vacation magazine M AN m eets F O R E ST
M AN m eets WAT E R
M AN m eets ROCK
M AN m eets BAVAR I A
OUR T IP VACATION between Naabtal and Bohemian Forest – NATURAL & FABULOUS…
www.oberpfaelzerwald.de
Tourism Joint Venture Oberpfälzer Wald info@oberpfaelzerwald.de www.oberpfaelzerwald.de Tourist centre Oberpfälzer Wald Schwandorf county Obertor 14 92507 Nabburg Tel. +49 9433 2038-10 Fax +49 9433 2038-20 info@touristik-opf-wald.de
Tourist centre Oberpfälzer Wald Neustadt a.d. Waldnaab county Stadtplatz 34 92660 Neustadt a.d. Waldnaab Tel. +49 9602 791050 o. 791060 Fax +49 9602 791066 tourismus@neustadt.de
Tourist centre Oberpfälzer Wald Tirschenreuth county Mähringer Straße 7 95643 Tirschenreuth Tel. +49 9631 88223 Fax +49 9631 88305 tourismus@tirschenreuth.de
The Oberpfälzer Wald at a mouse click… Everything you need to know on
www.oberpfaelzerwald.de Here you will find information and events and you can request brochures, leaflets or maps. In our interactive map, hosts, hiking ways, restaurants and accommodations, sights and much more are marked.
Moreover, you will find all inclusive offers, for example for a long weekend, or active or wellness days! Quick and uncomplicated holiday planning – step by step to the ideal host: just enter the duration of your stay and, if already known, what kind of accommodation you are looking for as well as where you want to spend your holiday. You will be presented several hosts and can inform yourself in detail at a mouse click. www.oberpfaelzerwald.de/host
at the Wieskirche, Moosbach
M A N m e e t s F O R E ST
In harmony with nature In addition to its hospitality, the Oberpfälzer Wald mainly offers a triad of nature: forest – water – rock. This magazine presents these elements of holidays and you will: …discover the world of
forests
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5- 19
…immerse yourself in endless possibilities of water activities . . . . . . 20 - 27 …behold very old formations of stone and rock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28 - 37 …learn that the Oberpfälzer Wald does not only belong to Bavar ia . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38 - 49 ...experience that this part of Bavaria is perfect for trips and excursions . . . . . . . . . . . . 50 - 51 …get to know the Oberpfälzer Wald and its
regions
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52 - 72
For sure, you will want to see more!
M A N m e e t s F O R E ST
OUR T IP Quality Naturpark… The Nature Park “Nördlicher Oberpfälzer Wald“ is the only nature park in the Oberpfalz which is awarded quality nature park by VIABONO and has the Viabono-licence “Reisen für Naturgenießer”. The beauty of this natural landscape is defined by shimmering ponds, meditative flood plains, wild and romantic river valleys, wooded mountain ranges, impressive rocks of basalt, striking massifs of granite and hilly farmland. www.naturpark-now.de
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One of three elements in the Oberpfälzer Wald which dominates its landscape is forest – silence and variety. Forests are nature parks, habitats for herbs, orchids, mushrooms, berries and nature reserves. Forests can be moors, or form ridges with a fantastic view. The Oberpfälzer Wald belongs to the “Green Roof of Europe” (the largest contiguous forested mountain area of Central Europe), and is an Eldorado to hikers and cyclists as well as adventure playgrounds. Therefore, forest equals vacation.
at the Muglfall, Neualbenreuth
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Rough CHAR M and first-class routes: a fascinating
CULTU R E OF HI K I NG all around the GO LD ST E I G Paradise-like Oberpfälzer Wald The different parts of the Goldsteig will lead you over hill and dale: the route passes castles and abbeys, ponds and villages, and leads over fields and meadows. By crossing extensive hills and the “Green Roof of Europe”, hiking along the edges of forests or through winding meadow valleys, ascending hilly farmlands or wide low mountain ranges, or passing canyons, you will notice the variety of nature. The Oberpfälzer Wald – a wonderful area for hikers – offers diversity in abundance as its scenery is overwhelmingly fantastic.
OUR T IP An extraordinary valley The nature reserve Waldnaabtal is a popular valley between Falkenberg and Windischeschenbach and is definitely worth seeing. Along the 12-km-long canyon, there are numerous granite rocks of 30 to 50 metre, and bizarre rock formations, hindering the Waldnaab from flowing. In addition to these giant rocks, the Waldnaab’s silver billows and its foaming water, the valley’s enchanting character is defined by light green fern, beautiful wild flowers, and birches and beeches. www.oberpfaelzerwald.de/nature hikers take a rest in Thanstein
6 MAN meets F O R EST
ing zerwald.de/hik www.oberpfael e -wandern.d www.goldsteig
near Leuchtenberg
in the Waldnaabtal
in Bodenwöhr
The “Top Trails of Germany”… …are Germany’s best and most beautiful long distance hiking trails: hiking becomes a synonym of relaxation, as these adventure and experience trails are linked to hiker-friendly restaurants and try to give an understanding of both region and culture. The Goldsteig is the longest of the trails. It follows the Burgenweg (“Castle Trail”) right through the Oberpfälzer Wald and leads to the Steinwald, passes the “Land of a Thousand Ponds” around Tirschenreuth, follows the Waldnaabtal and leads to impressive castles. Along with its many byways, which have names like Venezianersteig (“Venetian Path”) or Ge(h)nuss Steig (an etymologically funny mixture of the German words walk and pleasure just by adding an ‘h’), the Goldsteig is pure pleasure for hikers. This trail is a firstclass hiking experience!
BAYERISCHER WALD OBERPFÄLZER WALD
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What matters is the journey, not the destination: Gain experience on
T HE M E
or
LO N G - D I STAN C E T RAI LS
6 kilometres between Sun and Pluto Hiking offers real relaxation for a tense body, a stressed mind, or a stricken soul. …Besides, hiking can be quite educational, exciting and diverse! Theme trails will take you to the most beautiful places of the Oberpfälzer Wald, right into nature reserves, to culinary, cultural or geological sights, or they even take you to a journey to our sun system on the “Planetenweg“ (Planet Trail) in Tirschenreuth.
Fränkischer Gebirgsweg (Franconian Mountain Trail)
Be excited as quite a lot is waiting for you!
OUR T IP Picnic-service No one wants to miss a hearty “Brotzeit” (typically Bavarian cold dish) when hiking. Therefore, the county of Schwandorf offers a picnic-service along several hiking trails and the Schwandorf parts of the Goldsteig. Smoked pork, “Obatzter” (typical Bavarian cheese spread), or chilled beer from a local brewery are just a few typical local delicacies. Refreshments after a long hiking tour without carrying pounds of food and drink – now that sounds promising, doesn’t it? www.oberpfaelzerwald.de/picnic
8 MAN meets F O R EST
Quality hosts “Wanderbares Deutschland” Several offers concerning relaxation, comfortable accommodation, good food, perfect locations, tips on how to plan your route, and service centres – these hosts know exactly what hikers want…
.de www.gehnuss ing zerwald.de/hik el fa www.oberp
Jakobsweg (St. James‘ Way)
Old trails, new ideas Hiking does not only mean to move the body, but also to see, to get to know, to experience and to discover by moving outside your boundries and to widen one’s horizon.
Glasschleifererweg (Glass Cutter Trail)
Hiking with children… …must neither be boring nor stressful: children only need some stimulus. Here in the Oberpfälzer Wald, children can explore nature with all their senses – e.g. on the Lustweg near Waidhaus or in the Sand-Oasis-Sulzbach in Bruck/Opf.
Gehnuss-Partner Hikers, trekkers, and Nordic walkers are especially welcome and in good hands at the certified Gehnuss-Partner (hosts for hiking pleasure): friendly and competent hosts offer service and quality.
