Just as the multitude of ponds and pond chains shape the landscape of the Aischgrund, the long tradition of raising carp influences the life and culture of the people in the region and expresses this in the most diverse ways.
The carp, Latin "Cyprinus carpio", is mainly found in stagnant waters (ponds). It has a flat body with a smooth belly and some scales along the back and fins. Its belly is cream-coloured, its back dark grey to olive-green.
Characteristic of the "Aischgründer Spiegelkarpfen" is its high back - an arched or higher back, which is due to special breeding efforts - its low scale and its firm, low-fat meat.
The carp reaches slaughter weight after three summers.
The numerous chains of ponds and the centuries of cultivation in the Aischgrund provide a large-scale biotope network along the rivers Aisch, Ebrach, Seebach and Aurach. The ponds counteract increasing sealing, contribute to groundwater recharge, improve the microclimate and reduce flood runoff.
As the last shallow waters in the landscape, they provide a habitat for many rare animal and plant species. Thus the Aischgrund has a special status in the diversity of its rare species - approx. 200 ha. area are now designated as a nature reserve or included in the contract nature conservation and cultural landscape programme.
Around the carp, the region strives for more tourist popularity. In 2000, the "Franconian Carp Cycle Path" was opened. It connects the traditional pond areas of Dinkelsbühl and Aischgrund. With a length of approx. 200 km, it leads through small historic towns and beautiful pond landscapes. In addition to visiting the four-fold fish kitchens, it offers attractive opportunities for fishing and lingering along the Aisch.
https://karpfenland-aischgrund.eu
https://teichgenossenschaft-aischgrund.de
https://aischgrund-touren.de