Goldsteig Nordroute

The starting point of our hike is close to town at Dörflasplatz by the Gerberhaus in Marktredwitz. We first follow the path through Auenpark toward Waldershof, cross State Road 2121 after about 1.5 km, and continue along a meadow path to Rosenhammer. Behind the village, the view already opens up to Waldershof Church. At the end of the forest road, we come back onto the road to Waldershof and walk through a residential area, at the end of which there is a beautifully arranged birch grove with a cross. We follow the field path to Neumühle, cross a bridge, and after a short stretch reach Mascherberg. Please pay close attention to the trail markings in the wooded section of Mascher Berg: our hike continues toward Walbenreuth!

Ascent

383 m

Descent

363 m

Highest point

834 m

Lowest point

517 m

Passing the gold-and-blue carp—a 2.20-meter-long and 1.20-meter-tall carp sculpture that, along with many of its “kind,” serves as one of the ambassadors of the Tirschenreuth district—the trail leads past meadows and fields to the forest cemetery (memorial stones of the Barons von Nothafft, who ruled over Weißenstein for over 550 years). Soon, the open landscape gives way to forest again, and the hiker comes upon the Haferdeck Rock and the Haferdeck Mill by the small pond. After Voitenthan comes the village of Muckenthal with its inn. Immediately after that lies the area of ponds, pools, and lakes, through which the trail winds in a gentle zigzag pattern. After the railroad crossing (please check in and out with the gatekeeper via the registration station to open the gates), a fitness trail and a fish education trail lead the hiker to the scenically beautiful Perlsee, and a small jungle trail continues on to the Neuweiher. Now only the Adamsteiche lie between the hiker and the village of Seidlersreuth, from where a meadow path leads to Falkenberg.

Ascent

81 m

Descent

143 m

Highest point

549 m

Lowest point

462 m

With its 1,000-year-old castle, a wobble stone and a historic Zoigl beer brewery, Falkenberg is ideal for a short walk around the village. At Hammermühle, the Waldnaab Valley becomes a nature reserve - the area, covering about 180 hectares, offers pure nature experiences: the riverside trail between Blockhütte and Neuhaus is a real adventure playground, information boards tell of legends and castles, the 12 km-long canyon of granite cliffs up to 40 m high is more than impressive, and the idyllic Blockhütte, set beneath old chestnut trees with a beer garden and waterwheel on the banks of the Waldnaab, invites you to rest (closed on Mondays). Impressive rock formations, small river rapids, natural stone weirs with whirlpools, small floodplain landscapes and moors line the way. Passing the Waldfrieden Hut (open only at certain times) to the confluence of the Fichtelnaab and the Waldnaab, then just a short steep climb and the hiker reaches the entrance to the hospitable Zoigl capital Neuhaus/Windischeschenbach.

Ascent

140 m

Descent

157 m

Highest point

481 m

Lowest point

426 m

Through the inner courtyard of the restored Schafferhof, the route leads to the castle, whose distinctive Butterfass Tower offers magnificent panoramic views. The hiker leaves Neuhaus: the Hutzlmühle, the Icelandic horse pass route, and a railway bridge lie on the way to the Waldnaab, which takes him along natural paths to the Radschinmühle below Mühlberg. From the entrance to Neustadt/WN, the Goldsteig continues along the bank of the Waldnaab to the leisure and camping area; from here, the avenue leads up to the old town. The Lobkowitz Palaces on the medieval town square, the parish church of St. George, the town/glass museum (use the passage), the Old Bavarian Crystal Glassworks, the baroque monastery church of St. Felix - all of this lies along the way, before some very beautiful views over the Waldnaab valley, of the town of Weiden and the basalt cone of Parkstein follow. Via Wilchenreuth and Theisseil, long stretches of natural paths lead to Fischerberg with the "Vierlingsturm" observation tower and the occasionally open Strobel Hut of the Upper Palatinate Forest Association. Then it goes downhill into the Hölltal.

