Schirmitz between local history and landscape

Schirmitz combines local history with experiences in the landscape: St. James’s Church and the History Fountain tell different stories about the town, while a viewpoint opens up views over Weidener Bucht. When looking for accommodation, these highlights can help you tailor your stay to your interests. The wider destination of Neustadt An Der Waldnaab offers additional places to explore on hikes, bike tours and cultural outings.

Local history and architecture in Schirmitz

St. James’s Church is a choir-tower church: its tower stands directly above the chancel, which is adjoined by a single-nave church hall. The church is decorated in the Gründerzeit style, which has become very rare in Bavaria. Its furnishings include three altars and a pulpit dating from around 1754. The architecture and furnishings thus offer two different points of interest for a visit.

Schirmitz cemetery is also known for a distinctive feature: its simple wooden crosses are considered unique in Bavaria. The History Fountain by the town hall, meanwhile, tells the story of the town. Together, these stops offer insights into religious art and cemetery culture, as well as local history.

Viewpoint and panoramic trail

In the southeastern part of the municipality, on the road to Bechtsrieth, a hill offers panoramic views across the entire Weidener Bucht. The Panorama Trail also lies east of Schirmitz. It is 4.3 kilometres long and has 103 metres of elevation gain. The distance and elevation figures can help you fit the route into your own schedule and plans for the day.

The viewpoint and trail offer different ways to experience the landscape: at the viewpoint, the focus is on views across the bay; on the Panorama Trail, it is on the stated distance and elevation profile. This lets you decide whether you would prefer to enjoy a view or plan a hike.

More places to visit in the wider destination of Neustadt An Der Waldnaab

The district of Neustadt an der Waldnaab is part of the Oberpfälzer Wald destination. Activities mentioned there include hiking, cycling, visiting museums and swimming in numerous bathing waters. These activities are part of the wider destination and should be considered as regional additions to the places to visit in Schirmitz when planning your trip.

One of the longer routes in the district is the Bockl: this 52-kilometre route follows a historic railway line from Neustadt an der Waldnaab to Eslarn. It can be travelled on foot, by bike or on inline skates. The Bockl is mostly paved and traffic-free; gradients along the route rarely exceed three per cent. The starting point in Neustadt an der Waldnaab is directly accessible by train. Trains run every hour to the terminus of the Nuremberg–Neustadt an der Waldnaab line, where you can transfer directly to a bike. Check the current timetable before travelling.

The historical walking tour of Parkstein begins at the Landrichterschloss; the museum located there is called Vulkanerlebnis Parkstein. A volcanic eruption is depicted at the museum every hour and can be experienced across three levels; check the current schedule before your visit. Geopark rangers also offer guided tours of the basalt wall, the rock cellars and the basalt cone. Check availability before your trip.

Speinshart Monastery Church offers another cultural highlight. It is one of the most significant Baroque buildings in southern Germany and stands out for its Italian High Baroque furnishings. Together, the monastery and the preserved historic village of Speinshart are a cultural heritage site of European importance. A public guided tour of the monastery church takes place every Sunday and public holiday at 3 p.m. As times may change, check the information provided by the monastery before your visit.

Discover more destinations

Pirk, Floß, Weiden In Der Oberpfalz, Waldthurn, Störnstein, Vohenstrauß, Pressath, Flossenbürg

Back to the wider travel overview: Neustadt an der Waldnaab district.