Such experiences of one’s own limits are to be made easily in the Oberpfälzer Wald: some hiking trails, such as centuryold pilgrimage or trade routes, lead wide into the legendary Bohemian Forest, and Bohemian nature and culture can be explored simultaneously. Besides, long-distance trails are another exciting opportunity to discover the Oberpfälzer Wald: These trails crisscross the Oberpfälzer Wald and have such promising names like Goldene Straße (Golden Road), Burgenweg (Castle Trail), or Wallenstein-Tilly-Weg (Wallenstein-Tilly-Trail). Sometimes quite easy and other times very strenuous and exhausting stages offer breathtaking landscapes – forests, rivers, rocks, hills, and farmlands as far as the eye can see.
The “Wandermagazin Oberpfälzer Wald” informs about over 100 hiking trails, attractive allinclusive offers and many regions you might want to hike in. Thus, you are well-prepared for your hiking vacation.
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Discover RI VE R S and VALLE YS , explore the countryside - cycling as a key to HAP P I NESS
2.000 kilometres of variety Amidst beautiful landscape, the cycle paths lead through shady forests, or towns and villages steeped in history. As there are over 2.000 kilometres of paths in the Oberpfälzer Wald, they are appropriate for both recreational and elite athletes. All different tracks are provided with signposts and there are various themed cycle paths, too. Consequently, the Oberpfälzer Wald will easily win cyclists over. You might become hooked on this part of Bavaria!
OUR T IP Cycling along the river Naab and its tributaries… …means green valleys from the source to the mouth. Fichteland Haidenaab will accompany cyclists from the hills of the Fichtelgebirge to Steinwald and Hügelland. The Waldnaab Cycle Path leads from the Bohemian boarder and merges into the Naabtal Cycle Path at Luhe. Medieval towns and cities can be found all along the tracks. By the way, our new cycle guide lists and explains each stage.
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Staufer Castle Ruin Flossenbürg
on the Fichtelnaab Cycle Path
www.oberpfael
ling zerwald.de/c yc
Creußen Cycle Path near Speinshart
Cycling along the riverside It is very alluring to cycle along rivers through picturesque river valleys. Not only the well-known Naab-cycle-paths offer such scenery but also the paths along the rivers Creußen, Wondreb and Schwarzach.
Cyclist-friendly guesthouses, which are classified by ADFC (German Cyclist Federation) and BHG (Bavarian Hotel and Restaurant Association), bicycle rentals, shops and facilities are spread all along the paths. Consequently, cycling turns into great pleasure.
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Thousands of possibilities to enjoy LI F E while cycling – following closed RAI LWAY
BE DS
and
crossing borders Explore our neighbouring countries Border-crossing cycle paths from Bavaria to the Czech Republic lead through the “Green Roof of Europe”:
in the Tirschenreuth pond-region
The Bayerisch-Böhmischer Freundschaftsweg (BavarianBohemian Friendship Path), for example, runs from Nabburg to Horšovský Týn in Bohemia on abandoned railway. The Wallenstein-Radweg (Wallenstein Cycle Path) connects Marktredwitz and Cheb. The new, transnational Paneuropa-Radweg (Paneurope Cycle Path) – partly through the Oberpfälzer Wald on the Waldnaab and Bockl Cycle Paths – connects Paris, Nuremberg and Prague.
OUR T IP Zoiglbeer & Bocklweg (Bockl Cycle Path) Can be booked as an all-inclusive offer! Start the tour in Wiesau, pass the “Land of a Thousand Ponds” around Tirschenreuth, cross the Waldnaabtal and follow the Bockl Route to Eslarn. Cultural highlights are the castles Falkenberg and Neuhaus, the palaces in Neustadt/WN and Vohenstrauß. Windischeschenbach, the capital of Zoiglbeer, is also worth seeing. www.zoiglinfo.de www.bocklweg.de
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cycling without borders
on the Vizinalbahn Cycle Path
www.oberpfael
Bockl Cycle Path in Eslarn
cyclist station in Schwarzhofen
ling zerwald.de/c yc
Bicycle instead of steam engine Abandoned railway beds are perfectly suit as cycle paths for families and recreational athletes: slight climbs, wide curve radii and many fantastic views. There are the Vizinalbahn-Radweg (Vizinalbahn Cycle Path) and the Bockl-Radweg (Bockl Cycle Path), which is the most popular and simultaneously longest railway cycle path in Bavaria. Subsequent to the Bayerisch-BöhmischerFreundschaftsweg (BavarianBohemian Friendship Path), you can extend your cycling tour on the Bockl Cycle Path – so to speak you can do a “short lap” in the Oberpfälzer Wald.
Additionally, there is a long tradition of cycling events in the Oberpfälzer Wald, e.g. the Panorama Tour, Sundays for cyclists, marathons, or mountain bike cups. Such events can be found either in the internet or in our cycling magazine.
In our cycling magazine “Radmagazin Oberpfälzer Wald”, several sights and treasures of art which can be reached by bicycle are presented. Content: 34 long-distance and theme cycle paths, guided cycling tours, important addresses, accommodations, rail links, etc. Just order our magazine together with maps, flyers, and brochures!
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R I D E R- F R I E N D LY areas characterised by horses: becoming one with animal and NAT U R E As if designed for horse and rider Going on horseback in the Oberpfälzer Wald offers many opportunities: smooth one-day trips or demanding mountain and distance rides, small “riding stations” or professional riding arenas, short excursions or extended rides beginning in the Oberpfälzer Wald to other parts of Bavaria or to Bohemia. An outstanding example concerning horses and riding is the Lipperthof in Wurz, a riding school with Icelandic horses, at which both riders and horses have won German and European championships several times. Riding lessons, horse markets, tournaments and championships, carriage rides – with regard to horses and riding, the Oberpfälzer Wald offers a huge diversity of activities and is definitely worth seeing!
OUR T IP Bavaria’s horsefriendly community Neunburg vorm Wald was awarded “Pferdefreundliche Gemeinde” (horse-friendly community) as this community is very committed to horses in general, and breeding, sports, and tourism in particular. Horse enthusiasts will find anything they desire: horse and pony riding centres, indoor and outdoor riding arenas, carriage rides, stables to rent, and over 200 horses waiting for you! www.neunburg.de
14 MAN meets F O R EST
www.oberpfael
ing zerwald.de/r id
The world of riding Riding centres in the Oberpf채lzer Wald are very traditional. As hospitality is taken for granted, you will experience openness and warmth. Several long-lasting friendships were and are formed here. Promising foundations for a perfect riding vacation: hospitality, local meals and drinks, extensive riding activities, and much more.
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W I N T E R VACAT I O N in the Oberpfälzer Wald
Silence, snow and sunshine Snow-covered, hoar-frosted and glistening in sunshine – that is how the Oberpfälzer Wald looks like in winter. Walking on crunching snow to once impressive castles, sleigh rides or snow shoe tours and then a snowball fight in a romantic, winter scenery. Or what about a curlingtournament on one of our many natural frozen lakes or ponds? Experience many possibilities of the winter in the Oberpfälzer Wald!
OUR T IP The wooded mountain ranges... …of the Oberpfälzer Wald and the Bohemian Forest are ideal winter sports areas. The crosscountry skiing centre Silberhütte, which lies at an altitude of about 700 to 900 metres, offers skiing trails of 49 kilometres – the level of difficulty ranges from easy to demanding. If you do the 10 km-trail starting at Kreuzstein you will cross the Czech boarder and thus enjoy “unlimited” sports activity. www.slz-silberhuette.de
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Hochfels near Stadlern Hours full of atmosphere Winter is a season of silence and reflection. A cup of warm mulled wine in front of the fireplace, roasted chestnuts at romantic Christmas markets, cosy hugs in a horse-drawn carriage, or torchlight hikes – that is the thoughtful and quiet side of the Oberpfälzer Wald…
www.oberpfael
ter zerwald.de/w in
Idyllic and sporty The forests of the Oberpfälzer Wald do not only turn into a winter wonderland but also into a paradise of crosscountry skiing in winter: Cross-country skiers have already discovered the Oberpfälzer Wald as “heaven on earth” for winter sports fans. Five cross-country skiing centres and numerous winter resort towns offer a variety of well-prepared cross-country ski-tracks – and of course ski skating tracks, too. Thus, everybody will find a sports activity that fits.