Ascent

433 m

Descent

335 m

Highest point

635 m

Lowest point

401 m

Today’s stage begins with a short climb and mostly follows the edge of the forest to Dreifaltigkeitsberg near Muglhof, with its chapel of the same name, and continues on to the little village of Oedenthal, which can already be seen in the distance. Just before Roggenstein, a massive European beech tree with a wayside cross makes a striking impression. The trail now descends into the Luhe Valley to Oberschleif, a former glass-grinding mill. And then the hiker soon reaches the legendary “Elm” forest area with the “Three Hand Crosses”—distinctive boundary crosses first mentioned as boundary markers of the Landgraviate of Leuchtenberg in 1361. Untouched trails lead further into one of the most remarkable forest areas: mystical names like “Mördergrube” and “Sargmühle” spark the imagination. Passing through the striking Wolfslohklamm Nature Reserve in the Lerautal valley, the Goldsteig continues to the Wolfslohfelsen, over a small bridge, past the “Teufelsbutterfass” rock formation, and on to the town of Leuchtenberg with its imposing Landgrave’s Castle.

Ascent

306 m

Descent

278 m

Highest point

631 m

Lowest point

460 m

Here on this formidable castle, the ancestral seat of the Landgraves of Leuchtenberg was located for centuries. Against this magnificent backdrop, the regionally renowned "Leuchtenberg Castle Festival" takes place every year (May to August). The Goldsteig first leads downhill and then uphill again via Wittschau to "Roten Bühl" and into the village of Döllnitz, which marks the entrance to the "Pfreimd Valley". The Pfreimd now accompanies you as far as the gates of Trausnitz, where the Kalvarienberg offers a dreamlike view of Trausnitz with its church and castle. Following the Pfreimd all the way, you reach the dam of the Pfreimd Valley Reservoir. From here, a hollow way leads to the Bierlhof and Oberbierlhof district, where forest paths take up the hiker and continue via Kaufnitz to the Schlossberg of Tännesberg. A mighty castle once stood here. Today, you can enjoy a magnificent panoramic view over the town, the Upper Palatinate Forest, the Bohemian Forest and the Bavarian Forest, the Franconian Switzerland and the Fichtel Mountains.

Ascent

609 m

Descent

521 m

Highest point

687 m

Lowest point

389 m

Immediately after descending from the Schlossberg in Tännesberg, hikers reach the “Geological Nature Trail,” which is of great geological interest. The St. Jodok Pilgrimage Church is also located nearby: Every year on the fourth Sunday in July, the “St. Jodok Ride” horse pilgrimage takes place here, featuring over 200 horses. The Goldsteig trail leads into the Tännesberg Forest and on to the summit of the Wildenstein with its castle ruins. Upon reaching the St. Jakob Pilgrimage Church, a mini-pilgrimage is also completed: on this stretch, the Goldsteig trail is, in fact, identical to the Way of St. James. The Goldsteig trail passes by the outskirts of Oberviechtach—but this festival town is an ideal stopover with plenty to see: The historical and scientific background of gold mining, for example, is explained at the Dr. Eisenbarth Museum and the Oberviechtach City Museum. Try your luck at gold panning and let the gold rush fever take hold of you on the gold hike (registration at the Tourist Information Office). New this year is the gold nature trail through the historic mining areas.

Ascent

296 m

Descent

412 m

Highest point

731 m

Lowest point

467 m

Even the start of the stage offers magnificent long-distance views. In the distance, House Murach Castle greets you; its history is closely linked with Oberviechtach. A few kilometers farther on lies a special gem: here begins the approx. 80-hectare Prackendorfer and Kulzer Moos nature reserve. This moor is a habitat for more than 100 species on the Red List - the roughly 3 km-long moor nature trail allows nature lovers to immerse themselves in this worthy of protection, mysterious world. After the keep in Thanstein and Schwarzwihrberg, the next destination is the Steinerne Wand natural monument: over approx. 300 m, this ridge stretches through the forest, its weathered wall dropping steeply by up to 20 m in places. The next highlight is the mighty Schwarzenburg ruins with Powder Tower and Swanberg Tower (observation tower), whose descent through a forest reserve leads to Bauhof, today's stage destination. This place belongs to the small town of Rötz with its picturesque market square and Baroque cemetery church.

