4.5
(187)
1,639
riders
168
rides
Gravel biking around Rothsee (Vorsperre) offers diverse landscapes within the Franconian Lake District. The region features an artificial lake divided into a main basin and a smaller pre-dam, surrounded by forests and meadows. Well-maintained cycling paths encircle the lake, with some segments offering unpaved sections suitable for gravel biking. The terrain includes minimal elevation changes around the main lake circuit, making it accessible, while longer routes may present more varied challenges.
Last updated: June 6, 2026
4.4
(12)
77
riders
Easy gravel ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(6)
10
riders
Moderate gravel ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

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5.0
(1)
11
riders
39.8km
02:05
170m
170m
Moderate gravel ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.0
(1)
5
riders
Moderate gravel ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
3.0
(1)
2
riders
35.6km
02:15
200m
200m
Hard gravel ride. Good fitness required. You may need to push your bike for some segments of this route.
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Beautiful cycle path. However, one must note that there is hardly any shade and you are almost constantly in the sun.
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This is the highest point of the RMD canal. The watershed between the Main-Rhine river system, which drains north to the North Sea, and the Danube, which drains towards the Black Sea.
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The Rothsee invites you to linger. There are also gastronomic offers where you can refresh yourself with drinks and ice cream or strengthen yourself with a meal.
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Count Faber-Castell lives with his family in the small village of Dürrenhembach, surrounded by extensive forest land. The beautiful half-timbered houses are picturesquely situated in the middle of the woods and enclosed by a large horse ranch.
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Even Nuremberg's mayor, Marcus König, likes to go here to enjoy the peace and quiet.
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Swimming pond with adjacent campsite and restaurant
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The Eckersmühlen lock was built between 1980 and 1985 as part of the construction of the Main-Danube Canal federal waterway and opened on June 15, 1991. It is located partly within the territory of the town of Roth, part of the municipality of Haimpfarrich, and the town of Hilpoltstein, part of the municipality of Heuberg, and is designed as an economy lock with three economy basins south of the lock basin. From the upstream water of the lock, water from the Eckersmühlen section can be fed into Lake Roth via a 300 m long tunnel. Downstream of the lock, the Kleine Roth is diverted beneath the canal in a 200 m long culvert, but can also discharge water from Lake Roth via an inlet structure if necessary.
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There are over 230 gravel bike routes around Rothsee (Vorsperre), offering a wide range of options for different skill levels. These include 43 easy, 144 moderate, and 52 difficult trails, ensuring there's something for every gravel biker.
The terrain around Rothsee (Vorsperre) is quite varied. You'll find well-developed cycling paths, some of which are paved, while others offer unpaved sections for a more authentic gravel biking experience. The main lake circuit has minimal elevation changes, making it accessible, but longer routes can present more varied challenges through forests and meadows.
Yes, the Rothsee area is well-suited for family-friendly cycling. The main circuit around the Rothsee, spanning approximately 12 kilometers with minimal elevation changes, is ideal for families. Routes like View of the Seezunge (Rothsee) – View of the Rothsee with its marina loop from Nordwestufer der Rothsee-Hauptsperre are shorter and easier, perfect for a relaxed family outing.
Yes, many trails around Rothsee (Vorsperre) are suitable for cycling with dogs. While there are no specific leash rules mentioned for all trails, it's generally recommended to keep your dog on a leash, especially in nature reserve areas and when encountering other visitors, to ensure safety and respect for wildlife.
The Rothsee region offers several points of interest. You can enjoy views of the Rothsee itself, explore the Rothsee Nature Reserve, or observe local flora and fauna at the LBV Rothsee Environmental Pavilion. Cyclists can also catch views of the Main-Danube Canal and the Eckersmühlen lock from an observation platform.
Yes, there are several convenient amenities. The Birkach Beach House at Rothsee at the Vorsperre offers a cafe, kiosk, and playground. Other recreational centers like Seenzentrum Heuberg and Strandhaus Grashof at Lake Rothsee also provide services and places to stop for refreshments around the lake.
The Rothsee area is beautiful throughout the seasons, but spring and autumn often offer the most pleasant conditions for gravel biking with milder temperatures and vibrant scenery. The Rothsee East Shore is particularly noted for its scenic beauty during these times. While possible in winter, be prepared for potentially colder and wetter conditions.
The region is well-equipped with parking facilities for visitors. You'll find designated parking areas near the main recreational centers like Seenzentrum Heuberg, Grashof, and around the Vorsperre, making it convenient to access the various trailheads.
Absolutely. For experienced riders seeking a challenge, routes like View of the Rothsee with its marina – View of the Great Brombach Lake loop from Polsdorf offer a more extensive ride, spanning nearly 70 km with over 500 meters of elevation gain. These routes extend beyond the immediate lake circuit, providing varied terrain and longer durations.
The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.4 stars from over 190 reviews. Reviewers often praise the diverse landscapes, the blend of natural beauty with well-maintained paths, and the picturesque backdrop of the lake, surrounding forests, and nature reserves. The options for different ability levels are also frequently highlighted.
No, there are no specific permits required for gravel biking on the public paths and trails around Rothsee (Vorsperre). You are free to explore the extensive network of routes at your leisure.
While specific public transport options for bikes are not detailed, the Rothsee region is generally accessible. It's advisable to check local bus or train services that operate in the Franconian Lake District for their bike transport policies and schedules to plan your journey effectively.
Yes, some gravel routes provide excellent views of the Main-Danube Canal. For instance, the route Rothsee South Shore – Main-Danube Canal Lock loop from Heuberg specifically incorporates this feature, allowing you to see the canal and the Eckersmühlen lock from an observation platform.


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