Best historic site trails in Steinwald Nature Park

Charming circular trail in the Steinwald Nature Park, Bavaria. This route leads through the Steinwald Nature Park to the ruins of Weißenstein Castle. The castle was built in the 11th century and was already a fortified position in the 13th century. In the 14th century, the castle passed to the Notthaffter nobility, who extended it further. It was destroyed and rebuilt several times during the various battles for the Bavarian throne and was completely abandoned in 1550. The trail starts at...

A fairly easy route with beautiful views of the Schloßberg, where at least 4 castles stood in the Middle Ages. A chequered history repeatedly led to the destruction of the buildings, and the remains that can still be seen today can be assigned to different eras. ---------------------------- Accessible by bus and train

Varied circular hiking trail in the Steinwald Nature Park, Bavaria. A lot of variety is guaranteed on this circular hike in the Steinwald. From the starting point, the trail leads to the ruins of Weißenstein Castle, an impressive rock castle. Continue past the castle rock and the Wolfsgrube until you finally reach the summit of the Platte. From the Oberpfalz tower there, you can enjoy magnificent views over the extensive forest landscape. In winter in particular, there may be closures along...

Family-friendly circular tour in the Steinwald Nature Park near Kemnath. The castle ruins of Waldeck, one of the oldest castle ruins in the Upper Palatinate, are enthroned on the Schloßberg. From here, there are great views of the Steinwald forest, the St. Ägidius castle chapel and the EWILPA (Edible Wild Plants Park) circular trail to explore.

This route follows stage 1 of the Goldsteig, a long-distance trail from Marktredwitz to Passau, beginning in Marktredwitz and ending in Friedenfels. The trail leaves the Auenpark, passing a natural outdoor pool and rural fields before ascending into the heart of the Steinwald Nature Park. Hikers encounter the Basaltpferdchen rock formations, the medieval Weißenstein castle ruins with its panoramic keep, the Kibitzstein rock arch, and quiet woodland paths leading into Friedenfels. Overnight...

Idyllic stretch of road in the Upper Palatinate, Bavaria The first stage of the Castle Trail leads through the beautiful cultural landscape of the Steinwald Nature Park and is a successful start to the long-distance hiking trail. It starts at the car park in Marktredwitz (the starting point can also be reached by bus and train). You walk southwards and follow the course of the Kössein for a while to Waldershof. If you wish, you can make a short detour to the castle there and find a place to...

Marked hike from Waldeck in the Steinwald Nature Park. This route can be used as an access route to the Goldsteig long-distance hiking trail or as an independent hike. From Waldeck "Oberer Markt", the route leads through the Steinwald forest with moderate inclines on forest roads and partly paved forest paths to the Weißenstein castle ruins. There are always beautiful viewpoints along the way and refreshment stops halfway. ---- Accessible by bus and train

Beautiful circular route in the Upper Palatinate Forest, Bavaria. On the Marterlweg - or the path of faith - the white and blue markings lead once round from the old cemetery to Zwergau and the Waldecker Schlossberg. There are 15 wayside shrines along the way to inspire you. The route mostly follows field and meadow paths. A highlight of the tour is the castle ruins and the open-air chapel of St Ägidius, both of which are enthroned on the extinct volcanic cone. From here, there is a...