Ascent

634 m

Descent

610 m

Highest point

690 m

Lowest point

453 m

This day hike takes you mainly through the Schwarzach Valley. Right at the start, you’ll be treated to a fantastic view—on a clear day, you can see Čerchov (1,042 m) with its striking tower, at the foot of which lies Waldmünchen, the destination for today’s stage. First, however, hikers arrive at the Eixendorf Reservoir, where a short detour allows them to visit the Upper Palatinate Crafts Museum (and its cozy museum tavern). The trail then winds leisurely through the wide Schwarzach Valley, sometimes right along the river but mostly along the edge of the forest, offering views of tranquil little villages. Shortly before Waldmünchen, the Burgenweg and the Goldsteig part ways; the final stretch takes hikers through Prosdorf, past the “Maria Hilf” chapel, a Way of the Cross, and a chestnut-lined avenue to the Rococo church in Herzogau.

Ascent

690 m

Descent

563 m

Highest point

679 m

Lowest point

437 m

From Herzogau, the Goldsteig leads to the next peak, the Klammerfelsen, which features a 360-degree observation tower. The trail continues through beautiful rock formations before the Goldsteig leaves the forest near Althütte and heads toward the Gibacht Inn. Passing the “Pfennigfelsen,” the trail leads to the border with the Czech Republic, to the Drei-Wappen-Felsen (901 m), and to the “Drei Wappen” border crossing—an old border point dating back to 1766 between Bavaria, Bohemia, and the Upper Palatinate. The trail continues on to the Kreuzfelsen (938 m) and the Gläsernes Kreuz at Reiseck (902 m). After a steep descent, hikers reach the Robert-Hütte on the Gaisriegel—where they are once again treated to a magnificent view across the Further Senke to the Hohenbogen, the Osser in the Lamer Winkel, and the Voithenberg Castle complex. Passing the golf course and the game reserve, you’ll reach the stage’s destination, Furth im Wald.

Ascent

401 m

Descent

662 m

Highest point

935 m

Lowest point

409 m

Beyond Furth im Wald lies the Hohe Bogen. Here, hikers face one of the steepest ascents on the Goldsteig, stretching about one kilometer. As a reward, a short break at Burgstall offers a magnificent panoramic view of the Chamb Valley and far into Bohemia. The trail then continues to the Hohenbogen mountain hut, and after a well-deserved stop, it heads downhill toward the south toward Grafenwiesen/Schönbuchen at the foot of the Kaitersberg. An alternative (long-distance hiking trail E6) would be to hike over the Osser starting from the Hohenbogen mountain hut: Day 1: to the Hohenbogen mountain lodge; Day 2: down into the valley and up the Osser on the opposite side; Day 3: from the Osser to the Arber. With this option, the route then continues along the Goldsteig trail. Time-wise, this doesn’t add much extra time—hikers simply replace stages N12 and N13 here.

Ascent

746 m

Descent

613 m

Highest point

975 m

Lowest point

391 m

On the Kaitersberg, hikers can look forward to an impressive, varied ridge hike. From Schönbuchen, via Reitenberg toward Kaitersberg, the trail passes the Räuber-Heigl Cave and Mittagstein - a memorial here commemorates the last world war - to the Kötztinger Hut. There is an opportunity to stop for refreshments there, with a unique panoramic view over the Zellertal. The path then continues through the almost alpine terrain of the Steinbühler Gesenk, with rock ledges in places over 50 m high, to the legendary Rauchröhren. Through a typical forest landscape with isolated rock formations and lightly rooted paths, hikers reach the picturesque Waldschmidt Memorial at Großer Riedelstein. The spot invites you to enjoy one more view before descending to Gasthaus Eck.

Ascent

600 m

Descent

307 m

Highest point

1112 m

Lowest point

543 m

This is one of the most fascinating, but also most strenuous, Goldsteig stages. Tough ascents, with descents in between, summit crosses, blueberry bushes - rugged, primeval, wildly romantic: these are some of the companions along the way on this stage of the Goldsteig, which leads over eight peaks above 1,000 meters. The eight thousand-meter peaks on this tour are: Mühlriegel (1080 m), Ödriegel (1156 m), Schwarzeck (1238 m), Reischflecksattel (1126 m), Heugstatt (1261 m), Enzian (1285 m), Kleiner Arber (1384 m), Großer Arber (1456 m).

