Discover Etzenricht: Kirchberg, St. Nicholas and Nature

Kirchberg and St. Nicholas Church

The Etzenrichter Kirchberg Nature Reserve covers 8 ha. A path leads to the highest point of Kirchberg, where the church stands. St. Nicholas was built in the 14th century, presumably from the remains of an older castle complex, as a fortified church with a moat and a circular wall. This places the natural area and a site rich in history within a shared visit, without reducing the church to the period in which it was built.

The church’s use also tells a story of a long-standing shared tradition: from 1663 to 1932, St. Nicholas was used jointly by Protestant and Catholic congregations as a Simultankirche, a church shared by both denominations. For visitors interested in culture, this denominational history adds to its architectural features. Those who choose Etzenricht for its historical attractions will find both a distinctive building and a clearly defined period of shared use.

Comparing fishing waters

In Etzenricht, an approximately 3 km stretch of the unspoilt Haidenaab is available for fishing. Fish found there include wels catfish, pike, zander, carp, tench, eel, nase and various species of whitefish. Two other fishing waters differ considerably in size: the Etzenricht gravel pit covers 3.2 ha and contains, among others, wels catfish, pike, zander, carp, eel and various species of whitefish. The Schätzlergrube is smaller, at 1.5 ha, and contains, among others, pike, zander, carp, tench, eel and various species of whitefish.

Comparing their sizes helps you distinguish the fishing spots by a specific feature: the gravel pit is more than twice the size of the Schätzlergrube. The Haidenaab, by contrast, offers a stretch of river rather than a fishing water with a stated area in hectares. Which of these different waters interests you can help shape your stay from the outset.

Cycling and hiking trails, water and a farm shop

The Haidenaab Cycle Route passes through Etzenricht. St. Nicholas Church is also on Route 7 of the Simultankirchen cycle route. Another point of reference for hikers is the OWV main hiking trail along the historic Golden Road in the Upper Palatinate, which also passes through Etzenricht. These trail connections can be considered separate reasons for choosing the area; they do not refer to one and the same route. The Blue Pond is a seasonal place to cool off and take a break.

The listed Beutnerhof, known as the “Krautbauer,” is also part of the local character. Vegetables can be bought daily at its farm shop. If you are planning to shop there, check before your visit whether daily vegetable sales are still available.

Further options in the wider Neustadt an der Waldnaab destination

The wider Neustadt an der Waldnaab destination offers other, independent options to consider when planning a holiday. The district is part of the Upper Palatinate Forest destination and offers activities including hiking, cycling, museum visits and swimming in numerous bathing waters. The Bockl is a 52 km route from Neustadt an der Waldnaab to Eslarn along a historic railway line. It can be used on foot, by bicycle or on inline skates; it is mostly paved and traffic-free, with gradients exceeding 3 percent only rarely. Neustadt an der Waldnaab, the starting point, can be reached by train. Check the timetable before setting off.

Culture and geology also shape this wider destination: the Parkstein basalt cone was included in the list of Bavaria’s 100 most beautiful geological features in 2003 and received the “National Geotope” designation in 2006. At the Parkstein Volcano Experience Centre, a volcanic eruption is depicted every hour across three levels; check the current presentation times before visiting. Speinshart Monastery Church is one of the most significant Baroque buildings in southern Germany and is distinguished by its Italian High Baroque furnishings. A public guided tour of the church takes place there every Sunday and public holiday at 3 p.m.; check the monastery church’s current information beforehand.

When choosing your holiday apartment, you can distinguish Etzenricht’s own attractions—Kirchberg, church history, fishing and trails—from the additional options in the wider Neustadt an der Waldnaab destination. This lets you tailor your search to the experiences that matter most during your stay.

For the wider travel overview: Weiherhammer.