Wiesent Spring – Wiesentfels Castle loop from Hollfeld

Franconian Switzerland

Landkreis Bayreuth

Hollfeld

Wiesent Spring – Wiesentfels Castle loop from Hollfeld

Moderate

riders

Wiesent Spring – Wiesentfels Castle loop from Hollfeld

02:36

56.5km

570m

Road cycling

Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride. The starting point of the route is accessible with public transport.

Last updated: October 1, 2026

Tips

Includes a segment in which cycling is not permitted

After 56.4 km for 56 m

Waypoints

Start point

Bus stop

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19.1 km

Climb to Schloss Greifenstein (15%)

Highlight (Segment) • Climb

Long 15% gradient - an absolute highlight to Greifenstein Castle.

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21.3 km

View of Schloss Greifenstein from Neumühle

Highlight • Viewpoint

Nice view from Neumühle to Greifenstein Castle.

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21.9 km

Leinleitertal Cycle Path

Highlight (Segment) • Cycleway

Great bike path, follow the signs, sometimes a bit hidden

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43.2 km

Anyone visiting the tranquil Steinfeld on the barren high plateau of the Franconian Jura will find the origin of the most important river in the entire region right in the heart of the village center. Here lies the Wiesentquelle, a karst spring carefully framed with stones. It is a fascinating natural phenomenon that is exemplary of the geology of the Jura: rainwater seeps into the porous limestone on the barren heights, collects underground, and emerges here as clear, fresh spring water at a lower layer. Although the Wiesent still appears like a small, inconspicuous stream at this point, it is the cradle of an entire holiday region. From Steinfeld, the water embarks on a journey of around 78 kilometers, meanders through deeply cut valleys, feeds the famous trout waters, and finally flows into the Regnitz near Forchheim.

Once a year, this tranquil spot becomes the absolute center of village life, attracting visitors from far and wide. At Easter, a deep Franconian tradition comes to life at the spring. In weeks of loving handcraft, the villagers decorate the framed spring with hundreds of artfully painted Easter eggs, fresh fir branches, and colorful spring flowers. The Steinfeld Easter Fountain is considered a prime example of lived custom throughout the entire Jura high plateau and has symbolized the gratitude of the people for the life-giving water in an otherwise rather water-scarce environment for generations.

For nature enthusiasts and active explorers, the Wiesentquelle also forms the ideal starting point for exploring the scenic treasures of the surrounding area. Wonderful hiking trails start directly at the bubbling spring pool. From here, the excursion can be perfectly extended – whether on a historically rich circular route up to the baroque Kreuzkapelle or on an extensive tour into the directly adjacent, wild and romantic Paradiestal, which awaits discovery with its bizarre rock formations.

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49.2 km

Wiesentfels Castle

Highlight • Castle

Wiesentfels Castle is a rock castle above the Wiesentfels district. Although the castle is privately owned, it can be visited. A board at the gate provides information about the castle tours.
From 1333 to 1938 the castle was owned by the Counts of Giech. Knight Albert von Giech received the castle as a fief in 1333 from the Bishopric of Bamberg. In 1412, two-thirds of the castle was given to Heinz von Schaumberg as Unterwiesentfels, and in 1415 a third of the castle was given to Hans II von Giech as Oberwiesentfels.
It was here at Wiesentfels Castle that the 2017 film "Famous Five - In the Valley of the Dinosaurs" was filmed. The Adventures of Julian, "Dick" (Richard), "George" (Georgina), Anne and Timmy the Dog are detective stories by Enid Blyton. She wrote 21 volumes about the experiences of the five friends.

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50.8 km

Hoher Knock Cave

Highlight • Cave

The cave in the limestone wall 'Hoher Knock' is also the namesake of the neighboring village.

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52.2 km

View of Freienfels rock castle

Highlight • Castle

The rock village of Freienfels is a picturesque district of the town of Hollfeld. The village is dominated by the imposing rock castle, which sits atop a dolomite cliff.

It was originally built as a fortress in the 14th century. Today it is privately owned, but in the summer it serves as an atmospheric stage for the Franconian Theater Summer. There are currently plans to convert parts of the castle into a museum. The village is a popular starting point for hikes.

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56.4 km

St. Salvator Pilgrimage Church (Wallfahrtskirche St. Salvator) Hollfeld

Highlight • Religious Site

The located in Hollfeld St. Salvator Church is dedicated to the Salvator Mundi (Latin: Savior, Savior of the World). Falsely, Salvatorkirches are often attributed to one person, namely the canonised Franciscan monk Salvator von Horta. The Salvator church Hollfeld is entirely dedicated to the example of Jesus Christ, who is called to help as an assistant in times of need and especially heavy load. The Hollfelder Salvator church has been a place of grace for centuries. Their equipment combines some valuable late-Gothic unique pieces with the good baroque work of the Hollfelder art and carpentry Lauter. The two-storey galleries bear witness to the great pilgrimage of bygone days, but many faithful still find themselves in the small, interesting church today.

Especially for the Salvatorfest on the last weekend in September, the plazas fill up to pray together to Jesus Christ, the Savior of the World, and to remember the legend that makes this place a place of pilgrimage. The church is open during the day but visitors must use the side entrance.

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56.5 km

End point

Bus stop

Way Types & Surfaces

Way Types