Christmas market in Weiden
A white delight Snowboarders and alpine skiers will enjoy various familyfriendly slopes. 13 ski lifts, ski and snowboard lessons, and floodlights at night – the perfect winter holiday for the whole family!
Our “Winterfreizeitkarte Oberpfälzer Wald” (winter touristic map) gives an overview about sports activities in the Oberpfälzer Wald in winter – e.g. cross-country ski-tracks and slopes, or important sights. www.oberpfaelze rwald.de
snowboarding at Fahrenberg
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M A N meets W A T E R
OUR T IP Beautiful rivers The Naab is treasured for its calmness and natural state; small islands in the middle of the Naab are, for example, inhabited by birds. The Regen, in contrast, ows rather boldly and lively towards the Danube. It has to snake its way around a number of giant rocks, which are spread like splendid diamonds across the riverbed. On both rivers, Naab and Regen, canoe tours for families or groups can become unique adventures. www.oberpfaelzerwald.de/water
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Innumerable fishponds characterise the “Land of a Thousand Ponds”, a pond area in the Stiftland which was designed by monks in the Middle Ages. There are numerous brooks and rivers in the Oberpfälzer Wald, which are running calmly and peacefully through meadows.
Rußweiher next to Eschenbach
Additionally, there are countless swimming areas, some of them belonging to the biggest lakes in East Bavaria. And last but not least, many different plants and animals inhabit some of the oldest and most precious nature reserves in Bavaria. Consequently, water is vacation.
The variety of nature Crayfish, river pearl mussels, kingfishers, beavers, storks, eagle owls, sandpipers, black and red kites, wolfsbane, buttercups, bush carnations, veronicas – although this list sounds like a part of the Red List, all these animals and flowers live and grow naturally in the surroundings of Naab, Regen, Fichtelnaab, Waldnaab, Haidenaab, Pfreimd, Schwarzach, Zott, etc. Here, you can discover wonderful biotopes!
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R I VE R BAN KS , and F I SH I N G GR O U ND S e q u a l s u l t i m a t e R E LAXAT I O N Closeness to nature As far as we know, the Oberpfälzer Wald is the oldest fish farming area of Europe. For centuries, fish have been bred, caught and eaten – an El Dorado for anglers, no matter if spinning or fly fishing, or fishing with bait on the bottom.
at the Regen
Thousands of ponds and lakes, e.g. forest lakes at Wiesau, the quarry near Neusorg or the lake Kleiner Rußweiher, and many running waters like Waldnaab and Fichtelnaab, Wondreb or Regen offer a piece of fisherman’s paradise for everyone. In total peace and tranquillity, fishing in the Oberpfälzer Wald is a sporting adventure as well as a benefit for body and soul.
OUR T IP Freshly caught fish and fishing culture In and around Tirschenreuth, fish farming goes back to the 11th century. The Oberpfälzer Fischereimuseum (Upper Palatinate Museum of Fishery), which is in the MuseumsQuartier in Tirschenreuth, documents fishing in rivers, fish farming and angling. Several aquariums and exhibitions, presentation boards and three-dimensional figures explain and depict fishery from the Middle Ages until today. www.oberpfaelzerwald.de/museum
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Hammersee
www.oberpfael
ling zerwald.de/ang
Manteler Weiher
fish farm Wöllershof
Oberpfälz
anglers near Kemnath
Our “Angelmagazin Oberpfälzer Wald” is all about fish and angling:
Mit zahlr eichen Infos rund um die Fisch erei
Wald angeerlm agazin
at the Schwarzach
Where to go to angle, where to find maps, fish restaurants, angling events, and much more! www.ober pfaelzerwa ld.de
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thanks to summer, sun,
and sports
Beach feeling in Bavaria The Oberpfälzer Wald offers plenty of ponds and lakes, which are very appealing to relax at the beachside, to swim some laps, or just to enjoy summer days in a natural and enticing surrounding. Natural swimming lakes are very characteristic for this area. However, natural does not mean comfortless in this case, as these lakes offer anything one could desire at a lake: idyllic scenery, calm recesses, well prepared shores and trim lawns, quite often kiosks or restaurants, and much more. Well then, let’s go swimming!
OUR T IP Extremely splashy! If you prefer sports activities, you should go to Steinberger See (Lake Steinberg) and try water skiing or wakeboarding.
Murner See
Sailors, surfers and divers will appreciate the Oberpfälzer Wald for its big lakes, at which several row and pedal boat rentals offer to go boating with family or friends. www.oberpfaelzerwald.de/ water
water skiing at Steinberger See
22 MAN meets WAT ER
er zerwald.de/wat www.oberpfael ping am /c zerwald.de www.oberpfael
Swimming as adventure… Relaxation, wellness and adventure can be found for example in the “Wohlfühlbad Bulmare” in Burglengenfeld, or other familyfriendly and exciting adventure pools…
Plößberger Weiher
Camping – an experience of nature Wonderful ponds and lakes, idyllic river valleys – most of the over 30 campsites in the Oberpfälzer Wald are situated at lakes or ponds. Eating, sleeping and living outside, enjoying nature very closely in your caravan, motor home or tent. Many campers are attracted by the wonderful sites of the Oberpfälzer Wald and the feeling of autonomy as a camper.
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H EALT H , relaxation and W E LLBE I N G in the Sibyllenbad
Water is life Come in and recharge your batteries! In the bathing section, you can relax in 34° C and 36° C warm water and you will immediately feel the healing effects of water from a carbonic acid mineral spring. Enjoy the pleasant and beneficial effects of swan necks, massage nozzles, floor bubbles and whirlpools, or take a deep breath in the Irish-Roman steam grotto. Allow yourself some luxury and simply enjoy life – take a rest and have beautiful dreams in one of our spacious rest areas.
Fizzy treasures from the depths of the earth
OUR T IP Health and relaxation – all-in offers and á la carte The Sibyllenbad has a variety of offers: appealing treatments, marvellous bathing days, attractive offers for the perfect wellness holiday – indulge yourself and your health in some wellness and recreation. For further information please visit our website www.sibyllenbad.de or if you have any further queries, please do not hesitate to contact us by phone +49 9638 933-0.
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Here, two natural resources of sterling quality spring up: firstly, one of the strongest radon springs in Germany and secondly, a highly concentrated carbonic acid spring of volcanic origin. The combination of both healing waters in the Sibyllenbad’s radon-carbonacid-balneo-therapy is unique. Furthermore, the Sibyllenbad is a good place to go to for patients with rheumatism, arthritis, or joint illnesses – our attending physician Prof. Dr. Dr. Grunewald will give advice!
www.sibyllenb
ad.de
Leave behind your daily routine and relax! Our spacious wellness section makes dreams come true: seven different saunas and individual rest areas, such as fireplace or bread baking room, are inviting you. Moreover, our oriental bathing temple reminds of Arabian Nights and beneficial treatments, such as Cleopatra or Arabian Rasul baths, or exotic massages with scents are invigorating sources for your well-being. Bathing dreams come true!
