Bergrheinfeld: Birdlife, Main River Landscape and Kirchweih Festival

Nature and birdwatching near Garstadt

240 bird species have been recorded in the Garstadt bird sanctuary; around 45 of them are on the Red List of threatened species. These figures are based on cumulative records and may change. Most of the Old Main arm is also a protected area. In 2006, the District of Schweinfurt installed a viewing platform for birdwatching in the bird sanctuary. Information boards give visitors an overview of the local flora and fauna.

Cycling routes between the Main and Wern

The 18-kilometre circular route “Along the Main and the Vineyards” connects the Wern and Main valleys and passes through the wine-growing villages of Garstadt and Hergolshausen. This easy, family-friendly route is flat, with no significant climbs. It follows dedicated paved paths for most of the way and quiet roads for part of the route. Check the current route before setting off.

Three cycle routes pass through Bergrheinfeld for longer rides. The 606-kilometre Main Cycle Route runs directly through the village, following the Main from its sources via Kulmbach, Bamberg and Schweinfurt to its mouth at the Rhine near Wiesbaden. The 78-kilometre Wern Cycle Route follows the Wern from its source through Bergrheinfeld to Gemünden-Wernfeld, where the Wern flows into the Main. The 135-kilometre Main–Wern Cycle Route runs from Würzburg via Werneck, Bergrheinfeld and Schweinfurt to Meiningen in Thuringia. Their different total distances and routes can help you choose a suitable ride for your stay. Check route information before setting off.

Practical information in the village

Cyclists can use three charging stations in the municipality, each with four charging lockers. They are located in the car park next to the old town hall in Garstadt, in the Gartenstraße car park in Bergrheinfeld, and at Zehnthof, Hauptstraße 36, in Bergrheinfeld. As availability may change, it is best to confirm it locally.

The landing point on Garstadt’s riverside promenade is at the former ferry crossing at river kilometre 322.9 and takes the form of a ramp. Check local conditions before visiting.

Kirchweih traditions in Bergrheinfeld and Garstadt

Bergrheinfeld’s Kirchweih is an annual tradition, usually held in August. On Saturday, a procession makes its way through the village: led by the Kirchweih rider, the Plüaburschen bring two Planbäume to the festival grounds and set them up at the entrance. The Plüapaare then dance there. At Garstadt’s Kirchweih in November, the Fichtenburschen put up Kirchweih spruces in front of the inns and parade through the village with the trees, accompanied by the village musicians. The traditions differ both in timing and in their defining features: Planbäume at the festival grounds in Bergrheinfeld, and Kirchweih spruces in front of the inns in Garstadt.

Choose the right focus for your stay

If you are looking for a holiday apartment in Bergrheinfeld, you can plan your stay around your preferred daily focus: the flat, 18-kilometre circular route described above, one of the longer cycling connections, or birdwatching in the Garstadt sanctuary. The landscape near Garstadt and the distinct Kirchweih traditions add further specific ideas to help you plan your trip.

Discover more destinations: Röthlein, Gochsheim, Wipfeld, Stadtlauringen, Frankenwinheim, Sennfeld, Donnersdorf, Üchtelhausen

Back to the main travel overview: Schweinfurt.