Hammelbach H1

The “H1” circuit starts here in the center of Hammelbach at the swimming pool parking lot and fairground. It first leads us past the Protestant church over a ridge with a magnificent view of Reichenberg Castle and the Otzberg on a beautiful trail to the natural monument “Eselstein”, an imposing rock formation created by the so-called Wollsack weathering (erosion). On lonely, earthy and rooty trails, we return above the hamlet of Altlechtern in the direction of Hammelbach. Passing the trial sports facility, the route leads over the “Heilige Wiese” up to the Wagenberg (535 m). The granite ridge of the Tromm separates the “Überwald” from the Weschnitz valley. A flowing trail afterwards rewards the ascent. The “H1” runs along the “F1”, the Fürth circular route in the Geo-Nature Park concept, as far as the “Brandschneider Kreuz” memorial. It is easy to switch to the “F1” here – and shortly afterwards to the Wald-Michelbach “Wa1” route. A short ascent and one of the highest beer gardens on the route offers a worthwhile stop: the “Zum Schardhof” restaurant, approx. 530 m above sea level, has been a popular destination for bikers from the region for years. (10 min. to the south, somewhat quieter and also with a beer garden, the Höhengaststätte “Zur schönen Aussicht”). The route leads back down to Hammelbach, but branches off after the campsite onto a beautiful “meadow trail” with wonderful views of the entire Ulfenbach valley and the Tromm as far as the Hardberg near Siedelsbrunn. In Litzelbach, we cross the country road and take a tough trail up to the historic sandstone quarries (geopoint). We circle the Hammelberg in solitude and with great views as far as the striking Kniebrech crossroads. Shortly afterwards, the connection to the Gras-Ellenbach “Gr-E1” circuit branches off. We continue to follow the signs and reach the picturesque Gaßbach valley on wonderful trails and a section of the Nibelungensteig trail. It is worth making a detour to the secluded “Waldcafe Bauer” with its sun terrace. Over earthy and shady trails through the forest to the edge of the village and down to Hammelbach to the starting point. Finally, pass the swimming pool, which offers welcome refreshment and refreshments. The Hammelbach circular route requires average technique and fitness and offers an intense nature experience with unique views. By linking the neighboring routes of Fürth, Wald-Michelbach, Aschbach and Gras-Ellenbach, ambitious bikers can enjoy the natural beauty of the Überwald.