Sibyllenbad in the Oberpfälzer Wald
Kurallee 1 · 95698 Neualbenreuth Tel. +49 9638 933-0 info@sibyllenbad.de
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M A N meets R O C K
GEO-Zentrum an der KTB Castle Trausnitz
Educational path of geology Tännesberg
OUR T IP Geology as adventure Popular destinations not only for geologists: The GEO-Zentrum an der KTB (site of the continental deep drilling program) in Windischeschenbach provides basic knowledge about the earth’s overall system. The transnational Bavarian Bohemian Geopark is one of the most interesting geological areas worldwide. Skilled Geopark rangers offer guided tours. www.geozentrum-ktb.de www.geopark-bayern.de
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Would you like to discover the history of the Earth? The rocks of the “Steinpfalz” will take you on a journey back to the Hadean: “Europe’s most beautiful basalt cone” Parkstein – the remains of a 24 million-yearold volcano are crowned by impressive castle walls and a little church. Right in the middle of the town Pleystein, you can find a rock formation of quartz, especially well-known for its beautiful and rare minerals, with a pilgrimage church on top of it. The mighty granite rock formation of Castle Falkenberg, which is above the Waldnaab, is also called “Wollsack” (wool sack) as it looks quite extraordinary due to weathering. These are only three of many remarkable locations and places with stories, myths and legends. Amazing geologic features, which belong to the 100 most beautiful geotopes in Bavaria, make this region a kind of Mecca for (hobby) geologists and mineralogists. Geology is vacation.
Rose quartz rock, Pleystein
Kiebitzstein, Steinwald
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Bavaria’s Burgenland: ancient B U I LD I NG S , gruesome
SECR ETS
and tragic STO R I ES
A journey of discovery through one’s own imagination When surrounded by huge castle walls, the world changes. One is taken back to past centuries and starts to imagine how life, sufferings and love might have looked like. Such a fictive look back will give an understanding of the quite harsh living conditions in former times.
Festival Castle Leuchtenberg
The Oberpfälzer Wald is a region full of castles: some are ruins, others completely renovated, some are weathered, others still in their original condition, some can be seen from a distance, others are rather hidden, but all of them are the perfect setting for an imaginary role play – and sometimes, even castellan and damsel offer a guided tour through “their” castles…
OUR T IP Raise the curtain! One of the biggest layman ensembles in Germany, the Burgfestspiele Leuchtenberg (Castle Festival) is annually held on Castle Leuchtenberg or at Friedrichsburg (a palace) in Vohenstrauß. Traditional Bavarian folk theater, classics of drama, groovy musicals or funny plays for children – 150 enthusiastic actors present entertainment for the young and the young at heart. www.stadtbuehne.de www.burgfestspiele.de
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Castle Stockenfels Ruin Waldeck
www.oberpfael
Friedrichsburg Vohenstrauß Castle Wildenau
tles zerwald.de/cas
Castle Haus Murach
Stones and minerals The Heimat- und Bergbaumuseum Erbendorf exhibits a collection of minerals with over 1.000 samples, some of them being treasures of geology and mining from the Oberpfalz: findings from old lead and coal mines, minerals and fossils from Kornberg (a mountain near Erbendorf), the green schist zone and the Steinwald; several exhibits display the history of mining, such as pit lamps, maps, photos, tools, etc. This exhibition is definitely worth seeing!
The leaflet “Burgensommer Oberpfälzer Wald” summarises peculiarities and events with regard to castles and palaces.
Castle Wernberg
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AMA ZI NG impressions and enchanting DI SCOV E R I ES : churches, abbeys and chapels Discover pure history When you visit churches, abbeys or chapels in the Oberpfälzer Wald, your visit is a journey through over one thousand years of artistic work. Famous builders like the brothers Dientzenhofer and Lucchese, Giovanni Battista Carlone or Philipp Muttone must be mentioned with regard to several big churches and abbeys. Very often, unexpected surprises of art will occur behind church doors, for example, the best known “Dance of Death“ of the Oberpfalz in Wondreb, Romanesque paintings in cemetery chapels, Acanthus altars in small chapels. Enjoy an adventurous tour of art – enjoy the Oberpfälzer Wald!
Baroque Church, Pfreimd
OUR T IP Waldsassen – Culture You will be impressed by Germany’s biggest church and abbey crypt in Waldsassen’s baroque basilica, as well as by its impressive organ and the pompous library of the neighbouring abbey. Furthermore, the Trinity Church Kappl, which was built like a cloverleaf, and the Stiftlandmuseum are worth seeing. Or you listen to music – thanks to such well-known musicians like Leonard Bernstein, the concerts in the basilica have become an insider’s tip. www.waldsassen.info
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www.oberpfael
rches zerwald.de/chu
Bild rechts: szenische Stadtführung in Nabburg Bild unten: Wurzer Sommerkonzerte
Trinity Church Kappl, Waldsassen Convent village Speinshart
Synagogue, Floß Acanthus altar Reuth
Holy places, ideal for quiet contemplation…
Field Chapel, Guteneck
…can be found everywhere in the Oberpfälzer Wald. You will find mundane tranquillity at “Marterln” (Christain wayside shrines or crosses), relics, or chapels.
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F EST I VAL T I M E : great P LAYS , great E MOT I O N S Clashing swords and sorcery In summer, musicians and singers, actors and jugglers, craftsmen and knights, and witches and noblewomen revive the old castles in the Oberpfälzer Wald. They tell about tragedies and comedies, perform historic spectacles and present old arts. Festivals, historic festivities and markets turn summer in the Oberpfälzer Wald into a “summer of festivals”: Whether Leuchtenberg or Neuhaus, Burgtreswitz or Stefling – all castles are teeming with people, stories, life and laughter… Discover this unique atmosphere of the Oberpfälzer Wald, which becomes especially enjoyable during evening hours.
OUR T IP Scary witches… …and ferocious knights are to be encountered when you take part in a “Geisterwanderung zu Nittenau” (guided theme hiking tour). You will be presented a spine-chilling comedy while hiking through the romantic Regental to castles like Hof am Regen, Stefling and Stockenfels. Ghost beer and witch goulash are a tasty delicacy in this “magic triangle of ghosts”. Goose bumps are guaranteed when crossing the dark and shimmering Regen by Zille (kind of tub). www.geisterwanderung.de
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Doctor Eisenbarth festival Oberviechtach
w w w.oberpfael
tivals zerwald.de/fes
witches’ dance at Castle Stefling
open-air theater in front of Castle Neuhaus
“Vom Hussenkrieg” in Neunburg vorm Wald Castle Festival Leuchtenberg
transnational festival in Bärnau
Performed history Hatred, love, deceit, grief, rage, friendship – emotions cause a stir inside impressive walls or at other locations steeped in history, which are not only the setting but also the inspiration for festivals.
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Spectacles for all senses:
C ULT U R E
smaller-scale Performing Arts Days in Kastl
for everybody
Excellent cultural events, timehonoured settings The imposing basilica of Waldsassen, the garden of the Passionists’ Abbey in Schwarzenfeld, or the historical parsonage yard in Wurz serve as settings for concerts every year, and thus are filled with music.
Passion play, Kemnath
Basilica concert in Waldsassen
Medieval markets, festivals at historical squares and scenic guided tours will present towns and cities from a historical viewpoint. There are also several ecclesiastical events in the Oberpfälzer Wald which widen the range of happenings, for example the pilgrimages for horses and their riders in Tännesberg and Nabburg.
Centrum Bavaria Bohemia, Schönsee
OUR T IP Enjoy classical music in the country The baroque Muttone-parsonage yard in the pretty village Wurz, near Neustadt a.d. Waldnaab, is an insider’s tip for lovers of classical concerts. During the Wurzer Sommerkonzerte (summer concerts of Wurz), international ensembles and brilliant virtuosi take visitors on a journey through the music worlds of famous composers at mild summer evenings. www.wurzer-sommerkonzerte.de
34 MAN meets R O CK
Sankt Jodok-Ritt (Saint Josse-Ride), Tännesberg
tonArt music festival, Nabburg
www.oberpfael
ture zerwald.de/cul
Altneihauser Feierwehrkapell’n (famous Bavarian band)
Local history Stories about the Oberpfälzer Wald and its people are not only told, they are also displayed in order to be looked at.
