Discover Thanstein: Hiking Trails, Moorland and Castle History

Thanstein combines varied trails, a distinctive moorland landscape and visible traces of the town’s history. Bus route 2513 connects Oberviechtach and Schönsee with Winklarn, Thanstein and Neunburg vorm Wald.

Moorland and trails for active days

The Prackendorfer and Kulzer Moos nature reserve is located in the municipality of Thanstein. A 3 km educational adventure trail leads through the area and partly runs along boardwalks. This makes it possible to explore the moorland along a clearly signposted route. Those planning trails of varying difficulty will find nine routes in the municipality of Thanstein at the Schwarzwihrberg Nordic Walking Park. The difficulty levels range from easy to challenging, and the routes are free to use.

Several routes offer different perspectives. The Kaisereichen Route leads from Thanstein along developed forest paths to Lake Eixendorf and offers a view across the water. The Warberg Route provides views of the reservoir bridge, Gütenland, Penting, the Murnthal, Rösslberg and Eibenstein. It is also suitable for Nordic walking. The Zubringer-Kulzer Route and the Kulzer Route can also be used for Nordic walking.

The Zubringer-Kulzer Route starts at the Wintergarten Café in Thanstein, leads between two large ponds towards Kulz and joins the Kulzer Route there. Another access point to the Kulzer Route, marked with a red arrow and the addition “Zubringer”, begins in the centre of Thanstein. The Bauhof Route is signposted approximately every 200 metres with clearly visible brown directional arrows. This allows you to pay particular attention when choosing your holiday apartment to the type of daily activities you prefer: a moorland trail, forest paths, views of the water or Nordic walking routes.

Castle Tower, Parish Church and Unusual Stones

Thanstein also offers distinctive cultural attractions. The Catholic parish church of St John the Baptist dates from the mid-16th century, was later extended and has a west tower dating from 1880/83. The Bodenwald Route passes the Thanstein parish church. Another historic attraction is Thanstein Castle Tower and castle ruins, which document the area’s medieval history. The free-standing round tower is 17 metres high and was restored in 1887. From the tower, there is a view of the Bohemian Forest and the Bavarian Forest. Access is provided using a card reader for an identity card or driving licence; admission is free.

At the eastern edge of Kulz stands an artwork measuring over 6 metres in size and resembling the famous Stonehenge in England. Each granite stone in the installation weighs over 40 tonnes. For families and anyone who enjoys discovering surprising individual attractions while travelling, this site provides a striking contrast to the forest and moorland trails.

More Ideas for Excursions and Discoveries

The hiking scenery also includes the Schönbuchen pilgrimage chapel, which lies idyllically southwest of Dautersdorf in a hollow in the Murnthal valley along the Goldsteig hiking trail. For a quieter activity, the Thanstein Kneipp pool offers the opportunity to walk through the water. At Bayerhof, there are a variety of opportunities for fun and games for young and old. Icelandic horses, Shetland ponies, alpacas and various small animals live there.

Thanstein is therefore a suitable starting point for a wide variety of holiday days: You can choose an educational trail through the nature reserve, follow a route with views of the water, discover historic buildings or spend time with animals and enjoy recreational activities. When looking for a holiday apartment or holiday home, this selection helps you decide on your preferred mix of exercise, nature, culture and shared family time.

Other nearby places: Seebarn, Kleinwinklarn and Schwarzhofen.

To the overarching travel overview: Neunburg Vorm Wald.