Oberpfälzer Wald
Neustadt an der Waldnaab is a place where trails converge - trails that lead to all sorts of adventures.
Goldsteig, one of Germany's "Top Ten Trails," is the newest walking trail crossing this portion of the Oberpfälzer Wald (the Upper Palatinate forest). This 600-kilometer trail leads adventurous hikers from the eastern side of the Bavarian forest across the "Green Roof of Europe" to the Czech border. But this premier long-distance walking path is just one of over 130 marked trails through the valleys, forests and hilly terrain between the Waldnaab Valley and the Bohemian Forest that surround Neustadt a.d. Waldnaab.
The area is known, in fact, for its beautiful forest hikes and several unspoiled nature parks and reserves. One of Germany's first nature preserves, the Naturpark Nördlicher Oberpfälzer Wald (Northern Upper Palatinate Nature Park), was founded here. A rich mixtures of forests, moors and prominent granite massifs make up this edge of Germany.
For those who prefer seeing Germany's forests on wheels, the Bocklweg is the longest bicycle path along disused railway lines in Bavaria. This 50-kilometer trail is also part of the pan-European Bike Path, a 1,540-kilometer long bike path that connects Paris with Prague while crossing several portions of Germany, including Neustadt a.d. Waldnaab. The pan-European way is officially set to open 12 April 2008 in Nuremberg, about 100 kilometers west of Neustadt. The well-marked trail allows the active vacationer to combine some of Europe's most beautiful scenery and forests with visits to some of its most beautiful and elegant cities.
If adventure means shopping, Neustadt a.d Waldnaab has a trail for that, too. Capital of Germany's "Glass Road," it is home to the well-known Nachtmann lead crystal company.
Handcrafts, and the people who made them, were once localized in various areas of Germany around areas with the natural resources to make the crafts. Such is the case of glass and crystal production, which has been occurring in this region of Germany and parts of the Czech Republic for over 500 years. In fact, Neustadt is often called Europe's "lead crystal capital:"
Glass blowing is still done in many small towns around Neustadt. At the Old Bavarian Crystal Glassworks, visitors can watch demonstrations of each step in the glass-making process using traditional methods.
Or follow the way of the "white gold," porcelain. This 550-kilometer way, which begins in northeast Bavaria, ends in the Oberpfälzer Wald. It is a chance to see how porcelain is formed, fired and glazed. For more information, go to www.deutschland.de and then use the search engine to find "porcelain."
For those travelers looking for an historic trail, follow the Golden Road, once one of the most important trading routes between east and west. Emperor Karl IV acquired a great deal of land in the 14th century in the Upper Palatinate region via various methods - marriage, purchase, exchange, pledge and inheritance. These lands were then incorporated into the lands of the Bohemian Crown as an independent territory and the Emperor created the Golden Road to be a land bridge, a means to connect the crown lands between Prague and Nuremberg.
Geologists have a trail to follow, as well. Most striking is the Geo Center at the KTB, a continental deep drilling program with the deepest drill hole (9101 meters) and the highest drill tower (83 meters) in the world. Although active drilling ceased in 1994, the center still hosts exhibitions, tours and classes. Brochures are available in English, although the web site (www.geozentrum-ktb.de) is completely in Germany. To make advance arrangements for an English tour, call: 09681 - 4004300.
Less dramatic but still fascinating is the Basaltkegel Parkstein (basalt cone of Parkstein), the only geotope in the Upper Palatinate. Geologist A. V. Humboldt once called it the "most beautiful basalt cone of Europe." It is the remains of a 24-million-year old volcano and includes an imposing medieval castle ruin and a small church at the top.
Remains of several other volcanoes dot the region and many of the area's geological wonders and oddities are connected by geological trails and tours. For more information, go to english.oberpfaelzerwald.de and then follow the links to nature and geology.
Although lacking a proper "trail," palaces and castles - even a pilgrimage church - dot the countryside, as well. Home to the aristocratic Lobkowitz family, Neustadt a.d. Waldnaab boasts both the Old Palace, thought to date back to the 16th century, and the New Palace, begun in 1684. Both have been maintained or restored and are open to visitors, including the richly decorated chapel.
The ruins of Flossenbürg Castle, built in around 1100, overlook the nearby town of Flossenbürg, known for its abundance of granite. Another well-known ruins are those of Burg Leuchtenberg, which hosts an annual open-air theatre every June, July and August. The repertoire features plays, classical and folk music.
Another useful website for general information on the Oberpfälzer Wald and Neustadt a.d. Waldnaab is www.germany-tourism.de, homepage of the German National Tourism Board. For information on the glass road, including the Old Bavarian Crystal Glassworks, follow the links for "Destination Germany" and then "Scenic Routes." For Neustadt a.d. Waldnaab in general, simply use the website search engine.
