Through the Fürth floodplain landscape

From Fürth main station, you first walk to Fürther Freiheit. Along the way, you will have the opportunity to put together a small picnic, be it in bakeries, at the Fürther Markt or in the Milchhäusle.

The Fürther Freiheit square was created in 1938 by demolishing a railway station building that had already ceased operations in 1922. Weekly markets were held here until 2012. The annual Christmas market, the MichaelisKirchweih church consecration, the Fürth Festival and the New Orleans Festival still take place here. Three large historic commercial buildings from the 19th century, numbers 2, 4 and 6, stand on the square.

Walk along Nürnberger Straße in the opposite direction of travel. Then turn into Engelhardtstraße next to the Babylon cinema and you will come directly to the Stadtpark.

Fürth's city park is considered the "secret love of the people of Fürth". Anyone who strolls through the varied park will share this enthusiasm. As early as 1867, the factory owner Johann Willhelm Engelhardt received permission to transform the then fallow land into a green space. The "Engelhardt grounds" were created. Numerous trees and shrubs were planted on the banks of today's Stadtparkweiher pond. After the death of the factory owner, his widow donated the funds for a pond with a waterfall, the Schwanenweiher. In 1911, the park was developed into a spacious recreational landscape. The park was given the Lion Gate, several baroque stone statues, a fountain and a school garden.

However, the foundation stone for the close relationship between the people of Fürth and their park was laid by the city garden director Hans Schiller in 1951 with the "Green and Blooming" garden show. His designs were followed: Rose Garden, Reception Garden, Fountain Courtyard and Rhododendron Garden. They all enchant people every year with their floral splendour. The municipal school garden was also redesigned. There are sections for medicinal plants, vegetables and spices, aquatic plants and many different species of native and exotic flora. The large playgrounds, an open-air stage and the Stadtparkcafé invite visitors to spend their leisure time in a fulfilling way, enjoying exercise and fun, peace and culture. The educational tree trail, which is open all year round, offers intellectual nourishment for those hungry for knowledge. Visitors can relax with a glass of wine or a cappuccino in the Stadtparkcafé.

On the south-eastern edge of the park is Fürth's second oldest church, the Protestant Church of the Resurrection, built between 1825 and 1826, when the Catholic and Jewish communities also helped to finance its construction. In this respect, this church also symbolises ecumenism in action.

Now take the path from the school garden down to the Pegnitz, which you cross on the bridge to the Pappelsteig. Just after the bridge on the left, your path now leads along the Pegnitz. Here you can enjoy the banks and the nearby river on the one hand and the wide view over the floodplain criss-crossed by ditches on the other.

Cross under the Ludwigsbrücke bridge and pass Fürther Freizeit. On the next bridge, you cross the Pegnitz, pass the playground and arrive directly at your next stage destination, the confluence of the Pegnitz and Rednitz with the popular Fürth viewpoint.

The confluence of the Rednitz and Pegnitz rivers at Wiesengrund Fürth, near today's main cemetery, is a little hidden but very well-known among Fürth residents. This idyllic spot offers a beautiful view of the river landscape. The wooden platform at the top was built in 2007 and is ideal for picnics. The place offers the opportunity to view the natural spectacle of the "river triangle" in peace and quiet. This is where the Rednitz and the Pegnitz become the Regnitz. The large playground right next door is also perfect for families.

From the viewpoint at the confluence of the Pegnitz and Rednitz rivers, you do not go back along the path, but follow it further, this time along the Rednitz, to the first bridge.

The name "Rednitz" comes from the Slavic language. It is assumed that it meant "beautiful river" back then. In the early Middle Ages, the Rednitz was travelled by flat-bottomed boats, which was not only faster but also safer than travelling by land. Once you have crossed the bridge, take the path that leads to the left across the meadow. Continue along the path through the meadows until you pass under Würzburger Straße. When the subway is about 150 metres behind you, turn left onto a path. You are now directly at the Rednitzgraben.

The Rednitzgraben was created artificially in 2007. The Rednitz and Pegnitz rivers pass dams and transverse structures, supply power stations and pass through weirs. For fish and other aquatic life, such structures usually represent an insurmountable obstacle. The Rednitzgraben, like the Pegnitzgraben, is intended to serve as a diversion for aquatic life and is well accepted by the animals. The project was subsidised by the local power plant operator. However, the Rednitzgraben not only fulfils ecological purposes. On its banks, those seeking relaxation will find a quiet spot right by the water. It is perfect for families in particular, as the water is shallow and of good quality. It offers a welcome cool-down on hot summer days.

Hikers who decide to have a picnic here should remember to take their rubbish with them. The spot is as natural as possible, so there are no rubbish bins or the like.

Once you have taken a short break on the banks of the Rednitzgraben, simply follow the path further upstream. Cross the river at the next bridge and you are right on the riverside promenade.

The riverside promenade along the Rednitz is a foot and cycle path built in 2007. What sounds unspectacular at first is one of the most popular places in Fürth. As soon as it gets warmer, sunbathers gather here and visitors stroll along the promenade. The promenade has boat moorings. The Café Badehaus provides guests with fresh drinks and also offers a wide range of cultural activities. Barbecues are available at the lower end of the promenade (towards Siebenbogenbrücke). Those looking for a little more peace and quiet will find secluded spots to enjoy a beautiful summer's day in the nearby meadows at Wiesengrund.

From the riverside promenade, turn left along the railway tracks back to the main station.

Not far from Fürth main station is the Grüner Brauhaus. After so much fresh air, this is the perfect place to round off the day with a good meal before your train takes you home again in comfort.