On hot summer’s days in particular, it’s well worth spending a few hours by the Wiesent. Along the river, there are plenty of easily accessible spots where you can enjoy the cooling refreshment offered by Franconian Switzerland’s most iconic river.
📋 Fact file
- Length: around 78 km through Franconian Switzerland
- Source: west of Steinfeld
- Mouth: into the Regnitz near Forchheim
- Paddling possible from Plankenfels
🏖 Best spots to relax
The boat launch point at Doos (once the hustle and bustle of the kayak tours has died down) – there’s a fair amount of parking in the area, and there’s also a waterfall to explore. Another hotspot can be found at the outdoor swimming pool in Streitberg (it’s worth bringing a parasol). Between a boat landing stage and the outdoor swimming pool lies a large meadow right by the river, which is also popular with locals. There are shared toilets at the outdoor swimming pool. On the way there, a resourceful local has set up a tub of freshly chilled beer, which can be bought for a small fee.
💡 Good to know
The Wiesent is a shallow river that’s pleasantly warm in summer – not a mountain stream. After a prolonged dry spell, the water in some places is barely knee-deep, so swimming becomes more like sitting. The riverbed is stony, so water shoes are a must. And because the same stretches are also used by canoes, it’s worth not setting up your swimming spot directly in the channel.
See also Activities (Paddling, Canoeing & Kayaking).