Oberpfälzer Künstlerhaus (House of Artists), Schwandorf
Quite a lot of museums, such as the Oberpfälzer Volkskundemuseum in Burglengenfeld, the Oberpfälzer Culture- and Military Museum Grafenwöhr, the Stiftlandmuseum and many more museums of local history, are committed to this topic, the country and its people. Thus, the visitor will gain a fascinating insight into the past of the Oberpfälzer Wald.
Summer Concerts of Wurz
35
OUR T IP Zoiglbeer A hexagram at the gable of a house indicates an old tradition, which exists in the northern part of the Upper Palatinate since over 600 years: Zoiglbeer. This bottom-fermented, unfiltered and very tasty beer attracts – in combination with a Bavarian Brotzeit (typically Bavarian cold dish), an incomparable atmosphere and typical customs – beer lovers from far away… www.zoiglinfo.de
36
The flyer “Zoiglinfo” contains interesting facts about Zoiglbeer, “Zoiglstuben” (very snug rooms) and the history about Zoiglbeer. Enclosed you will also find an all year Zoigl calendar, which informs you when and where Zoiglbeer is served.
M A N meets B A V A R I A
Idyllic villages, typical Bavarian towns, fertile farmlands and hustling and bustling small cities characterise life in the Oberpfälzer Wald. “Gemütlichkeit” (the typically Bavarian way of life and living) in quaint “Stub’n” (kind of rooms), happy musicians in hostelries, an uncomplicated atmosphere, and honest – sometimes a little headstrong – people: This very positive way of life and the typical Old Bavarian way to react even-tempered lingers in one’s mind after a visit in Bavaria… Bavaria is vacation.
37
According to ancient wisdom: EAT I NG and drinking keep BO DY and
Discover Bavaria right in the Oberpfälzer Wald Cosy hostelries, welcoming beer gardens, or exquisite castle restaurants invite to relax and, of course, to go on a culinary journey, too: various local and seasonal dishes, for example during the potato-, asparagus-, or venisonweeks, are served in the Oberpfälzer Wald… Whatever you prefer – “Bauernseufzer” (tasty sausages) with sauerkraut, “Bauchstecherl” (potato garnish), “Dotsch” (kind of potato pancake), “Schweinebraten” with “Knödel”, or rather light meals from the region – you will remember the cuisine of the Oberpfälzer Wald for quite a long time.
OUR T IP Autumn… …is the season of fish harvesting. When the fish in the ponds between Waldsassen and Kemnath are harvested, the district of Tirschenreuth invites to its “fish weeks”: that is the time for special events and activities; you can taste many delicious fish dishes and extraordinary food creations: fish fries, fish bratwurst, carp “Pressack” (kind of brawn), smoked fish, or the “Karpfentrunk” (special kind of beer), etc. www.erlebnis-fisch.de
38 MAN meets BAVAR I A
SOUL
together
www.bier-und-
local crayfish
barock.de
Oberpfälzer carp
39
by everyy trick in the boook off
This is where dreams come true… The originality of the landscapes in the Oberpfälzer Wald is a delightful contrast to modern hotels and guesthouses: Utmost importance is attached to convenience and individuality. Each host tries to fulfil the guests’ wishes and demands and concentrates on service and the guests’ wellbeing. Although most hotels and guesthouses are modernised, they have not lost their typically Bavarian charm, their hospitality and cordiality. Come and be perfectly satisfied – at a vacation in the Oberpfälzer Wald!
OUR T IP A real adventure! Cats, rabbits, horses, goats and hens are awaiting our little guests at the farms of the “Kinderlandgemeinschaft Oberpfälzer Wald“ (a joint venture of family-friendly farms). Children can rummage through hay, observe tadpoles in ponds, assist with feeding or other kinds of farm work, romp around in barns, and learn a lot about animals, forest and nature. Such a vacation will never be boring! www.oberpfaelzerwald.de/ kinderland
40 MAN meets BAVAR I A
stylish hotels
idyllically located vacation lets
www.oberpfael
t zerwald.de/hos
Certified hosts The Oberpfälzer Wald offers a number of certified hosts, rated with either stars or seals of quality: our hosts captivate guests by service, attractive offers, wellkept furniture and equipment. hhhhh G hhhh F fffff P fffff
Classification according to DEHOGA (German hotel and restaurant association) and DTV (German tourism association) Gehnuss hosts Qualified hosts with regard to hiking in Germany Hosts who belong to Bayern Tourismus Marketing GmbH (by.TM) Facilities which are classified according to by.TM criteria Baby- und Kleinkinderfreundlicher Bauernhof Accommodations belonging to Wellvital Farms approved by the Kneipp-Bund
DLG-certificated farms
Hosts with heart… …and regional origin – a local butcher, brewery, garden of herbs, beekeeper, or homemade bread: “originality and authenticity” are very important at most accommodations.
inviting guesthouses and restaurants
Cyclist-friendly hosts “Bed&Bike“ (ADFC) Cyclist-friendly hotels and restaurants (BHG) Motorcycle-friendly hosts, classified by the European Motorcycle Union
Whether hotels, guesthouses, boarding houses, apartments, or farm vacation – the “Gastgeberverzeichnis Oberpfälzer Wald” lists numerable accommodations and you will find the vacation lodging you are looking for.
41
FAM I LY VACAT I ON without stress – following the BAVAR I AN way of life The right place to take a time-out Surrounded by meadows and woods, very often a splendid view, no pressure of time, no hurry – that is how family vacation in the Oberpfälzer Wald would look like. Small, idyllic paradises – especially on farms – open up for children and quite often are new worlds for them. Nature itself offers a huge variety of leisure activities for children and adults, either in unspoiled surroundings or at so-called “environment stations” like Waldsassen, at which nature is partly prepared in order to become even more instructive, exciting and varying… Family vacation can hardly be more wonderful, natural, relaxing or “Bavarian”!
OUR T IP Just education? No, adventure! The open-air museum of the Oberpfalz in Neusath-Perschen gives an insight to how rural life was in former times. Different villages, which are divided according to their regional origin, like Mühlental or Stiftland are surrounded by fields, meadows, or orchards. Many exhibitions and events, such as bread baking, potato harvesting, or fishing, bring alive both history and museum. www.freilandmuseum.org
42 MAN meets BAVARIA
Lustweg (a theme trail) in Waidhaus
www.oberpfael
ily zerwald.de/fam
Leisure Facility Großbüchlberg
High Ropes Course Tännesberg
Environment Station Waldsassen
In the “Touristic Map Oberpfälzer Wald” some of the most important sights in the Oberpfälzer Wald are listed and explained – activities for individuals, families and groups no matter if sunny or rainy days.
43
Full of charm, pleasure and culture:
A CITY TO FALL I N LOV E W IT H City of Weiden The lively, friendly and cosmopolitan city near the river Waldnaab is in the very heart of the Oberpfälzer Wald. Weiden is both romantic and dreamy; innovative and creative; historic sites and modern enterprises complement each other perfectly, and the picturesque Old Town impresses guests as well as residents with houses from the Renaissance and the outstanding City Hall. Traditionally established companies, such as Bauscher, Seltmann, Nachtmann, or Witt, present classic and local products combined with modern design, for example porcelain, glass and textiles. Culture, sports, shopping, joy and vitality and much more is awaiting you in Weiden – the city to fall in love with!
