Hohenberg an der Eger: Castle, Porcelain and Paths Along the Eger

Hohenberg an der Eger combines castle history, porcelain culture and paths through the landscape along the Eger. Those looking for a holiday apartment or holiday home can combine different kinds of days here: explore historic places, walk along the river, choose a themed trail or learn about the region’s porcelain tradition.

Castle, Porcelain and a Distinctive Local History

Hohenberg an der Eger Castle was built between 1170 and 1222 to protect an old trade route. This route led from the east via the town of Eger, today’s Cheb, past Hohenberg. The castle therefore tells not only of medieval fortification, but also of the historic importance of the town as a link between regions.

Another focal point is Porzellanikon in Hohenberg an der Eger. It is located in the former villa of Carl Magnus Hutschenreuther and presents the history of the regional porcelain industry. During a visit to the factory outlet, you can also experience the special features of Dibbern porcelain first-hand. For travellers who appreciate culture and traditional craftsmanship, this creates a separate excursion focus alongside the hiking trails.

Smaller architectural and commemorative sites also give a stay a distinctive character. The Confinhaus near Hohenberg’s Hammermühle is a former quarantine station dating from the late 18th century. Its upper floor is built in half-timbering, while the gabled roof was altered later. At the Eger bridge near Pfeiffermühle stands a 2.40-metre-high limestone sculpture of a bagpipe player. It was erected in November 1963 and commemorates Bohemian musicians who travelled to Bavaria in summer during the 19th and early 20th centuries.

Hiking Along the Eger and in the Nature Park

The “Kaiserweg” themed hiking trail begins in Hohenberg and runs along the Eger. Information boards explore the geology, nature and cultural history of the Eger valley. Those looking for a circular route with changing landscapes will find another option in Circular Hiking Trail 1: It follows the Eger downstream and returns to the castle square via a steep ascent through Kocherrangen Nature Park, with views of the valley. The information about the steep ascent helps you choose a tour that suits your day’s plans.

Circular Hiking Trail 7 passes the Hirschsprung hydroelectric power station and then leads to a bridge towards Gut Blumenthal. The bridge takes you back to the opposite riverbank; after a turnoff, the trail runs directly along the bank into the Weller Valley. This allows you to choose between a tour with a significant ascent and a route with river and riverside sections, without assigning both experiences a uniform level of difficulty.

The landscape also includes the Carolinen Spring and the Eger floodplains. Carolinen Spring is a mineral spring with healing properties on the “Kuppelwiese” in “Kocherrangen” Nature Park, just a few metres from the Eger. A forest road leads downhill from a car park into the Eger floodplain; from there, the spring can be reached on foot in five minutes. There are additional information boards on site, including one belonging to the Geopark. Steinberg rises west of the town, is 653 metres high and lies in the Fichtel Mountains Nature Park. Heiligenberg is designated as a protected geotope of high geoscientific value. With its varying nutrient levels, the Eger creates habitats rich in species; the floodplains are rich in nutrients due to river deposits.

Cultural Sites for Different Travel Days

St. Elisabeth Church developed from a small chapel that belonged to the castle and was originally under the parish of Arzberg. A church visitation first mentioned it in 1508 as the “Chapel of the Blessed Virgin near Hohenberg Castle”. The interior furnishings include an altar created by Marianne Wendt in 1949, a pulpit and a baptismal font made of reddish terracotta, as well as an oak winged altarpiece carved by Albert Sterr in 1952. The Fatima Chapel was built beneath an oak tree in 2005 and consecrated that same year with a donated statue of Our Lady of Fatima. The Fatima prayer group meets on the 13th of every month for a service of prayer and prays the rosary.

For families, the Sakura Activity Park, opened in 2023, offers an additional destination: It has play equipment for young children and fitness stations for senior citizens. The park is particularly impressive during the cherry blossom season in April. The “Milchhof” now houses the municipal archive and serves as a place of learning about Hohenberg’s history.

Hohenberg as a Starting Point for Finding Accommodation

Which holiday apartment or holiday home suits your trip in Hohenberg an der Eger depends above all on your preferred daily rhythm. If you would like to combine the castle, church, Porzellanikon and historic buildings, your focus is on culture and local history. For active days, the Kaiserweg, the circular hiking trails and the destinations along the Eger provide specific ideas. Those looking for nature observation and geological features can include Carolinen Spring, Steinberg, Heiligenberg and the Eger floodplains in their plans.

Your arrival can also be taken into account when making your decision: Hohenberg an der Eger can be reached by train via Schirnding station and by car via the A 9 and A 93 motorways. Hikers and cyclists who have used the border crossing near Hammermühle to enter the Czech Republic since 1 March 1996 pass the Confinhaus before crossing the Eger bridge. The town thus offers historic discoveries, a riverside landscape and various types of tours as the basis for an individually planned trip.

For the overarching travel overview: Schirnding.