Ascent

933 m

Descent

406 m

Highest point

1436 m

Lowest point

840 m

The sunrise as seen from the Arberschutzhaus is impressive—so be sure to get up early. Otherwise, there’s no rush today, since the day’s itinerary includes “only” a 12-kilometer descent down to Bayerisch Eisenstein. First, the trail leads down typical forest paths to the Großer Arbersee, then continues along the Arberseebach to the Seebachschleife in the Regental valley. From here, follow the trail markers, staying along the Regen River, all the way to the center of Bayerisch Eisenstein. Thanks to the short stage, there’s plenty of time along the way for exploring nature: The Seewand above the Großer Arbersee, for example, is one of the oldest primeval forest areas in the Bavarian Forest.

Ascent

78 m

Descent

742 m

Highest point

1372 m

Lowest point

642 m

Today’s stage begins at the large hiking park in Bayerisch Eisenstein. Only the Local Railway Museum and the railroad tracks lie between hikers and the edge of the forest, where a signpost points the way to the Trifter-Klause Schwellhäusl (insider tip: the cozy beer garden). The Goldsteig then follows the Triftbach stream for quite a while all the way to Zwieslerwaldhaus. Right along the route is the “Watzlik-Hain” primeval forest adventure trail with its imposing giant trees. Shortly thereafter, you’ll reach Zwieslerwaldhaus with its numerous places to stop for refreshments. Also very close by: the “Wildniscamp am Falkenstein,” an international hut village in the Bavarian Forest National Park. Now the ascent begins through the primeval forest area of the Mittelsteighütte to the Ruckowitzschachten with its ancient trees. On clear days, this spot offers a beautiful view of the Bavarian Forest landscape. Passing through the mountain spruce forest, hikers finally reach the Großer Falkenstein shelter, where this stage ends.

Ascent

794 m

Descent

202 m

Highest point

1304 m

Lowest point

662 m

Today we follow the border ridge toward Bohemia, always within Bavarian Forest National Park. To the north lies the Czech national park "Šumava" (in German, "the Rustling One"). Special highlights of the day are the many Schachten and Filze. Schachten were forest pastures in earlier times, especially for young cattle. They were driven up here for the few summer months and tended by a herdsman. Filze are raised bogs with interesting flora and fauna - but please do not leave the marked paths (mostly boardwalks)! Along the route lie Sulzschachten, Albrechtschachten, Rindl- and Jährlingsschachten, Lindberger Schachten, Kohl- and Hochschachten, Alm- and Verlorener Schachten. This hike is strenuous, but one of the most beautiful in the Bavarian Forest. To finish, however, there is still a somewhat arduous climb up to Waldschmidthaus, just below the summit of Rachel.

Ascent

789 m

Descent

722 m

Highest point

1372 m

Lowest point

973 m

Natural steps lead to the summit cross of Rachel, at 1,452 m the second-highest mountain in the Bavarian Forest. Right at the start of the descent on the southeast side, there is a beautiful view of Rachel Chapel and the lower-lying Rachel Lake. On the further way to the Felsenkanzel - again with a magnificent view - a detour to Rachel Lake is also possible. Narrow paths through mixed mountain forests then take the hiker quickly onward. Many of the once majestic spruces fell victim to the bark beetle, which has its positive side: the now dead tree skeletons provide shelter and a breeding ground. Beneath them, new forest is emerging in its most natural form. After the primeval-forest-like area at Teufelsloch comes the long ascent over the rocky staircase "Himmelsleiter" to the summit of Lusen (1,373 m) with the geotope "Block Sea at Lusen": one of the most impressive rock formations in the Bavarian Forest National Park, where granite blocks pile up over more than 200,000 m². Just below the summit, today's stage destination, the mountain hut, is reached.

Ascent

496 m

Descent

515 m

Highest point

1448 m

Lowest point

1001 m

Hikers with plenty of stamina might have extended the previous day’s stage all the way to Mauth. Nature lovers will want to stay at the Lusenschutzhaus. The sunsets and sunrises, as well as the fantastic views into the distance, are reason enough to plan an overnight stay here. The descent the next day is easy and straightforward, inviting you to relax and take plenty of breaks. Highlights along the route include the wild and romantic forest meadow at the so-called “Tummelplatz” and the Steinbachklause. The latter was once used to dam the Steinbach stream for timber rafting. Soon after, you’ll reach the national park boundary, and the little village of Mauth emerges from the sea of trees.

