In the Rodach valley and around the Ködel dam

There are bicycle parking spaces in the immediate vicinity.

If you have had an e-bike delivered to the station by Frankenwald Bike in advance, the tour can start immediately. From the station, head east parallel to the B303.

Then you cycle through Marktrodach always along the Rodach.

Frankenwald Bikes offers 3 e-bike models for hire, all of which are equipped with high-quality components so that you can start your cycling tours in the Frankenwald without any compromises.

Upon request in advance, the rental shop also offers the option of having rental bikes delivered to the train station. However, it is essential to enquire in advance.

The current prices of the different models can be found on the website. (Daily price 35-45,-€)

Start eastwards over the two rivers Haßlach and Kronach and follow the Rodach upstream.

The valley of the Rodach narrows behind Marktrodach and Zeyern and you will repeatedly pass old mills along the way that have shaped the area here.

The pond mill in Steinwiesen is over half a millennium old. It was first mentioned in 1507. In the Franconian Forest, the milling tradition is even over 900 years old. These first "machines" of mankind are already mentioned in the Old Testament. However, the mills in the Rodach Valley are not hand-operated and do not grind grain. As one of the last saw or cutting mills in the Franconian Forest, the Teichmühle is still in operation today and its mill wheel is intact. It is also a museum mill. It is open on Sunday afternoons in summer for anyone who would like to find out more about what the daily work of a cutting miller used to be like. Groups of ten or more can book a guided tour throughout the week.

Even more mills lie on your way. You continue up the Rodach until you reach your second destination of today's tour: the Ködeltalsperre.

If you like, you can stop at the local inn "Klug" in Nurn above the dam after your tour and fortify yourself for the return journey. (Nurn 21, 96349 Steinwiesen, Tel. 09262 7908)

The Mauthaus drinking water dam is the largest drinking water dam in Bavaria. Its tributaries to the right and left of the Schauberg at the northern end of the dam are called Nordhalbener and Tschirner Ködel, which is why it is also known as Ködeltalsperre.

The mainly flat asphalted circular path around the reservoir is a good eleven kilometres long and well suited for many recreational sports: from hiking, jogging and cycling to inline skating and Nordic blading. However, because drinking water is extracted here, the invitingly clear water is off-limits for bathing.

After the flat loop around the dam, the only notable climb of this tour awaits you.

Via a forest path with a rapid ascent, you reach the eastern edge of Nurn. Follow the gravel path south for one kilometre to reach the viewpoint.

This stone desert was artificially created by humans, but over time it has become a unique natural biotope. It was created during the expansion of the state road 2207 between Steinwiesen and Mauthaus. It consists of 30,000 cubic metres of rock material that form a bizarre rocky landscape.

Today, the rocky desert is a habitat for rare plants and animals, including many lizards and the protected smooth snake, which is completely harmless to humans. From here, the view sweeps over the hills and valleys of the Franconian Forest from a height of 500 metres.

From the great view on the hilltop, the route first goes back to Nurn and from there continues on the asphalt road through the forest back to the Rodach valley.

If you like, take a break on the way in Marktrodach in Stegner's country beer garden (Kulmbacher Str. 10, 96364 Marktrodach, Tel. 09261/2640) or, in bad weather, in the rustic barn belonging to it. Here you can get Franconian specialities and home-made snacks and every month a special beer on tap from the region.

Now it's not far to Kronach.

When the State Garden Show opened in Kronach in 2002, the city had successfully managed the largest clean-up of contaminated sites in Bavaria's history. Where the rivers Haßlach and Kronach meet the Rodach, there had previously been an unsightly and heavily polluted industrial area.

20 years ago, a spacious 14-hectare park was created on this site in front of the panorama of Rosenberg Fortress. Today, the Landesgartenschaupark attracts people of all ages. Sports enthusiasts can let off steam at the adventure and water playground, volleyball court, skate park and climbing tower. Those who want to unwind can look at the sculptures, meet at the lake stage or stroll through the educational garden.

The way back to Kronach station leads north along the water.
But before you get on the train, don't forget to return your rented e-bike.