South of Kulz lies the Prackendorfer and Kulzer Moos, a protected natural area of around 80 hectares since 1987. In Thanstein, you can explore nature and cultural history in different ways: a nature trail leads through the nature reserve, while the Warberg Route connects several stops and leads to the Schönbuchen Pilgrimage Chapel.
Explore the Prackendorfer and Kulzer Moos on foot
The 3 km-long discovery trail partly runs along boardwalks directly through the nature reserve and is accessible year-round. In some sections, the boardwalks lead right through the protected area. With its stated length, the trail can be planned as a separate activity without assuming a walking time.
If you would like to discover the moor as part of a guided tour, you can enquire with the Thanstein municipal office on 09672 / 92050. Confirm the tour’s availability before you arrive. This lets you choose between exploring the nature trail independently and requesting a guided tour.
The Warberg Route and its stops
The Warberg Route starts in Thanstein, passes the Warberg wayside chapel and the Kupferplatte, continues to the Schönbuchen Pilgrimage Chapel, and then returns to Thanstein. It is also suitable for Nordic walking. Starting and finishing in Thanstein, with the named stops along the way, gives the route a clear sequence; no route distance is specified here.
Along the route, small information boards provide details about historic buildings and natural-history sights. Their texts are also available as audio guides. Check the route and the availability of the audio guides before setting out. Unlike the nature trail in the moor, which leads directly through the nature reserve, the Warberg Route connects several named destinations.
Schönbuchen Pilgrimage Chapel
The Schönbuchen Pilgrimage Chapel is dedicated to the Virgin Mary and was probably built in the 17th century. Pilgrims came there to present their petitions to Mary. Numerous votive paintings bear witness to this religious history.
The chapel’s architectural development is also documented in detail: it was enlarged again in 1882. A third, larger section with a boarded interior gable was added. The Marian shrine was restored and planted with four beech trees. If you would like to visit, check access arrangements beforehand.
The wider Schwandorf area
The Schwandorf district is a holiday region in the Upper Palatinate Forest in Bavaria. The Upper Palatinate Lake District in the district is shaped by water and a varied landscape. The region’s natural heritage also includes the gneiss at Hochfels, which has been included in Bavaria’s list of the 100 most beautiful geotopes.
Another way to explore the district is the approximately 9 km-long Weiher cycle path, which connects Schwandorf with Lake Murner. It is signposted continuously in both directions and passes through the Charlottenhofer Weiher nature reserve. The BAXI Museum Line 8402 provides transport to the Open-Air Museum of the Upper Palatinate. Check the timetable details before travelling.
Discover more destinations: Trausnitz, Burglengenfeld, Wernberg-Köblitz, Schwarzach, Altendorf, Fensterbach, Bruck in der Oberpfalz, Schmidgaden.
Back to the main travel overview: Schwandorf.
