Discover Marktgraitz: River history and townscape

River history, historic architectural styles and paths to the Graatzer Berg give Marktgraitz several distinctive features. Depending on whether you are interested in architectural history, historic features of the town or outdoor activities, different themes take centre stage. The wider Lichtenfels destination also offers its own cultural and natural attractions.

The Steinach, the Rodach and a waterwheel

The Steinach rises north of Marktgraitz in the foothills of the Thuringian Mountains. A sawmill with a waterwheel stands in Marktgraitz at the confluence of the Steinach and the Rodach. As a historic landmark, it combines a prominent riverside location with a specific historic building. The mill and its waterwheel provide a tangible focal point for the town’s river history.

Architectural history and historic features of the town

The church in Marktgraitz has a Romanesque tower and portal, as well as a Gothic choir; the nave was raised in 1723. After the church fire of 1958, only the portal wall and the choir of the old church were incorporated into the new building. The newly built church was consecrated in 1959 by Archbishop Dr. Josef Schneider. These details reveal several building phases and the reconstruction after the fire.

The Gerichtslinde (Court Lime Tree) stands in the market square, along with two school buildings and a house with a corner column. Other historic features are spread across different streets and locations: the gatehouse is on Schulstraße, a statue of St John stands on Johannesstraße, and the Schneeberg Chapel is on the road to Lettenreuth. The Treubelhaus on Lettenreuther Straße is a half-timbered house with a corner column. The Old Mill stands by the Steinach Bridge. The variety ranges from buildings and architectural details to a statue and a chapel.

Paths on the Graatzer Berg

The Three Rivers Trail Rodach-Steinach-Main is about 24.8 kilometres long and can be travelled on foot or by bicycle. Another hiking trail passes Marktgraitz’s market square, descends to the main road and climbs the Graatzer Berg on the opposite side. When choosing a route, the Three Rivers Trail offers an approximate distance and the option of cycling or walking; the other trail is described by its sequence of the market square, main road and Graatzer Berg.

The Graatzer Berglein in Marktgraitz offers a magnificent panoramic view. A prehistoric section fortification is also located on the Graatzer Berg. The hill thus links a local hiking trail with a historic point of interest. The panorama and the fortification are different aspects of the hill: one looks out over the surrounding area, the other points to its early history.

Lichtenfels: more themes in the wider destination

The wider Lichtenfels destination has its own cultural and landscape attractions. Lichtenfels Old Town has retained its typical Franconian character; the Bamberg Gate and Kronach Gate have been preserved, and parts of the old town wall are still visible. The Lichtenfels Basket Market takes place every year on the third weekend in September. If you are planning your trip around the event, check the specific event dates in advance.

The 14-kilometre Pfad der Flechtkultur (Path of Wickerwork Culture) circular trail connects Lichtenfels and Michelau along nature-rich paths through the Main floodplains. Its 23 information boards explore the history and tradition of basket-making, the basket industry and basket trading in the Upper Main region. Near Oberwallenstadt, the trail includes a willow labyrinth for children, a willow shell in the river bathing area, a woven tipi at Ortswiesensee Oberwallenstadt and other wickerwork art installations. The Lichtenfels City Palace houses municipal collections on the history of beer and brewing, the railway and basket trading; exhibition content may change.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Burgkunstadt, Bad Staffelstein, Redwitz an der Rodach, Ebensfeld, Altenkunstadt, Weismain, Lichtenfels and Michelau in Upper Franconia.

Back to the wider travel overview: Lichtenfels.