Naturpark Hirschwald is a nature park located in the Upper Palatinate region of Bavaria, Germany. Characterized by mighty forests, gentle hills, and unique limestone formations, it is often referred to as the "green heart of the Upper Palatinate." The Vils and Lauterach rivers wind through its diverse landscape, which includes fragrant juniper heaths and rocky valleys. This varied terrain provides a suitable environment for several sports like touring cycling, hiking, mountain biking, road cycling, and more.
201
Routes
4.5
(3831)
Average rating
21153
People visited

4.7
(285)
1,127
riders
68.7km
04:36
550m
550m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. You may need to push your bike for some segments of this route.

4.7
(275)
1,109
riders
71.6km
04:46
550m
550m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. You may need to push your bike for some segments of this route.

5.0
(1)
6
riders
28.5km
01:57
290m
300m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

4.7
(139)
806
riders
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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4.5
(10)
44
hikers
8.16km
02:17
150m
150m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

4.8
(59)
240
hikers
11.6km
03:16
240m
240m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

4.4
(50)
211
hikers
13.4km
03:49
310m
310m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

4.4
(46)
190
hikers
12.1km
03:24
250m
250m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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4.8
(44)
494
runners
6.50km
00:42
20m
20m
Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

4.5
(4)
188
runners
6.33km
00:41
80m
80m
Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

4.8
(31)
497
runners
Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

4.0
(1)
171
runners
13.3km
01:24
50m
50m
Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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4.6
(10)
223
riders
58.4km
02:27
390m
390m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.

4.7
(3)
190
riders
76.2km
03:14
540m
540m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.

4.5
(8)
160
riders
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.

5.0
(3)
172
riders
48.2km
02:05
370m
370m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
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4.3
(32)
84
riders
28.7km
02:23
470m
470m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Suitable for all skill levels.

4.9
(15)
103
riders
52.7km
04:00
760m
760m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Advanced riding skills necessary.

4.9
(16)
98
riders
53.7km
03:43
660m
660m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Advanced riding skills necessary.

4.3
(22)
65
riders
31.3km
02:29
370m
370m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Advanced riding skills necessary.
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4.9
(10)
124
riders
66.3km
03:38
550m
550m
Hard gravel ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

5.0
(4)
28
riders
50.0km
03:18
490m
490m
Hard gravel ride. Very good fitness required. You may need to push your bike for some segments of this route.

4.3
(13)
52
riders
47.8km
02:45
310m
310m
Moderate gravel ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

4.5
(2)
24
riders
54.3km
03:03
430m
430m
Moderate gravel ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Naturpark Hirschwald offers a variety of outdoor activities, including touring cycling, hiking, mountain biking, road cycling, jogging, and gravel biking. The park features more than 2,500 routes across these sports. These routes have an average rating of 4.48 out of 5 stars from over 22,000 ratings.
Popular cycling routes include the 'Fünf-Flüsse-Radweg' (Five Rivers Cycle Path), which often uses former railway lines for mostly flat terrain. The 'Hirschwald Round' is a 41-mile (66 km) route exploring the forest region and Lauterachtal. For more options, consult the Cycling in Naturpark Hirschwald guide.
Naturpark Hirschwald provides numerous hiking trails, including the 'Wacholderwanderweg' (Juniper Hiking Trail) and sections of the long-distance 'Jurasteig' and 'Erzweg' quality hiking trails. The park's landscape features forests, gentle hills, and unique limestone formations. Detailed information is available in the Hiking in Naturpark Hirschwald guide.
The varied terrain of Naturpark Hirschwald, with its forests, hills, and rocky formations, is suitable for mountain biking. The park offers more than 470 mountain biking routes. Explore specific trails and plan your rides using the MTB Trails in Naturpark Hirschwald guide.
Yes, Naturpark Hirschwald offers routes suitable for families, particularly for hiking. These trails are generally less strenuous and designed for enjoyment by all ages. Specific family-friendly options can be found in the Family-friendly hikes in Naturpark Hirschwald guide.
The park is known for its mighty forests, gentle hills, and unique limestone formations, especially in the Vils and Lauterach valleys. Fragrant juniper heaths and steep rocks are prominent features, with the Lauterach Valley often called 'Bavarian Tuscany' due to its Mediterranean-like climate and flora. The park is also home to 19 different bat species, including the critically endangered Greater Horseshoe Bat.
Naturpark Hirschwald offers dog-friendly hiking trails, allowing visitors to explore the natural surroundings with their pets. It is advisable to check specific trail regulations or local guidelines regarding dogs. Information on suitable routes is available in the Dog-friendly hikes in Naturpark Hirschwald guide.
Naturpark Hirschwald is a popular destination on komoot, with over 120,000 visitors having shared their experiences. The park's routes collectively hold an average rating of 4.48 out of 5 stars from more than 22,000 ratings. This indicates a high level of satisfaction among users.
Komoot offers several guides for Naturpark Hirschwald, covering various activities and interests. These include guides for Cycling, Hiking, MTB Trails, and Road Cycling. There are also specialized guides for family-friendly and dog-friendly routes.
The official website for Naturpark Hirschwald is www.naturparkhirschwald.de. For direct inquiries, the park can be reached by phone at +49 9624 9021191. These resources provide additional information about the park and its offerings.
Yes, Naturpark Hirschwald offers easy routes suitable for beginners, particularly for hiking and touring cycling. The 'Fünf-Flüsse-Radweg' often follows former railway lines, providing mostly flat paths. For hiking, there are specific guides like Easy hikes in Naturpark Hirschwald.
The Naturpark Hirschwald region has a rich history, once serving as an electoral hunting ground. Visitors can explore historical market towns, castles, and monasteries. The Mining and Industry Museum of East Bavaria in Theuern also offers insights into the area's past.