Ascent

24 m

Descent

569 m

Highest point

1339 m

Lowest point

762 m

Today is once again a leisurely stage with plenty of breaks. First, the trail passes the Glasmacherhof heading toward Annathalmühle. From here, it goes uphill again over the Almberg to the alpine pasture. Here the highest point of today’s tour is reached - the magnificent long-distance view is worth it. From now on, the Goldsteig heads downhill again and shortly afterward Philippsreut is reached.

Ascent

409 m

Descent

263 m

Highest point

1105 m

Lowest point

743 m

On the way to the summit of the Haidel, the hiker passes the Kricklsäge and Leopoldsreut, whose history is noteworthy: founded in 1618, the place was a toll station on the "Golden Trail" until harsh winters and a lack of water and electricity brought about its decline.

Ascent

374 m

Descent

465 m

Highest point

1166 m

Lowest point

836 m

The Goldsteig runs below Haidmühle (1 km) toward the former Triftklause at the foot of the Dreisessel before leading hikers to the next ascent. The view from the summit of the Dreisessel makes the very steep section in the final third well worth the effort. After a refreshment break at the mountain hut, one of the most beautiful and interesting sections of the Goldsteig lies ahead: The Adalbert Stifter Trail takes us across the boulder field of the Steinernes Meer, with its enormous rock slabs and granite boulders. In ideal, clear weather conditions, the view from here can even extend as far as the Alps. The Goldsteig crosses the Austrian border—back in the valley—shortly after the Lackenhäuser campground. After about 8 km in Austria, hikers cross the Grenzbach stream into Bavaria, reach the Hammerschmiede at the Gegenbach, and climb part of the way up the Höpfelberg toward today’s destination, Breitenberg.

Ascent

628 m

Descent

780 m

Highest point

1310 m

Lowest point

608 m

After Breitenberg, the Goldsteig and Witikosteig run parallel for a short distance before the Goldsteig hiker turns right. The trail then continues across the Gegenbach, to the Weaving Museum, and on to the main attraction of this area: the Nordic Center with its impressive ski jump complex (the view from the jump into the valley is also impressive!) In the village of Sonnen, hikers on the Goldsteig can decide whether to take the Sonnensystem Trail or the Goldsteig to Oberfrauenwald. There, the Goldsteig reaches the villages of Schauberg and Auhäusl, and finally the scenic fields of the hamlet of Geiersberg. Passing over the Oberfrauenwald summit with its observation tower, the trail leads to the houses of Oberfrauenwald. The hamlets of Neustift, Lindbüchl, and Freudensee—located on the lake of the same name—are the next stops before Hauzenberg comes into view: the trail through the Staffelbach Valley leads to the city park.

Ascent

592 m

Descent

809 m

Highest point

947 m

Lowest point

468 m

Source: CC BY 4.0 Landkreis Cham · CC BY 4.0

Before we leave Hauzenberg, the route takes us a little way through the beautiful spa park. After that, though, it’s back to proper hiking. At Danglmühle, the Goldsteig leaves Hauzenberg in the direction of the Staffelbachtal; after a little up and down, it continues to Kaindlmühle, where the Goldsteig changes from the Staffelbachtal into the valley of the Erlau. Along a disused railway line, the hiker now reaches the former paper mill in Schmölz and continues on - past the Eggersdorfer Ponds - to the village of Eggersdorf. A beautiful, natural field and forest path leads from here to Grafenmühle. Over a small hill, the hiker then reaches Satzbach. Finally, there are the districts of Zieglreut and Grubweg - then the long-distance destination, the three-river city of Passau, lies before the hiker - a magnificent finale: the view from Veste Oberhaus down onto the Danube, Inn and Ilz and Passau Cathedral. It has been accomplished.

Ascent

341 m

Descent

517 m

Highest point

480 m

Lowest point

291 m

Ascent

305 m

Descent

267 m

Highest point

692 m

Lowest point

490 m