The CeBB in Schönsee connects Bavaria and the Czech Republic as a bilingual cultural hub; the town is also known for its long bobbin lace tradition. Other attractions include the moor bath, an extensive spa park and signposted cycling and hiking trails. If you choose Schönsee as your destination, you can focus on culture and crafts, spend a day by the water or enjoy outdoor activities. For a summer trip, open-air performances and the annual lake festival are also specific dates to consider.
Culture and Bobbin Lace Tradition in Schönsee
Since spring 2006, the Centrum Bavaria Bohemia (CeBB) has served as a cross-border, bilingual cultural hub connecting Bavaria and the Czech Republic. It is housed in the former communal brewery, a historic building renovated by the town of Schönsee. The CeBB serves as an information centre, a presentation forum and a point of contact and networking that brings the regions together. In Schönsee, the building’s history and cross-border cultural exchange are thus part of a shared theme.
Bobbin lace making is also closely associated with Schönsee. This craft tradition has been passed down from generation to generation there since the 19th century and remains an important part of local identity. It is also practised in Stadlern in the district of Schwandorf and Tiefenbach in the district of Cham. The tradition is listed in Bavaria’s State Directory of Intangible Cultural Heritage under the name “Bobbin Lace Making in the Upper Palatinate Forest.” The Klöppeltrafo offers another way to learn about the craft: the decommissioned transformer hut was converted into a landmark and now hosts exhibitions on bobbin lace making.
Moor Bath and Summer Events
The Schönsee moor bath is a natural bathing facility with a bathing area fed by a nearby peat-rich spring. The facility has restrooms and changing cabins. The moor bath is therefore a standalone option for anyone planning to include a day of swimming in their stay.
Every summer, “Irrlichter” and “Pascher” are performed at the open-air theatre on Eulenberg in Friedrichshäng, a district of Schönsee. The Schönsee Lake Festival takes place annually on the last Sunday in July and ends after dark with a large fireworks display. If you are planning your trip around the festival, check the exact programme in advance.
Spa Park, Walking Trails and Cycling Routes
The spa park in the heart of Schönsee was created between 1989 and 1996 around the small Hahnenweiher and Keckenweiher lakes and along the Ascha River. It covers about 11 hectares. Features include green spaces, walking paths, bodies of water, shorelines, biotopes, music stages and playgrounds. The park offers a different setting for a walk from Schönsee’s signposted cycling and hiking trails, which together extend for more than 120 kilometres. They invite you to explore the region across the border.
One specific route is the Aschatal cycle path, which follows the Ascha from Schönsee to the town of Neunburg vorm Wald. It starts in Schönsee-Weberhäuser, at the junction where the Schwarzachtal cycle path branches off towards the Czech Republic. For an e-bike tour, there is also a local charging option: an e-bike charging station is located at the Bavarian-Bohemian Cultural Centre (CeBB), Freyung 1.
Discover more destinations: Stadlern, Wackersdorf, Altendorf, Bodenwöhr, Wernberg-Köblitz, Nittenau, Schmidgaden, Teublitz.
For the regional travel overview: Schwandorf.