OUR T IP Guided city tours “Weiden at a glance” – guided tours through Weiden’s Old Town with its lovely alleys and small laneways, fascinating Renaissance buildings, and many stories and anecdotes. From mid-April to mid-October: Saturday 10 am Meeting point: Stairs in front of the City Hall www.weiden-oberpfalz.de
44 MAN meets BAVAR I A
www.oberpfael
den zerwald.de/wei
Thermal World Weiden
Max Reger, composer (1873-1916)
St. Josef
The Max Reger Days, the serenades in the Max Reger Park, the Max Reger Hall, the new Max Reger Organ in the parish church St. Michael, the Max Reger Monument, and the Max Reger House: A lot reminds of Max Reger, a famous Weidener, who did not only spend his teenage years here, but also composed many of his most famous organ works here in Weiden.
Worth seeing:
University of Applied Science
The art nouveau church St. Josef, the baroque “Waldsassener Kasten” with the International Museum of Ceramics and the library “Regionalbibliothek Weiden”, the City Museum, the Local Museum Tachau, the Model Railway Museum, and many cultural events.
45
hunting with historical traits Outlet markets Bargain hunting in the Oberpfälzer Wald is definitively profitable: First of all, you will find our local classics, such as glass, lead crystal and porcelain. Then you will discover specific regional products, for example mother of pearl and carvings, nutcrackers and tapestries, or schnaps, liqueur and beer. However, there is even more: jeans, leather and swimwear, snack food, sweets and candies, or table linen, curtains and cloth… More than 70 regional producers and companies offer outlet markets, which are perfect to do some souvenir shopping!
OUR T IP Land of the glassblower Glasblowers were experts on demand – today, they can almost only be found at show crystal factories. The only crystal factory in the Oberpfälzer Wald is the Show Factory of Nachtmann Crystal AG in Neustadt a.d. Waldnaab, which is directly on the “Glasstraße” (Crystal Road). Here, you can see the impressive glass-melting furnace and experience how glass was made in former days. www.kristallglashuette.de
46 MAN meets BAVAR I A
rasse.de www.dieglasst trasse.de ns lla ze www.por trasse.de t www.goldene-s rwald.de/outle ze el www.oberpfa
Old ways – new adventures
private distillery Schraml
History and present of glass production in the Oberpfälzer Wald are omnipresent on the “Glasstraße” (Crystal Road), whereas you will follow the traces of the “white gold” on the “Porzellanstraße” (Porcelain Road). Or walk along the “Goldene Straße” (Golden Road), a road steeped in history, across the Oberpfälzer Wald. These roads are spread like a network over the country and several cultural and shopping events are waiting for you; A lot of museums invite you to visit their exhibitions, numerous events are dealing with glass and porcelain, and the chance to buy such products is given almost everywhere.
Museum of Glass, Neustadt/WN
Buttons with history Small but essential: buttons. In Bärnau, a museum is dedicated to this object of both utility and ornament: four centuries of button production are seated in the former community brewery!
47
Visiting N EI G H BO U RS in
BAVAR I A or the C ZECH R E PU BLI C Either organised by others or on one’s own – the Oberpfälzer Wald is an ideal starting point for day trips to… …Franconia: > Bayreuth, the city of Richard
Wagner, with Hermitage and festival theater > Medieval Nuremberg with
Kaiserburg (Ceasars Castle) > “Teufelshöhle Pottenstein”
(“devil’s cave“) in Franconian Switzerland > Falconry “Katharinenberg“ in
Wunsiedel > Along the “Porzellanstraße”
to the “Porzellanikon” in Selb …the Bavarian Jura: > Impressive gap of the Danube
at Weltenburg, Kelheim > Amenity Park “Monte Kaolino“,
Hirschau ...the South and East: > UNESCO World Heritage
Regensburg > Along the “Glasstraße”
(Crystal Road) to the Bavarian Forest …the Czech Republic: > Health resort Mariánské Lázně
with spa gardens > Picturesque town of Cheb,
with the “Špalíček” (a late Gothic group of houses)
Porzellanikon, Selb
> Old mining town Stříbro with
Sgraffiti City Hall > Lovely town
Hořšovský Týn
with palace > Small health SPA Lázne
Kynžvart with Metternich palace > Prague, the Golden City
48 MAN meets BAVAR I A
Hermitage, Bayreuth
www.oberpfael
Danube gap, Weltenburg
Franconia
ps zerwald.de/tri
Tirschenreuth aab
Czech Republic
dn Wal
$
Neustadt a.d. Waldnaab
Weiden $
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$
Bavarian Jura
Naab
Schw
Monte Kaolino, Hirschau
arzach
Schwandorf
Bavarian Forest
Vils
Singing Fountain, Mariánské Lázneˇ
Sgraffiti-Rathaus, Stribro
Špalícek, ˇ Cheb
Monte Kaolino Falconry “Katharinenberg”
Nuremberg’s Old Town
World Heritage Regensburg
49
Recreation – Art – Culture – Cure:
Mitterteich
Vacation in the STIFTLAND
The “Land of a Thousand Ponds”… …and healing springs is located at the Bavarian-Bohemian border, an area characterised by Klosterstift Waldsassen (an abbey)…
Neualbenreuth
In over 2.500 ponds, known as the “Tirschenreuther Teichpfanne”, there are thousands of delicious carp, and the Waldnaab winds through unspoiled meadows Falkenberg, which is the gate to the wild and romantic nature reserve Waldnaabtal. High above the Waldnaab there is Castle Falkenberg, which was reconstructed from 1936 to 1939. Famous persons like linguist Johann Andreas Schmeller or the stigmatised Therese Neumann, also known as Resl of Konnersreuth, called this home. Only a stone’s throw from the centre of Central Europe there is the wellness and health resort Sibyllenbad in Neualbenreuth. Here you can relax in an oriental bathing temple and enjoy a fairytale of Arabian Nights…
Mähring
OUR TIP Due to the construction of glass-kilns… Resl’s garden in Konnersreuth
…people from Plößberg went into the wide world and saw a diversity of nativity sets, varying in size and colors. These unforgettable impressions made the craftsmen create their own nativity sets and figures. The Glass Museum in Plößberg with Nativity Set Room exhibits wellchosen products made of glass from different countries. Be surprised about past and present! www.ploessberg.de
Glass Nativity Set, Plößberg
50 County of TIRSCHENREUTH
www.fer ienreg
de ion-st if tland.
ab
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Observatory in Tirschenreuth $
Stiftland Johannisplatz 11 95652 Waldsassen Tel. +49 9632 88-160 Fax +49 9632 88-161 info@ferienregion-stiftland.de www.ferienregion-stiftland.de
Meadows of the Waldnaab
51
Discover Bavaria’s smallest nature reserve – STEINWALD
An impressive and inviting paradise! Castle Ruin Weißenstein towers above the woods upon old, weathered granite rocks, which look like woolsacks: These rocks are the landmark of a very young mountain range, which originated during the last five million years. The highest peak of the Steinwald is called Platte, with an elevation of 946 metres (3105 feet) above sea level. Strange formations of stone can be seen, for example Kiebitzstein, Vogelfelsen or Ratsfelsen.
Erbendorf
near Pullenreuth
The forest’s silence and scent, or the view from the Oberpfalz Tower to a sea of wood – the Steinwald is indeed a small paradise. Inviting… Qualified hiking trails, such as Goldsteig and Fränkischer Gebirgsweg, wonderful cycle paths along the Fichtelnaab and the theme path “Sagenhafte Steinroute” (Fabulous Stone Route), idyllic bathing lakes like Silbersee and Mondsee, fishing waters abundant in fish, e.g. Fichtelnaab and Storchenweiher, or art and culture!
