The Mill Route passes 16 mill sites; from Fichtenau-Matzenbach, a 1.5-kilometer path leads to the Matzenbacher Bildkapelle. These destinations offer two different ways to explore Fichtenau: a cycling tour themed around mills and a path to a pilgrimage site.
Cycling: Compare the Mill Route and a circular tour
The Mill Route is 23.5 kilometers long and has 161 meters of elevation gain. It passes the 16 mill sites, giving the cycling tour a clear thematic focus. If you would like to compare the Mill Route with another cycling tour in Fichtenau, you can compare their lengths and elevation gains.
The cycling tour around Fichtenau is 26.6 kilometers long and has 219 meters of elevation gain. Compared with the Mill Route, it is 3.1 kilometers longer and has 58 meters more elevation gain. When planning, you can weigh the two routes against each other based on their stated measurements, without losing sight of the Mill Route’s shared thematic focus.
On foot: Countryside and pilgrimage history
The Forest and Pond Hike starts at Storchenweiher and leads through forests and meadows. It is 12.5 kilometers long and takes approximately three hours. The hike therefore combines a named starting point with a specific route length and an approximate duration.
Another route option leads southwest from Fichtenau-Matzenbach to the Matzenbacher Bildkapelle. The 1.5-kilometer path is easy to travel. The Matzenbacher Bild is located in the chapel; the pilgrimage to the Matzenbacher Schmerzensmutter dates back to 1746. The annual Bildfest is also associated with the chapel: traditionally, it is celebrated on the second Sunday in September. If you are planning a trip specifically for the festival, check the date again before you travel.
More destinations and winter activities
A mini-golf course is located at the sports center in Fichtenau-Matzenbach. In Fichtenau-Wildenstein, the Spielplatz der Riesen playground features a climbing wall, a slide, a rope balancing course and swings. It also has a lookout in the crow’s nest and large rocks. The activities described therefore offer different focuses: mini golf at the sports center and a range of play and climbing equipment in Wildenstein.
In winter, Fichtenau has up to four groomed cross-country ski trails. They start at easily accessible parking lots and lead through scenic countryside. The Ratzental trail starts at the playground by Matzenbacher Bild. The Hagenbusch trail starts at the parking lot by Stockweiher, at the Spielplatz der Riesen playground. These starting points help you distinguish between the two trails.
Fichtenau as a starting point
Fichtenau lies at the intersection of four tourism regions and is a starting point for hiking, cycling, pilgrimage and driving tours. The options range from specific routes and a pilgrimage site to winter cross-country ski trails. When planning, you can choose your focus based on which of these activities you would like to shape your trip.
Discover more destinations: Braunsbach, Vellberg, Bühlerzell, Ilshofen, Gerabronn, Cröffelbach, Schrozberg, Michelbach An Der Bilz.
Go to the main travel overview: Schwäbisch Hall.
