Schirmitz: Panorama and distinctive local history

Schirmitz combines sweeping views across the Weiden Bay with striking architectural and historical landmarks in the town. There are also trails and excursion destinations in the wider Neustadt an der Waldnaab travel region. Whether you are mainly interested in landscapes, architecture or longer tours, these different highlights give your trip planning a clear focus.

Panoramic views and local history in Schirmitz

In the southeastern part of Schirmitz, on the road to Bechtsrieth, a rise offers panoramic views across the entire Weiden Bay. The landscape provides a different perspective from the town’s architectural and local history, which can be explored through several features. St. James’s is a chancel-tower church: the tower stands directly above the chancel, adjoining the single-nave church hall. The church is decorated in the Gründerzeit style, now very rare in Bavaria. The three altars and the pulpit date from around 1754.

Schirmitz cemetery is also known for its simple wooden crosses, considered unique in Bavaria. By the town hall, the history fountain tells the story of the town. Together, the church, cemetery and fountain offer different ways to explore Schirmitz’s architectural and historical character without reducing its distinctive features to a single attraction.

Trails and excursions in the wider Neustadt an der Waldnaab travel region

East of Schirmitz, the Panorama Trail lies in the nearby area. It is 4.3 kilometres long and has an elevation gain of 103 metres. The Bockl in the wider Neustadt an der Waldnaab travel region offers a much longer route: this 52-kilometre trail runs from Neustadt an der Waldnaab to Eslarn along a historic railway line. It can be used on foot, by bicycle or on inline skates, is mostly paved and traffic-free, and rarely has gradients exceeding three per cent. The different route lengths make it easy to plan your day around the kind of tour you prefer.

The Bockl trailhead in Neustadt an der Waldnaab is directly accessible by train. Trains run hourly to the terminus of the Nuremberg–Neustadt an der Waldnaab line, where you can transfer directly to a bicycle. Check the timetable before travelling. In the district of Neustadt an der Waldnaab, which is part of the Upper Palatinate Forest destination, tourist activities include hiking, cycling, museum visits and swimming in the numerous bathing waters.

Culture and nature in the region

In Parkstein, the basalt cone was added to the list of Bavaria’s 100 most beautiful geotopes in 2003 and awarded the title “National Geotope” in 2006. The historic walking tour of Parkstein begins at the Landrichter Castle, which houses the Parkstein Volcano Experience Museum. A volcanic eruption is depicted there every hour and can be experienced on three levels; check the times before your visit, as schedules may change. Geopark rangers offer guided tours of the basalt wall, the rock cellars and the basalt cone. Check availability before your trip.

Speinshart offers a different cultural highlight: its monastery church is one of the most significant Baroque buildings in southern Germany and stands out for its Italian High Baroque furnishings. Together with the historic monastery village, which has been preserved, the monastery is a cultural asset of European standing. A public guided tour of the monastery church takes place at 3 p.m. on Sundays and public holidays. Check the time on the official monastery website before your trip, as it may change. If you are interested in a guided tour of the Neustadt Baroque Garden, contact the Neustadt an der Waldnaab District Office.

You can also enjoy nature and active days in different ways across the region: in the Doost Nature Reserve, the Girnitz stream flows for about 750 metres through a sea of massive, rounded granite boulders. Several hiking trails from Neustadt/WN, Weiden and Floß lead there. The Waldnaab Valley–Parkstein–KTB e-bike geotour runs from Windischeschenbach towards Neustadt an der Waldnaab and climbs to Parkstein; details may change. When looking for a holiday apartment, you might first consider whether you want to focus your trip on Schirmitz’s local attractions, regional cultural destinations or tours.

Discover more destinations

Also discover Pirk. Discover more destinations: Grafenwöhr, Schwarzenbach, Vorbach, Eschenbach in der Oberpfalz, Luhe-Wildenau, Moosbach, Kohlberg.

Back to the wider travel overview: Neustadt an der Waldnaab.