Auf den Spuren der Eisenbahn (KU 2)

Route description: Sporty but family-friendly cycle tour to the Gundlitzer Höhe, the "interface" between the Franconian Forest and the Fichtelgebirge. Mountain bike or e-bike recommendedFrom Wirsberg - the climatic health resort and wedding village in the countryside, the route leads over an ascent to the Gundlitzer Höhe at the interface to the Fichtelgebirge. After a rapid descent via Ziegenburg through the Perlenbach valley, rich in spring water, to Marktschorgast-Rohrersreuth and the monastery village of Himmelkron, the cyclist passes through mountain forests and meadow valleys in the immediate vicinity of Europe's first steep railroad line (inclined plane). Via the railroad village of Neuenmarkt - with the German Steam Locomotive Museum - you return to the starting point. Passages through: Wirsberg, Osserich, Cottenau, Gundlitz, Ziegenburg, Marktschorgast, Rohrersreuth, Himmelkron, Neuenmarkt.

Distances: Wirsberg - Cottenau approx. 3.5 km, Cottenau - Gundlitz approx. 2.5 km, Gundlitz - Marktschorgast approx. 5.5 km, Marktschorgast - Himmelkron approx. 6 km, Himmelkron - Neuenmarkt approx. 5 km, Neuenmarkt - Wirsberg approx. 1.5 km.

Special features & attractions: Wirsberg: Heated summer pool with giant water slide (117 m) as well as St. Johannis margrave and cycling church, nature, geology and mining nature trail, district youth center with campground, small animal enclosure, Kneipp facility, barbecue area; Marktschorgast: St. Jacob's parish church, Goldbergsee natural swimming pool with campground, small animal enclosure, Kneipp facility, barbecue area. Jakob, Goldbergsee natural swimming pool with campsite; Himmelkron: collegiate church museum, Baille-Maille-Allee, late Gothic cloister, historic monastery church, sports center with heated outdoor pool; Neuenmarkt: German steam locomotive museum with train rides across the inclined plane to the Marktschorgast mountain station, museum railroad,

connecting routes: Weißmain cycle path in the direction of Kulmbach and Bischofsgrün; EUREGIO EGRENSIS long-distance cycle path

Local public transport connections: Railway line 850 Lichtenfels-Mainleus-Kulmbach-Untersteinach-Ludwigschorgast-Neuenmarkt/Wirsberg-Marktschorgast-Hof and Trebgast-Harsdorf-Bayreuth with free bicycle transport on all trains; bus connections via public bus lines 8326, 835 and 835. Bus routes 8326, 8357, 8358, 8406, 8445 and 8943.

Important telephone numbers: Police 110, fire department 112, q/municipalities: Markt Wirsberg tel. 09227/93220, Marktschorgast tel. 09227/94300, Himmelkron tel. 09227/9310, Neuenmarkt tel. 09227/9300.