Schwarzenbach: Nature Park, River Meadows and Cycling Routes

Schwarzenbach combines rolling hills, river meadows and routes for active outings. The town lies in the heart of the Northern Upper Palatinate Forest Nature Park, in the Upper Palatinate Hills at the foot of Eichelberg and beside the Haidenaab river meadows. Nature watching, cycling and local history offer different ways to enjoy your stay—a good basis for choosing a holiday apartment that suits your travel interests.

Landscape between the Haidenaab and a chain of ponds

The Haidenaab flows through the municipality of Schwarzenbach. Rare plants and birds find habitats along its banks. Nearby lies the Schießlweiher nature reserve, part of an old chain of ponds. These ponds were used primarily to provide a steady water supply to the hammer mills in the Haidenaab Valley. The landscape around Schwarzenbach thus brings together natural habitats and the historic use of waterways.

The Bavarian Nature Conservation Fund owns Schießlweiher and contributes to the protection there of rare and endangered species, such as amphibians and dragonflies. In the area of the Mantel Forest, very nutrient-poor conditions in the catchment area of the tributaries led to the development of a very rare pond-bottom flora and a peaty siltation zone. These habitats are a special reason to experience the pond attentively and with care.

Paths run along the lake south and east of Schießlweiher, offering good views of it. Please stay on the paths to protect the siltation zone. This lets you enjoy the view of the pond while respecting its sensitive shoreline.

Cycling, hiking and getting out and about

Running, Nordic walking, hiking, cycling and mountain biking are all great ways to explore Schwarzenbach. The Haidenaab-Creußen Valley Cycle Path and the Leuchtenberg Tour pass through the town. The range of options makes it easy to shape your day around your interests—whether you prefer a cycling tour or an outing on foot.

At the start of Pechhofer Straße, the Radl-Point offers parking and information about the cycling network. If you are planning a cycling tour, you can get an initial overview of the routes there.

Local history and refreshments

Schwarzenbach’s history also stretches far back: the town is mentioned in the 1285 ducal land register as a ducal estate belonging to Waldeck Castle. The renovated manor house in Pechhof, considered particularly worth seeing, is also part of the municipality’s cultural heritage.

For a break, visitors can stop at the village shop in Schwarzenbach and enjoy a snack, ice cream, or coffee and cake in its cosy café corner. Check before your visit whether these offerings are available. Schwarzenbach also has a railway station on the Weiden–Bayreuth line; check current train services before travelling by rail.

When choosing a holiday apartment, your preferred type of outing can help you decide: days spent cycling and hiking, nature watching at nearby Schießlweiher, or local history and a place to stop for refreshments. Schwarzenbach offers a range of themes that you can prioritise according to your interests.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Waidhaus, Waldthurn, Georgenberg, Eschenbach In Der Oberpfalz, Weiherhammer, Kirchendemenreuth, Neustadt An Der Waldnaab, Floß.

Back to the main travel overview: Neustadt An Der Waldnaab.