Discover Breitenbrunn: Nature, Hiking Trails and Pilgrimage History

Breitenbrunn is located in the Altmühltal Nature Park and is a state-recognized resort. Small streams, protected valleys and steep nutrient-poor grassland slopes characterize the area, along with special trails and a vibrant pilgrimage history.

Streams, Roses and Trails Through Nature

In Breitenbrunn, small streams wind through valleys protected as biotopes. Steep nutrient-poor grassland slopes rise to a gently undulating plateau of the Franconian Jura. This landscape reveals different sides of the surrounding area: protected valley floors lie alongside open, rising slopes. Those interested in plants can explore them through the Rose Trail. It passes roses in bloom and their fragrance, and provides information on how the plants are classified.

The Breitenbrunn market’s hiking trail network is centered around the premium “Rose” trail. There are also other named trails in the municipality: the Heutal Trail and the Water Buffalo Trail are nature trails within the municipal area. The Wild Rose Garden on Bucher Berg is also located within the municipality of Breitenbrunn; it provides a habitat for 25 rare native rose species as well as many endangered plant and animal species. Rare animal and plant species have also settled along an idyllic stream at the Erbmühle in the municipality of Breitenbrunn. In this way, the nature and rose themes can be combined with different interests without being equated with a single route.

Pilgrimage, Churches and History

The pilgrimage church of St. Sebastian was built in 1386 and consecrated in 1401. Its octagonal central structure and two towers with distinctive onion domes give it a striking appearance. During the week around January 20, the holy patron against the plague is celebrated in Breitenbrunn; believers make daily pilgrimages to the church on Heiligen Hügel to attend services. Those interested in the town’s religious tradition can encounter it here in connection with a specific pilgrimage.

The ceiling paintings in the cemetery church, dedicated to Our Lady of Sorrows, explore a different subject: they document the “belief in the souls of the poor.” The story of Tilly is also part of the townscape. The well-preserved Tilly banner can still be admired in Breitenbrunn today. At the end of the 16th century, the town had five gates; only the castle gate remains today. Above Breitenbrunn stand the remains of the former Breitenegg Castle. Its history dates back to the 13th century.

Holiday Activities and Special Discoveries

Holiday activities in Breitenbrunn include a family-friendly natural swimming area and a miniature golf course. A forest nature trail offers another way to explore nature. At the Kneipp pool, you can cool down hot feet. These options offer different ideas: getting active, taking a break by the water or making a short detour to an educational trail. Which ones matter to you may influence your plans and your choice of a holiday apartment in Breitenbrunn.

Another cultural event is the Tilly Festival, held every year on the second weekend in September, with a historical procession and medieval festivities. If you want to plan your trip around the festival, keep the specified weekend in mind. For other aspects of the town’s history, the church, cemetery church, castle gate and Tilly banner each offer a different theme to explore.

You can also include other destinations in your travel plans: Neumarkt In Der Oberpfalz, Velburg, Deining, Lauterhofen, Parsberg, Hohenfels, Postbauer-Heng and Dietfurt An Der Altmühl.

Back to the main travel overview: Neumarkt In Der Oberpfalz.