Stulln offers two distinct starting points for a cultural and historical stay: the Baroque high altar in the Old Parish Church of St. Stephen and the Mineralogical Collection in the multipurpose hall, which can be visited by appointment only. The town’s history also reaches back to an earlier church that was destroyed at the beginning of the 15th century during the Hussite Wars. Art, layers of history and a collection visit that must be arranged in advance are therefore among the topics you can take into account when planning your trip.
Church Art and Traces of the Past in Stulln
The Baroque high altar in the Old Parish Church of St. Stephen was probably created in the 18th century. Its specific features include two twisted columns entwined with grapevines, as well as foliage scrollwork on the sides. The twisted form adds movement to the arrangement of the columns; the grapevines and scrollwork complement it with plant motifs. The altar thus provides an architectural focal point where you can appreciate both its design and its cautiously estimated date of creation.
Another historical time period is represented by the earlier church in Stulln, which was destroyed at the beginning of the 15th century during the Hussite Wars. Alongside the probable date of the Baroque altar, this points to an event from several centuries earlier. These two historical references offer different starting points for exploring the town’s history, without implying any more detailed building history.
Collection by Appointment and Mining History
The Mineralogical Collection in Stulln’s multipurpose hall offers a different thematic perspective from church art. It can be visited by appointment only. If you would like to include the collection in your plans, arrange your visit in advance; do not count on being able to drop in spontaneously.
In the surrounding area of Stulln, Konrad Reichhart renovated the Reichhart Shaft over a six-year construction period and developed an old gallery 30 metres underground for visitors. The gallery opened to the public in May 1996. Mining history thus adds another perspective to the town’s history and architecture. If you would like to include the shaft in your travel plans, check its current accessibility in advance.
The Wider Travel Region of Schwandorf
If you extend your plans beyond Stulln to include the wider destination of Schwandorf, you will discover a broader regional setting. Schwandorf district is a holiday destination in the Upper Palatinate Forest in Bavaria. The Upper Palatinate Lake District in Schwandorf district is a region shaped by water and varied landscapes. This description of the region complements Stulln’s specific local and cultural themes with a landscape perspective.
Geology and nature conservation are also distinct themes in Schwandorf district. The gneiss at Hochfels was included in Bavaria’s list of the 100 most beautiful geotopes. The forest and heathland nature reserve provides a valuable refuge for species that cannot survive in more densely vegetated, nutrient-rich habitats. Thus, within the wider destination of Schwandorf, waterscapes, geology and the role of a nature reserve offer different points of interest.
Cycling Route and Getting Around Schwandorf District
The Weiher cycle route is around 9 kilometres long and signposted throughout in both directions. It connects Schwandorf with Lake Murner and passes through the Charlottenhofer Weiher nature reserve. Its approximate length, the two endpoints and its route through the nature reserve are all clearly specified.
The BAXI Museum Line 8402 operates in Schwandorf district for travel to the Upper Palatinate Open-Air Museum. Check the current timetable before setting off. The cycle route and museum line address different planning needs: the Weiher cycle route connects Schwandorf and Lake Murner, while the BAXI Museum Line is listed as a way to get to the Upper Palatinate Open-Air Museum. Both are part of the wider Schwandorf travel region and should not be mistaken for a connection within Stulln.
Discover more destinations: Oberviechtach, Schönsee, Thanstein, Burglengenfeld, Schwarzenfeld, Teublitz, Bodenwöhr, Nittenau
Back to the main travel overview: Schwandorf.
