The best road cycling routes around Hummeltal

very rewarding recreational area for Bayreuth and surroundings

In the heart of Waischenfeld, a stone's throw from the historic Wiesent bridge, at Marktplatz 3 you'll find a true monument of Franconian milling history: the Wehrl city mill. The impressive structure captivates visitors primarily with its technical masterpiece – the mill houses one of the largest undershot water wheels in the entire Franconian Switzerland, which turns tirelessly and loudly in the waters of the Wiesent. The history of the house is inextricably linked to the Wehrl family, in whose proud possession the estate has been since 1698. Even a fire disaster in 1948, which destroyed the building down to its foundations, could not break the tradition: already the following year, the mill was rebuilt in its current, stately form. After grain from the surrounding area was diligently milled here until 2007, the historic water power today serves clean electricity generation for the region. An absolutely photogenic stop on any city tour, perfectly combining history and modernity.

Anyone traveling through Franconian Switzerland looking for a place where deep-rooted traditions, vibrant beer culture, and spectacular natural scenery merge perfectly, cannot miss Nankendorf. The idyllic parish village with its approximately 310 inhabitants is the second-largest district of Waischenfeld and nestles picturesquely into a wide loop of the Wiesent river. As one of the oldest settlements in the region, the village looks back on a fascinating history that is still palpable on every corner of the charming village center today. For active vacationers, Nankendorf is the perfect starting point. Major long-distance hiking trails such as the Fränkische Gebirgsweg and the Fränkische Marienweg cross the village. The most beautiful tours in the surrounding area start from here: whether it's a mystical ascent to the Dreifaltigkeitsmarter on the Auberg, a discovery tour upstream past the Truppach estuary and the historic weir to the Eichenmühle, or a vertical adventure at the Freudenhaus climbing rock in the nearby Aalkorb – Nankendorf opens the door to the most beautiful natural wonders of the upper Wiesent valley.

Super Trails

The traditional inn „Zum Roten Roß“ is located directly on the central market square in Waischenfeld and combines historical half-timbered charm with modern comfort. After an extensive revitalization under new management, the historic building is now run as a cozy guesthouse and hotel, serving as an ideal base for holidaymakers and hikers in the Wiesenttal. The associated gastronomy focuses on hearty Franconian tradition and regional cuisine, and with the rustic „Fest-Stodl“, also offers a special setting for family celebrations and buffets.

The marketplace of Waischenfeld, officially named Bischof-Nausea-Platz today, forms the historical and social heart of the state-recognized climatic health resort in the Wiesenttal valley. Characterized by well-preserved Franconian half-timbered houses, the area reflects over 700 years of town history. The square extends across the valley floor directly below the striking Jura cliffs and the medieval Waischenfeld Castle with its famous round tower, the "Steinerner Beutel". As a central hub, it houses important municipal facilities such as the town hall and the tourist information office in the historic Baderhaus, and also serves as a backdrop for traditional markets and town festivals. Furthermore, the square functions as an ideal starting point for the historical city tour and the short panorama trail.

Heavily used and walked cycle path on a former railway line. Full recommendation.

Today seat of the tax office