Roth: Rothsee, archaeology and cycling tours

Rothsee and excursions by the water

Rothsee, covering 210 hectares, lies between Roth, Hilpoltstein and Allersberg. The district of Roth offers opportunities for recreation on and off the water; the lake is a clear geographical reference point. Numerous walking and cycling paths run around Brombachsee, in the wider region. Great Brombachsee covers 870 hectares. From spring to autumn, the excursion boat “MS Brombachsee” operates there; it is the largest trimaran on an inland body of water in Europe. Check the current schedule before planning your trip.

Archaeology and history

The Museum at Ratibor Castle features a collection on the history of the castle and the town of Roth. Nearby, the Thalmässing Archaeological Discovery Centre complements the area with several archaeological attractions: it comprises the Archaeological Museum on the market square, the Living History Village of Landersdorf and the Archaeological Walking Trail. It showcases significant finds and archaeological sites from past historical periods.

At Landersdorf, three farmsteads show how people lived in the Neolithic period, in Celtic times and in the Early Middle Ages. The Archaeological Walking Trail is divided into three circular routes that can be combined. This offers a range of perspectives: a collection on Roth’s history, reconstructed ways of life in Landersdorf and trails leading to archaeological sites.

Cycling routes and regional orientation

The “RH hoch 2” circular cycling tour follows the district boundaries and loops around the entire district of Roth for more than 200 kilometres. The Gredl Cycle Route offers a shorter option: this circular route, about 51 kilometres long, follows the former railway line between Hilpoltstein and Greding through varied countryside and is considered easy to ride. The lengths give an idea of the difference in scope between the tours; check current trail conditions locally before setting out by bike.

The Gredl-Express 636 also connects places in the district: it runs from Hilpoltstein via Thalmässing and Greding to Kinding and back. Along the route, it passes sights such as half-timbered villages, Baroque and Rococo buildings, and museums with archaeological finds. As the leisure service’s timetable may change seasonally, check current services before travelling.

Trails, nature and activities

The “An der Kleinen Roth” nature trail follows the stream of the same name. It rises east of Allersberg and gave Rothsee its name. The trail is 2.3 kilometres long and has seven information stops. In Kammerstein, the four-kilometre KammerSTEINPILZpfad features ten mushroom nests with quiz questions, as well as a playground along the route.

The calcareous tufa terraces in Kaising form a sensitive ecosystem and should not be walked on. Rothsee also offers other specific activities: Familygolf has 18 artificial-turf mini-golf holes, with no age restrictions. The sailing school at Rothsee offers sailing lessons and sailboat rentals; its stated address is in Hilpoltstein.

The Rothsee Environmental Education Centre offers year-round guided tours suited to the ages and abilities of school classes, kindergarten groups, people with disabilities and visitor groups. During school holidays and at weekends, it runs an open programme for children and families. Families can also explore the centre independently. The range of options therefore extends from guided group visits to self-guided exploration.

Culture and events

Regular blacksmithing demonstrations take place at the former Schäff ironworks near Eckersmühlen. The DATEV Challenge Roth is a regular summer-season triathlon event in the district of Roth. Check event dates and participation information separately each time. Listed restaurants in the district of Roth serve Franconian cuisine made with regional products under the “original regional” seal; participating establishments and listings may change.

Discover more destinations: Spalt, Hilpoltstein, Thalmässing, Heideck, Miesbach District, Weilheim-Schongau, Garmisch-Partenkirchen District, Kulmbach District.

To the main travel overview: Bavaria.