Source of the Aisch

The Aisch is a small river in Central Franconia that has its origins by Schwebheim near Burgbernheim. The source of the river has been curbed and is easy to find: While on the B 13 road, near the junction of the B 13 and B 470, make a turn toward Uffenheim to find the parking area. The source is about 50 m (164 feet) from the parking lot. The Aisch flows via Neustadt an der Aisch and Höchstadt an der Aisch into the Regnitz south of Forchheim.

The upper course of the Aisch is rather shallow at a depth of no more than 1.5 m (5 feet). Only near its end does the river reach a depth of up to 6 m (20 feet) and a breadth of up to 15 m (50 feet). Despite the murky appearance, the water quality is graded at level 2 (favorable conditions for fish and aquatic life despite some minor pollution).

The mirror carp (Cyprinus carpio morpha noblis) is one of the most abundant species found in the Aisch and is considered a regional delicacy. Fish ponds in the Aisch Valley date back to the Middle Ages. Currently, approximately 1,500 ponds are dedicated to raising carp. It is assumed that the name Aisch originally meant “rich in fish”.