Eschenbach i.d.OPf.: Churches, gardens and a landscape of ponds

Churches and traces of history

The Bergkirche Maria Hilf marks the western end of Eschenbach’s town square. Its imposing facade, with a columned portal and tall curved gable, defines the building; the tower was renovated in 1906. Inside, the spacious, bright nave and the narrower chancel are spanned by shallow barrel vaults. A Neoclassical screen beneath the gallery offers a view of the dark altar wall. The contrast between the spacious nave and narrower chancel, as well as the view through the screen, makes the layout of the church easy to appreciate.

Other buildings reflect different periods in history: the Gothic Catholic parish church of St. Laurentius was built around 1440, while the late Gothic town hall dates from 1570. The historic Malzhaus stands on the town square and was restored in 2007. The Marian column in Eschenbach dates from 1720; the Protestant Kreuzkirche in the northern part of town was built in 1962. Remains of the town wall can also be seen in the lower old town. Together, these buildings offer points of interest for those interested in churches, architecture and local history.

Garden culture and annual events at the Taubnschuster

During the summer months, visitors to the Beim Taubnschuster Museum can take the opportunity to visit its garden. The garden has the character of a traditional cottage garden, with herbs, vegetables and flowers grown there. In the apothecary garden, local medicinal plants are labelled with their species and medical uses. From the upper terrace, the view stretches across the garden towards the Kalvarienberg district and the Kreuzkirche. The garden beds, plant labels and views each offer their own highlights, so the visit is not limited to a single garden theme.

The annual programme at the Ackerbürgerhaus Beim Taubnschuster includes an Advent market on the first Sunday of Advent featuring local crafts, jazz evenings and folk music gatherings in the courtyard. The garden and events offer different reasons to plan your visit for a particular time of year. If you are travelling for a specific festival, it is worth checking the date in advance.

Hiking trails, ponds and nature experiences

There are many marked hiking trails around Eschenbach, with both short and longer routes. Along the way, you can enjoy views of the landscape of ponds and its animal and plant life. Nearby, the Naturerlebnis Rußweihergebiet trail forms a circular route around the Großer Rußweiher and Rußlohweiher ponds. The Vogelfreistätte Großer Rußweiher is also in the area: a 140-hectare nature reserve separated from the recreational lake by a driveable dam. This information helps distinguish between the network of trails around town and a specific loop around two ponds.

The Holzweg forest discovery trail near the B 470 road by Eschenbach features a walk-through birdhouse, a “music school,” sound houses, a maze, a pond with a ferry and a playground. If you are travelling with children, you can also include the playground among the places to visit. West of Eschenbach, the spacious municipal outdoor pool is located beside the Kleiner Rußweiher bathing lake.

Choose the right focus for your stay

When looking for a holiday apartment in Eschenbach, consider whether historic buildings and local history, a summer visit to the garden, or time on hiking trails and by the ponds should shape your stay. Culture lovers can choose from several historic buildings and the gardens. Those who prefer planning walks will find short and longer marked trails around Eschenbach, as well as a loop around the two Rußweiher ponds nearby. This makes it easy to tailor your holiday to your interests without treating the different places and activities as though they were the same.

Discover more destinations: Neustadt am Kulm, Weiherhammer, Schirmitz, Waidhaus, Windischeschenbach, Kirchenthumbach, Moosbach, Flossenbürg.

Return to the regional travel overview: Neustadt an der Waldnaab.