Flossenbürg: Granite, Castle and Ski Lift

Schlossberg: Granite and Castle Ruins

Schlossberg in Flossenbürg is a 732-metre-high granite summit. Its onion-skin-like layers are clearly visible in some places. Those interested in how the mountain formed can combine this geological feature with the “Weg des Granits” circular trail: it goes around Schlossberg and provides information about the mountain’s formation and history.

Flossenbürg Castle Ruins also rise above the town on Schlossberg. They are freely accessible at any time. The castle and circular trail offer two different reasons to visit the same striking location: the ruins represent the castle’s history, while the trail also draws attention to the granite and the mountain’s formation. Schlossberg is therefore a distinctive landmark for finding your way around Flossenbürg.

Ski Lift and Gaisweiher

The Wurmstein ski lift is located at Gaisweiher. The municipality lists options for families and experienced skiers. Lift operations depend on conditions. Before planning a day of skiing, check whether the lift is currently operating rather than assuming it will be open on specific days.

Gaisweiher is a nine-hectare natural swimming lake in Flossenbürg.

Paths Around the Lake and Through the Town

The Schattenweg starts at the Gaisweiher leisure and camping complex and goes all the way around the lake. It is designated as a summer and winter hiking trail. In winter, use is at your own risk; the trail is neither cleared of snow nor gritted. Bear this in mind when planning, especially if you intend to use the trail during the colder months.

Another hiking trail starts at the sports ground in Flossenbürg and leads via the district of Gaismühle to Gaisweiher, with benches along the way. Winter hiking on this route is also at your own risk. The two route descriptions can help you choose a starting point: the Schattenweg loops around the lake, while the other trail starts at the sports ground and leads to the lake via Gaismühle.

For cyclists, the starting point for Route 9 of the Simultankirchen cycle route is at the Protestant St. Pankratius Church, Hohenstaufenstraße 30.

Castle and Stonecutter Museum and Memorial Site

The Castle and Stonecutter Museum covers the history of Flossenbürg Castle and the formation of local granite. Guided tours are organised by the municipality’s tourist office. These topics tie in with interests that are also relevant at Schlossberg: the museum explores the history of the castle and granite. If you would like to plan a guided tour, contact the tourist office to arrange it.

The exhibition “Flossenbürg Concentration Camp 1938–1945” uses documents, objects, quotations and personal accounts by former prisoners. It offers insights into daily life in the camp, the struggle to survive and the mass deaths. A one-hour guided tour of the former quarry at Flossenbürg Concentration Camp complements the tour of the concentration camp; visits to the quarry are weather-dependent. This part of a stay has a different, serious focus from the nature and winter sports activities. Take the weather dependency into account if you include the tour in your plans.

Choose Accommodation to Suit Your Interests

Flossenbürg offers a range of themes to consider when planning a trip, but not every trip needs to include them all. If you are planning a day of skiing, the Wurmstein ski lift is the relevant local destination; for a walk, there are two routes to choose from, each described differently. The castle, granite and museum offer historical and geological themes, while the memorial site provides an opportunity to engage with the history of the concentration camp in its own right.

Discover more destinations: Theisseil, Weiden In Der Oberpfalz, Neustadt An Der Waldnaab, Vohenstrauß, Waidhaus, Floß, Pleystein, Moosbach.

Go to the broader travel overview: Neustadt an der Waldnaab District.