site with a rich history, including connections to Margravine Wilhelmine.
The Gesees area offers various cycling opportunities. You can find several road cycling routes, such as the Bayreuth Radring, Fränkische Schweiz-Radweg, and Markgrafen-Weg. For specific tours, explore options like the 'Mistelbach Cycle Path – Cycle Path to Mistelbach loop from Gesees' which is a moderate 17.5 km route. You can find more details and routes on the Road Cycling Routes around Gesees guide.
Yes, there are several running trails available. For example, you can try the 'Viertelstein Rock Formation near Mistelbach – Hirtenstein loop from Hummeltal,' a moderate 6.3 km route. More challenging options include the 'Röhrensee Animal Park – Röhrensee Park loop from Hummeltal,' which is a difficult 19.3 km run. Discover more routes in the Running Trails around Gesees guide.
Many attractions around Gesees are suitable for families. The New Palace (Bayreuth Hermitage) with its expansive park is considered family-friendly. The Geseeser Kirchberg features a Fruit Educational Path (Obstlehrpfad) with over 300 fruit trees, offering an engaging walk for all ages. Natural sites like the Viertelstein Rock Formation are also accessible and interesting for children.
The area around Gesees is beautiful year-round, but for outdoor activities like hiking and cycling, spring (April-May) and autumn (September-October) offer pleasant temperatures and vibrant scenery. The Fruit Educational Path on Geseeser Kirchberg is particularly lovely during blooming season or when fruits are ripe. Summer is also great for exploring, though it can be warmer.
Yes, the region around Gesees is rich with trails, including old pilgrim paths. The Geseeser Kirchberg, home to the Church of St. Marien, features steep pilgrim trails that guide visitors through its historic orchard. These paths offer scenic views and connect to a broader network of hiking routes, allowing you to explore the natural beauty and historical sites of Upper Franconia.
Visitors particularly appreciate the blend of historical significance and natural beauty. The New Palace (Bayreuth Hermitage) is loved for its 'fantastically beautiful park' and historical architecture. The Devil’s Hole Waterfalls are praised for their 'wildly romantic' atmosphere and 'special charm,' even with small waterfalls. The Rotmain Spring is valued as a significant natural monument and a great starting point for hikes.
Yes, you can visit the Ancient Oak Tree (Breite Eiche) located at the southern edge of Forkendorf, a district of Gesees. This impressive oak is approximately 1000 years old and has been a protected natural monument since 1959. It boasts a trunk circumference of 5.60 meters and offers a peaceful spot with a bench for resting.
Yes, mountain biking enthusiasts will find trails in the vicinity. For instance, you can explore the 'Röhrensee Animal Park – Wilhelminenaue Park loop from Mistelbach,' an easy 22.3 km route, or the 'French Bridge – Jägerstein Trail at Hollerberg loop from Mistelbach,' a moderate 39.6 km trail. More options are available in the MTB Trails around Gesees guide.


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