Weirs in the Lochau Valley – Knockhütte loop from Plankenfels

Hiking trails & Routes

Germany

Bavaria

Upper Franconia

Franconian Switzerland

Landkreis Bayreuth

Plankenfels

Weirs in the Lochau Valley – Knockhütte loop from Plankenfels

Hard

4.8

(73)

251

hikers

Weirs in the Lochau Valley – Knockhütte loop from Plankenfels

05:03

17.7km

400m

Hiking

Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required. The starting point of the route is accessible with public transport.

Last updated: August 8, 2026

Tips

Your route passes through a protected area

Please check local regulations for:

Naturpark Fränkische Schweiz - Frankenjura

Waypoints

Start point

Bus stop

Get Directions

889 m

Old Railway Bridge, Plankenfels

Highlight • Bridge

Not only an impressive, old railway bridge, but also the gateway to a beautiful natural spectacle: the Lochautal. 😊

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1.63 km

Weirs in the Lochau Valley

Highlight • River

A small collection of weirs and bridges adorns the idyllic valley along the Lochau

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2.43 km

The Lochau is one of the most beautiful river valleys of the Franconian Switzerland - especially as there is no road through it. On beautiful hiking trails you can explore the Auwiesen embossed valley and discover many different biotopes.

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8.04 km

Bench with a view of Neubürg

Highlight • Viewpoint

Inviting for a short rest, with a view of the Neubürg.
Unfortunately the photo is not so nice

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8.92 km

Knockhütte

Highlight • Mountain Hut

The Knockhütte of the VV Obernsee is located at 517 meters on the Knock and offers a wonderful view. The stilt building, which has 35 seats, is managed on a …

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13.0 km

Wachstein Viewpoint

Highlight • Viewpoint

From the Wachstein you can see the whole Truppach valley. Because of this phenomenal view, the Wachstein is a popular hiking destination. It is also part of the network of …

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15.9 km

🏛️ Plankenstein Castle Site

Highlight • Viewpoint

Plankenfels is located at the eastern entrance to Franconian Switzerland. In the midst of the rocky, forest and river landscapes, the village is a picturesque sight. The town is still …

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17.7 km

End point

Bus stop

Way Types & Surfaces

Way Types

10.9 km

2.58 km

2.18 km

1.98 km

< 100 m

Surfaces

4.46 km

4.15 km

3.95 km

3.03 km

2.05 km

< 100 m

Elevation

Nothing selected – click and drag below to see the stats for a specific part of the route.

Highest point (530 m)

Lowest point (370 m)

Weather

Friday 16 October

13°C

6°C

84 %

Additional weather tips

Max wind speed: 16.0 km/h

to get more detailed weather forecasts along your route

Comments

May 9, 2024,✨ Vodderdoch 🍻 Plankenfels – Wohnsdorf – ‚Knockhütte‘ – Obernsees – Plankenfels (Lochautal)

@Wander-Gabi Many 💚 thanks 🙏🏼 for your inspiration and this great hike 😃

🚀 We start at the 🅿️ hiking car park at the Gasthof Schwarzer Ritter in Plankenfels at 🌡 +21° Celsius ☀️ through the 🏞️ Lochautal in 🧭 direction Obernsees. The Lochautal between Plankenfels and Wohnsdorf is one of the most beautiful valleys in Franconian Switzerland. In Wohnsdorf …

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February 5, 2022,Von Plankenfels durchs Lochautal #fränkischeschweiz - Flusstäler und weite Aussichten in der Region Neubürg 💦 🌳

You can vary the starting point of the tour. You either start at Gasthof Schreyer in the upper part of Plankenfels (parking spaces at the castle) or at the bus stop opposite the GH Schwarzer Ritter in the lower part of the village - there is a hiking car park there.

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September 29, 2022,Bergauf, bergab von Plankenstein durchs Lochautal

Uphill, downhill from Plankenstein through the Lochautal
- Knockhütte - Wachstein.- Obernsees - back to the starting point

We followed the Lochau circular route
marking yellow circle on white background.

The Knockhütte is only open on Sundays. No problem. We damaged our snack from the backpack. The inn is still open to hikers. And *oh shit* where are the coffee …

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March 10, 2024,Lochautal - Knock - Wachstein - Plankenstein

For me, the Lochautalweg is one of the most beautiful hiking trails in Franconian Switzerland: quiet, natural paths, wonderful views. Unfortunately, the hiking trail is asphalted in two places. However, you can partially bypass these sections above Schönfeld and completely bypass them from the Knockhütte to Obernsees.

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March 5, 2026,2026 - 19 Lochautal Rundwanderweg

The Lochautal circular trail, 15 km long, is best started in Obersees at the thermal baths or in Plankenfels at the "Schwarzer Ritter" (Black Knight) inn.

There are three highlights along the way: Plankenstein, Wachstein, and the Lochautal valley itself. The trail follows old, natural paths, far from any traffic. It's peaceful.

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August 8, 2023,Plankenfels durch's Lochautal zur Knockhütte - Aussicht vom Wachstein -Plankenfels🍔🍔

It starts from the hiking car park in Plankenfels on the "Via Imperialis" to the Lochautal. After about 700 m we have already passed four places to sit 😀. You have to look for it on some hiking routes.

We continue, past one of the water weirs in the Lochautal. Here you first walk left and then sharp right through …

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June 28, 2025,Wachstein 516 m ü. NN. – Knock Hütte Runde von Obernsees

The weather was simply fantastic today 😊
Of course, we started early in the morning, but the originally planned 16km turned into 20km 😂😂😂
Luckily, Baghira is super fit, and there were plenty of opportunities for her to jump into the water everywhere.

Great tour 😊👍🏻

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