Eggolsheim: Churches, Gatehouse and Trails in the Regnitz Valley

Eggolsheim lies in the Regnitz Valley on the western edge of Franconian Switzerland. Churches, historic buildings and two routes of different lengths give you various ways to explore during your stay—from local history to planning a specific walking time.

Compare routes by distance and walking time

Route 1 runs from Eggolsheim via Schirnaidel and Schießberg to the Lias clay pit and back. It is about 8.5 kilometres long and takes approximately three hours of walking. Route 2 starts at Eggolsheim town hall, leads to Lock 94 and Neuses a. d. Regnitz, and returns. This circular route is listed as approximately eight kilometres and about two hours of walking.

In approximate comparisons of distance and time, Route 2 is shorter. The details help you assess the two circular routes for your day’s plans; each describes the entire route, not just the way to an individual destination.

Churches, gatehouse and architectural history

St. Martin’s Parish Church was built to the plans of Baroque architect Leo von Kleinze (1784–1864). Its much older church tower is visible from afar and is a landmark of the market town. Another religious site is the Trinity Chapel on Bammersdorfer Straße. The old town hall is also one of Eggolsheim’s sights.

The Hirtentor, also known as the Forchheim Gate, was rebuilt as a gatehouse after the fire of 1684 and is one of the town’s sights. The restored Hirtentor is home to a cosy restaurant serving appealing cuisine. If you would like to stop there, check the current opening hours before your visit.

At the community centre, traditional Franconian construction meets functional contemporary architecture. The town’s architectural history includes a former brewery and inn; the former dance hall is also part of the ensemble. This building thus brings together past uses and contemporary architecture.

Lock 94 in the municipal area

Lock 94 is located within the market town of Eggolsheim. It is very well preserved and is the only one of the former 100 locks on the old Ludwig-Donau-Main Canal that visitors can walk through. The canal ran from Kelheim on the Danube to Bamberg on the Main. Today, the remains are an industrial monument of European significance dating from the first half of the 19th century. On Route 2, the lock is one of the listed destinations along the circular route.

Nature-themed activities nearby

Near Eggolsheim, the Lias-Grube environmental education centre offers nature walks and excursions for children and adults. Its 17-hectare outdoor site is a restored former clay pit and provides a setting for sustainable environmental education. Families can spend an individual nature-experience afternoon there with the centre; larger groups can also take part.

Cycling and regional context

The Canal and Valley Route of the Regnitz Cycle Route runs through the Regnitz Valley and connects to national and international cycling routes. This cycling context complements the local walking loops with another way to explore the region.

The wider Forchheim travel destination has other independent cultural and hiking destinations. The Cultural Experience Franconian Switzerland hiking trail links important cultural projects across more than 280 kilometres in the Forchheim district. Wiesenthau Castle is privately owned, used for hospitality and can be visited by arrangement; arrange your visit before travelling. The ruins of Neideck Castle and Neideck Archaeological Park are accessible at any time.

Discover more destinations: Gräfenberg, Kirchehrenbach, Neunkirchen Am Brand, Kunreuth, Igensdorf, Heroldsbach, Effeltrich, Weißenohe.

Return to the broader travel overview: Forchheim.