Discover Schönthal: Cycling Routes and Monastery History

Schönthal combines cycling and hiking trails with a history that can be read in its memorial sites and buildings. The Schwarzachtal Cycle Route passes through the town; the Hussenbierl Trail connects points of interest in the Schwarzachtal and at the Hussenbierl Chapel. There is also the former Augustinian monastery with the parish church of St. Michael. If you are looking for a holiday apartment, you can consider whether cycling tours, walking trails or Schönthal’s history should be the focus of your stay.

Cycling on the Schwarzachtal Cycle Route

The 132.1-kilometre Schwarzachtal Cycle Route passes through places including Schwarzenfeld, Schwarzach bei Nabburg, Neunburg vorm Wald, Rötz, Schönthal and Waldmünchen. It passes the Höll border crossing and continues through other places as far as Kritzenast. In Schönthal, the route passes quiet oxbow lakes and continues towards Thuraumühle. The total length provides a wider regional context for cycling tours; the section described near Schönthal also offers practical guidance for planning locally. Families can weigh up the kind of day they want: a longer cycle route as the main activity, or an outing focused on Schönthal and its points of interest. Check current route conditions before setting out.

Hiking trails with different points of interest

The Sc03 (Hussenbierl Trail) and Sc02 (Forest Chapel Trail) differ in their described routes. Points of interest along the Sc03 include Kleinschönthal, the Schwarzachtal and Döfering on the way to the Hussenbierl Chapel. The return route goes via Döfering and Kleinschönthal to Schönthal Town Hall Square. The Sc03 also runs along the north slope of Kühberg into the Schwarzachtal near Thuraumühle. One section follows the Goldsteig to Hussenbierlstraße; from the Hussenbierl Chapel, the view extends as far as Schwarzwihr. On the way back, the route passes the church and monastery in Schönthal. The Sc02 runs from Döfering via the Goldsteig above Mühlbierl to Rhan. This makes it possible to choose between the route via the Hussenbierl Chapel and the trail to Rhan when planning a hike. Route information may change, so it is a good idea to check conditions before setting out.

Hussite history and monastery architecture

The Hussite memorial in Hiltersried was erected in 1933 and commemorates the Hussite battle of 1433 and the Hussites’ defeat there. The former Augustinian monastery in Schönthal tells another part of the town’s history: despite years of threat and devastation by the Hussites, as well as the Reformation and Counter-Reformation, it developed into the economic, intellectual and ecclesiastical centre of the upper Schwarzachtal.

The monastery complex includes the former monastery church, now the Catholic parish church of St. Michael, and the monastery building. The latter was built in 1695 to plans by Wolfgang Dientzenhofer. The two-storey, four-wing building has hipped roofs, an entrance driveway and plasterwork detailing. Those interested in architectural history will find specific details about the complex here; the Hussenbierl Trail passes the church and monastery on its return route. The trail thus brings landscape and local history together, while the memorial in Hiltersried recalls an event from 1433.

More things to explore in the wider Cham destination

The wider Cham destination also offers cultural and nature-focused experiences. In Furth im Wald, the Dragon Cave features a tour with information about the town’s dragon story, the festival and the dragon robot’s technology. The summer festival plays a part in the Dragon Slaying tradition. In Rötz, the Schwarzwihrberg Nature Forest Reserve is part of the “Schwarzwihrberg near Rötz” FFH site. In Neukirchen beim Heiligen Blut, the pilgrimage museum is housed in the former Pflegschloss; its exhibits include treasures from the pilgrimage church archive. These places add other highlights within Cham to Schönthal’s cycling, hiking and history themes. If you are planning to visit the Dragon Cave, it is worth checking the operator’s latest visitor information.

Choose the right focus for your holiday

When choosing a holiday apartment in Schönthal, consider which experiences you want to shape your holiday: the Schwarzachtal Cycle Route, trails such as the Sc03 and Sc02, or the history of the monastery and Hussite memorial. If you are comparing destinations in the wider Cham area, you can also consider the museums, festival and nature experiences described there.

Discover more destinations

Loitendorf, Schorndorf, Miltach, Grafenwiesen, Waldmünchen, Hohenwarth, Tiefenbach, Arnschwang

Back to the wider travel overview: Cham.