Stadlern: Pilgrimage, Hiking Trails and Hochfels

Those looking for accommodation in Stadlern can plan their stay around specific occasions and destinations. The Feast of the Assumption is a fixed date in the annual calendar; hiking trails lead to several named stops, while Hochfels and the bathing pond offer their own natural and recreational attractions. This provides both a clearly dated tradition and trails and scenery to help guide your plans.

Pilgrimage and history in Stadlern

The Feast of the Assumption is celebrated every year on 15 August. Around a thousand devotees of Mary gather in Stadlern for the occasion. The programme includes the morning service at the pilgrimage church of the Assumption of Mary and the festive service in the late morning on Calvary Hill. Those planning their stay around this date can take both services into account at their respective locations.

Beside the entrance to the pilgrimage church stands the column “Christ in the Winepress”. It is considered one of the most original monuments in the district of Schwandorf. The Bohemian Forest viewing tower also has a local history: with support from the municipality of Stadlern, it was officially inaugurated on 1 July 1984.

Hiking trails and destinations along the way

The Goldbrunnen Trail is an easy, 6.7-kilometre circular route connecting Stadlern and Waldhäuser. It starts at the “Am Hochfels” hiking car park and follows a well-maintained forest track to Calvary Hill in Stadlern. Its length, circular route and stated difficulty level provide specific guidance for planning your hike.

The Border Adventure Loop follows a different sequence of destinations: it starts at the Hochfels natural monument, leads to the Bohemian Forest viewing tower and Bügellohe, and passes through the forest by the ruins of Reichenstein Castle before returning to Stadlern. Several hiking trails, including this loop, pass by the Hochfels natural monument.

Free parking is available at the “Am Hochfels” hiking car park. From there, a footpath of about 1.2 kilometres leads to the ruins of Reichenstein Castle. As parking conditions can change, it is advisable to check them before your visit.

Hochfels and recreation on the outskirts

The Hochfels natural monument lies near Stadlern. The ten-hectare site is one of Bavaria’s 100 most beautiful geotopes. Hochfels is a distinctive, prominent rock ridge of cordierite-sillimanite gneiss; boulder fields, individual blocks and heath vegetation shape the surrounding landscape. From Hochfels, panoramic views extend across the Schönseer Land to the border with the Czech Republic.

The natural bathing pond Stadlern is located at the edge of the village, in the direction of Weiding. It has a children’s playground and a beach volleyball court. Alongside the hiking destinations, this provides a swimming pond and two specific recreational facilities to help guide your plans.

Regional context: Schwandorf

Schwandorf is relevant as the wider regional context: the district of Schwandorf is a holiday destination in the Upper Palatinate Forest. The Upper Palatinate Lake District in the district of Schwandorf is a region shaped by water and varied landscapes. This context complements the picture of Stadlern without conflating the character of the village with that of the wider region.

For the wider travel overview: Schönsee.