OUR TIP Visit an imaginary world On the “Phantastischer Karpfenweg”, painted carp sculptures, which are put all around the historic Old Town of Kemnath, accompany hikers and walkers. At each sculpture you will find poems or stories dealing with fish. But watch out! Flying fish might cross the path! www.kemnath.de
52 County of TIRSCHENREUTH
Phantastischer Karpfenweg
-steinwald.de www.naturpark laub.de ur dwww.steinwal Ebnath
Brand
Waldershof Neusorg Pullenreuth
Immenreuth
Fuchsmühl Wiesau
Kulmain
Friedenfels
Kemnath Erbendorf Kastl
Reuth bei Erbendorf
Krummennaab
$
lzer
Hackelstein
W Falkenberg
Zipfeltannenfels
Castle Ruin Weißenstein
Basalt formation near Wiesau
Steinwald Bräugasse 2 92681 Erbendorf Tel. +49 9682 9210-22 Fax +49 9682 9210-92 tourist-info@erbendorf.de www.naturpark-steinwald.de
War of Succession Memorial near Neusorg
53
Between Waldnaab and Bohemian Forest:
NATURPARKLAND OBERPFÄLZER WALD Eleven friends… …are waiting for you to be discovered, right in the middle of the “Naturpark Nördlicher Oberpfälzer Wald”, the northern part of the Oberpfälzer Wald. These friends are five certified resorts – Eslarn, Flossenbürg, Moosbach, Pleystein and Tännesberg – and six lovely holiday resorts – Floß, Georgenberg, Leuchtenberg, Vohenstrauß, Waidhaus and Waldthurn. Furthermore, the “Naturpark Nördlicher Oberpfälzer Wald” belongs to the association “Viabono – Reisen natürlich genießen” and was awarded “Quality Nature Park”.
Besides, each village and town has its own advantages: well-prepared and signed trails and paths for hikers and cyclists, fishing waters for anglers, idyllic locations for campers, family-friendly leisure time activities, cultural highlights and many local jewels. In short, the „Naturparkland Oberpfälzer Wald“ is a delightful spot to spend your vacation at.
Numerous satisfied guests and families, who regularly visit the „Naturparkland“, love this region for its peace, its wonderful nature, and the friendly and caring hosts – enjoy quality and high-value vacation at an affordable price!
OUR TIP “Glasschleifererweg” (Glass Cutter Trail) Experiencing cultural and industrial history by hiking… Waterpower and its former significance accompany the hiker at every turn. Starting at the historic mill Gehenhammer along the Zott creek, passing former glass cutting and polishing plants (e.g. the well-preserved Hagenmühle), to idyllic villages and secret corners – all this is waiting on the 78 km long circuit trail “Glasschleifererweg”. www.glasschleifererweg.de
Palace Burgtreswitz
54 County of NEUSTADT A.D. WALDNAAB
Bockl Cycle Trail near Floß
land.de www.naturpark Floß
Flossenbürg Georgenberg Waldthurn
Pleystein Waidhaus
Vohenstrauß $ Leuchtenberg
Outdoor swimming pool Bäckeröd, Waidhaus
Pilgrimage Church Fahrenberg near Waldthurn
Moosbach
imd Pfre Eslarn Tännesberg
Hutstein near Eslarn
Naturparkland Oberpfälzer Wald
Böhmischbruck near Vohenstrauß
Marktplatz 9 or Friedrichstraße 27 92648 Vohenstrauß Tel. +49 9651 922230 or 9180580 Fax +49 9651 922241 or 9180501 info@naturparkland.de www.naturparkland.de
55
Rocks enclosed by water, wild and romantic forests, famous rock formations: the WALDNAAB-TAL
Welcome to a natural paradise There are quite a number of idyllic villages and lovely towns along the Waldnaab, the main river in the Oberpfälzer Wald. This region, its resorts and hosts offer a variety of impressions and activities: a wonderful river for boat trips and angling, family-friendly hiking trails and cycling paths, one of the best golf courses in Germany, lively arts and culture scene and sociability in connection with Zoiglbeer, earth science at the deepest research borehole in the world, the Max Reger City Weiden i.d. OPf., Europe’s Crystal Glass Centre Neustadt a.d. Waldnaab, world-famous glass and porcelain products, and much more. The nature reserve Waldnaabtal, north of Windischeschenbach, is a well-visited area with striking formations of rocks and has become a popular destination for hikers and cyclists.
First Class Golf course Schwanhof, Luhe-Wildenau
OUR TIP Organ-pipes made of lava rock The basalt cone “Hoher Parkstein” was awarded “Bedeutendes deutsches Geotop” (important German geotope). 150 years ago, explorer Alexander von Humboldt had already realised that this basalt formation is quite extraordinary and described it as “the most beautiful basalt cone in Europe”. Take a look at impressive basalt columns and enjoy the fantastic panoramic view! www.parkstein.de
Valley of the Waldnaab river between Neustadt and Altenstadt
56 County of NEUSTADT A.D. WALDNAAB
b-tal.de www.waldnaa
Basalt cone Parkstein
Lobkowitz Palace in Neustadt
22
15
14
Starting point of the Bockl Cycle Trail, Neustadt
Castle Neuhaus
Waldnaab-Tal HauptstraĂ&#x;e 34 92670 Windischeschenbach Tel. +49 9681 401 240 Fax +49 9681 401 217 tourismus@ windischeschenbach.de www.waldnaab-tal.de
Pilgrimage Church St. Quirin
57
OBERPFÄLZER HÜGELLAND: Volcanic cones and floodplains, Baroque sites and beautiful cities
Interesting… …is the hilly region between the basalt cone Rauher Kulm, the lake Rußweiher, the forests Hessenreuther Wald and Manteler Wald such as Haidenaab meadows and has a lot of spots to discover: Explore unspoiled landscapes with lush flora and abundant fauna, visit the listed convent village of Speinshart, take a look at artistic works in Baroque churches, enjoy panoramic views from the view tower upon a volcanic cone near Neustadt am Kulm, do a cycling or hiking tour through a sea of wood, admire Elvis Presley in the museum of Grafenwöhr, discover the world of roots in the Wurzelmuseum in Tremmersdorf (this museum of roots is especially interesting for children), camp at a lakeside or just enjoy hospitality and comfort in a guesthouse.
town of Grafenwöhr
OUR TIP The cultural jewel… …is the Prémontré monastery Speinshart in the Oberpfälzer Hügelland. The Baroque abbey was founded in 1145 and is an important European historical site. Both, the church, built by Wolfgang Dientzenhofer, and its splendid interior, designed by the brothers Lucchese, are worth seeing. Furthermore, the carefully restored convent village is one of the most beautiful rural villages in Southern Germany. www.kloster-speinshart.de
in the Museum Grafenwöhr
58 County of NEUSTADT A.D. WALDNAAB
www.oberpfael
Camping Rußweiher, Eschenbach i.d. OPf.
Vorbach Schlammersdorf
Neustadt a. Kulm
Speinshart
Kirchenthumbach
zer-huegelland
.de
Trabitz
Eschenbach i.d.OPf. Pressath Schwarzenbach Grafenwöhr
We Mantel Etzenricht
Weiherhammer Kohlberg
Castle Dießfurt near Pressath
Hiking Trail Goldene Straße (Golden Road) near Kohlberg
Baroque glory in Abbey Church Speinshart
Oberpfälzer Hügelland Karlsplatz 3 92676 Eschenbach i.d. OPf. Tel. +49 9645 9200-16 Fax +49 9645 8095 tourismus@neustadt.de www.oberpfaelzer-huegelland.de
Neustadt am Kulm
59
Rurally cultivated landscapes, crossed by hiking trails and hedges:
OBERVIECHTACHER and SCHÖNSEER LAND A landscape to fall in love with Directly at the Bohemian border, this region includes both the city Schönsee with the boroughs of Stadlern and Weiding, and the city Oberviechtach with the resorts Niedermurach, Teunz and Winklarn. Relaxation, health, culture and sports are awaiting visitors and holidaymakers in a well-wooded area between Frauenstein, Wildenstein and Reichenstein, at which you have a fantastic view to Bohemia. Sportsmen will find well-prepared and signposted hiking trails and cycle paths. The Schönseer Land is not only known because of the Schönseer Seefest (lake fest), at which visitors can watch e.g. how to do laces, but also because of its plays. One festival is dedicated to a well-known citizen of Oberviechtach, the famous “Doctor”
Hochfels near Stadlern
Johann Andreas Eisenbarth, the other play deals with “Paschen” (kind of smuggling) in the borderland to Bohemia. Moreover, as this region is one of the most fertile gold deposits in Bavaria, the area around Oberviechtach is also called Eldorado, land of the gold, since medieval times…
OUR TIP Centrum Bavaria Bohemia The old community brewery in Schönsee has become a cultural meeting point between Bavaria and Bohemia.
