Hausen Hydropower Plant and Footbridge
Hausen Hydropower Plant and Footbridge
Highlight • Bridge
Hiking
4.7
(322)
Road cycling
5.0
(19)
Running
5.0
(15)
Cycling
5.0
(4)
Mountain biking
5.0
(1)
The Hausen Hydroelectric Power Plant and its accompanying Pedestrian Bridge are notable landmarks situated on the Main River in Germany, near the historic Banz Monastery and the pilgrimage site of Vierzehnheiligen. Located at an elevation of approximately 256 metres, this facility is a vital part of the region's infrastructure, contributing to renewable energy generation while also serving as a popular crossing point for hikers and cyclists exploring the scenic Main Valley.
Visitors particularly appreciate the opportunity to traverse the Main…
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July 6, 2020
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Nearby routes
Best routes near Hausen Hydropower Plant and Footbridge
4.8
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478
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18.8km
05:24
440m
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Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.
4.6
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246
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03:09
170m
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Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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300m
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Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
Details
Informations
Elevation 260 m
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The Hausen Hydroelectric Power Plant is a run-of-river facility on the Main River, commissioned in 1965. It's part of a larger group of 35 such plants operated by Uniper, collectively generating approximately 0.7 billion kilowatt-hours of environmentally friendly electricity annually. The Hausen plant specifically has a technical capacity of 2 MW and contributes to powering around 247,000 private households.
The pedestrian and bicycle bridge was newly constructed and officially inaugurated on July 20, 2019. This was part of a major renovation project for the power plant's weir system, which included replacing the old structure with two low-maintenance rubber weirs.
Yes, the bridge serves as a key connection point for various hiking and cycling routes. It links the historic Banz Monastery and the pilgrimage site of Vierzehnheiligen, making it a popular path for pilgrims and tourists. A public path leads directly over the dam, allowing for easy access for pedestrians and cyclists to explore the surrounding Main Valley.
The path directly over the dam and bridge is generally flat and well-maintained, making it suitable for leisurely walks or bike rides. The broader area along the Main River also features mostly gentle terrain, though specific routes may include varied surfaces. River walkers should note that they may need to carry their boats around the weir system for about 75 meters.
Yes, the area is very family-friendly. The flat and well-maintained path over the bridge and dam is ideal for walks with children, and the connection to cultural sites like Banz Monastery and Vierzehnheiligen offers additional points of interest for a family outing.
Yes, the public path over the dam and the pedestrian bridge are generally dog-friendly. Many trails in the surrounding area also welcome dogs, provided they are kept on a leash and owners clean up after them. It's always a good idea to bring water for your pet, especially on longer walks.
While there might not be establishments directly at the power plant, the bridge connects to areas near Banz Monastery and Vierzehnheiligen, which are popular tourist destinations. You can expect to find cafes, restaurants, and accommodation options in the nearby towns and villages, especially around these cultural sites.
Specific dedicated parking for the power plant or bridge isn't explicitly detailed, but visitors typically find parking in designated areas in the nearby towns or at the cultural sites like Banz Monastery or Vierzehnheiligen, from where they can access the bridge and surrounding trails. It's advisable to check local signage for parking availability and regulations.
Generally, no special permits are required for hiking or cycling on the public paths and trails around the Hausen Hydroelectric Power Plant and Pedestrian Bridge. The area is freely accessible for recreational use. However, always respect private property and local regulations.
The Hausen plant generates environmentally friendly electricity from hydropower, contributing to renewable energy goals. Uniper, its operator, also implements measures to support river continuity, such as enabling the downstream migration of eels using intelligent control systems, demonstrating a commitment to ecological considerations alongside energy production.
Given that the path over the dam and bridge is described as generally flat and well-maintained, it is likely to be accessible for wheelchairs. The renovation in 2019 aimed to enhance accessibility, suggesting that modern standards for public access were considered in its design.
The pedestrian bridge spans the Main River at the location of the weir system. While an exact length isn't specified, the weir system itself was renovated with two rubber weirs totaling 48 meters in length. The bridge would cover a similar distance, making it a relatively short but scenic crossing.