Kurpark (Health resort) in Schönsee
The Centrum offers a wide range of events, which deal with transnational themes. Exhibitions, concerts, readings, theater, lectures and panel events attract visitors from both Bavaria and Bohemia. www.bbkult.net
60 County of SCHWANDORF
Doctor Eisenbarth Museum in Oberviechtach
www.brueckenl
and.eu
Bildstock (religious shrine) in Teunz
Cyclists taking a rest in Schneeberg Gold panning in the Murach
Schönseer Land Freyung 1 · 92539 Schönsee Tel. +49 9674 317 · Fax 913067 touristinfo@schoenseer-land.de www.schoenseer-land.de
Oberviechtacher Land Nabburger Straße 2 92526 Oberviechtach Tel. +49 9671 307-16 · Fax 307-19 tourismus@oberviechtach.de www.oberviechtach.de
61
Water and Wood as far as the eye can see – that is the OBERPFÄLZER SEENLAND
Endless opportunities Large waters and extensive woods; Mediterranean atmosphere and calm recesses at the lakeside; no bickering about umbrellas or deckchairs – holiday fun as desired… The Oberpfälzer Seenland is the ultimate destination for everybody who loves to spend his or her vacation at the lakeside: bathing, boat hiking, trips by dragon boat, diving, waterskiing, sailing, surfing – all this is offered at the biggest lakes of East Bavaria as well as at numerous ponds and idyllic rivers amidst genuine and unspoiled landscape.
Sand-Oasis-Sulzbach, Bruck i.d. OPf.
In addition to those wet amusements, there are spooky castles, impressive festivals and many museums: Violà, a region of endless opportunities!
OUR TIP A mountain full of history… Under the Weinberg in Schwandorf, there is an almost forgotten labyrinth with long chambers and floors. 500 years ago, Felsenkeller (caverns in rock) were carved into sandstone in order to ferment and store beer, as the beer from Schwandorf was a top export product. Therefore, discover the historic Felsenkeller by taking part in a fascinating guided tour. www.schwandorf.de
62 County of SCHWANDORF
Historic Felsenkeller Schwandorf
www.oberpfael
e zer-seenland.d w ar
zach
Schwarzach
Naab
Sch
Vils
Music Summer, Schwarzenfeld
Art and Water Trail, Bodenwöhr
Regen
Oberpfälzer Seenland Im Büropark Werk 1 92442 Wackersdorf Tel. +49 9431 7593-40 Fax +49 9431 7593-41 dd info@oberpfaelzer-seenland.de www.oberpfaelzer-seenland.de
Water sports on Lake Steinberg
63
NATURE PARK OBERPFÄLZER WALD along Naab, Pfreimd and Schwarzach Water, Woods and Romance… The rivers Naab, Pfreimd and Schwarzach as well as their idyllic banks are ideal to relax while hiking, cycling or riding horses. By visiting ancient towns and villages, partially with medieval traces, the exhibition mine in Stulln or the ancestral church in Perschen you will realise how impressive history can be.
OUR TIP The “Venetian Merchant“ in Nabburg Actors perform how life in the town and in the country looked like at the turn of the late Middle Ages to modern times. On his journey, the merchant encounters many contemporaries, e.g. a goldsmith or a female herbalist. If you are interested in former times in detail, the Oberpfälzer Freilandmuseum NeusathPerschen (open-air museum) might be worth visiting, too. www.der-venezianischekaufmann.de
64 County of SCHWANDORF
Old Town of Nabburg Tourismusgemeinschaft Oberpfälzer Wald an Naab, Pfreimd und Schwarzach Oberer Markt 16 · 92507 Nabburg Tel. +49 9433 1826 · Fax 1833 info@naturpark-oberpfaelzerwald.de www.naturpark-oberpfaelzerwald.de
$
$
Enjoy your vacation in the region of the
SOUTHERN NAAB-VILS
ze www.oberpfael
ay-regio rwald.de/holid
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Burglengenfeld Vils
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Characterised by the Naab Many anglers are attracted by the Naab as its calm and peaceful nature offers relaxation and fish in abundance. Castle Lengenfeld and Palace Münchshofen protectively look down from above; adventure and castle tours will take you back to long-forgotten times. Familyfriendly cycling paths, natural bathing lakes or wellness baths, or the Animal Park Höllohe are especially suitable for children.
Market place, Burglengenfeld
Südliche Naab-Vils Marktplatz 2-6 93133 Burglengenfeld Tel. +49 9471 7018-20 or -24 Fax +49 9471 7018-68 ordnungsamt@ burglengenfeld-online.de www.burglengenfeld.de
Animal Park Höllohe, Teublitz Spend the most beautiful days of the year – your vacation – in one of the following resorts:
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Guided tours through Kulzer Moos (moor near Kulz)
Dieterskirchen · Fensterbach Gleiritsch · Maxhütte-Haidhof Neukirchen-Balbini Schwarzhofen · Thanstein
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Berlin
MĂźnchen
Bayern
Regensburg
NĂźrnberg
Oberpfälzer Wald
Hamburg Elb e
The details have been carefully prepared and processed. Errors and omissions excepted. This brochure is intended solely for sales promotion and for your information. No damage compensation complaints may be made on the basis of incorrect details or non-fulďŹ lment of performance assurances of service providers.
Print Westermann Druck GmbH, 38104 Braunschweig ¡ ImprimÊ en Allemagne 11/09/40 ¡ printed on 100% chlorine-free bleached paper
Photo credits Archives of the Tourism departments and of the municipal authorities of the districts and business establishment featured here, along with Stefan Gruber, Hanno Meier, GĂźnter Moser, Ingrid Popp, the Videofabrik Matthias Hecht (Photo S. 56/57)
Design & Layout, Typesetting & Lithography Venus. Werbeagentur GmbH, 94327 Bogen
Published by the Tourism Association of the Oberpfälzer Wald (Tourism centres of the counties 92660 Neustadt a.d. Waldnaab, 92421 Schwandorf, 95643 Tirschenreuth) in collaboration with the Tourismusverband Ostbayern e.V., 93047 Regensburg
Imprint
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Frankfurt
KĂśln
Rhei
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officially recognised recreation area
drilling tower
point of interest
look out tower
church/monastery
castle ruin
palace, castle
bordercrossing for cars, trucks and busses
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ȥȐǸɑɜ Ʉș ɤɑɄɉȐ Th h The health lth and d wellness ll oasis at the heart of Europe Spa and wellness center with oriental bathing temple Enjoy the beneficent effect of our curative waters at our spacious spa area with open air pool. Plunge into the world of Arabian nights: experience the herbal scents and let your skin be nurtured to make it soft and smooth. Relax at our Moorish lounge oasis. Leave the daily routine behind you while sipping a glass of Turkish tea and listening to the burble of a fountain. A door into another world opens under the sparkling sky of the Arabian Rasul. Get well at our seven saunas and escape from the outside world at our individual lounge areas. Let yourself be pampered with relaxant massages and nurturing baths, or make use of our special offers for two and take your time to enjoy them with your partner or to catch up with friends.
SIBYLLENBAD 0 Wellness in the heart of Europe 9569868 Neualbenreuth 0 Kurallee 1 0 Tel. +49 9638 933-0 0 www.sibyllenbad.de