Attractions and Places To See around Eslarn - Top 20
Best attractions and places to see around Eslarn, a market town in Bavaria, Germany, offers a diverse range of sites for visitors. The region is characterized by its mountainous landscape, extensive forests, and proximity to the Czech border. It features a mix of natural beauty, historical sites, and cultural points of interest.
Best attractions and places to see around Eslarn
- The most popular attractions is Böhmerwald Observation Tower, a viewpoint that offers panoramic views of the Upper Palatinate, Bohemian, and Bavarian Forests from its 30-meter height. It is located at 898 meters altitude, marking the highest point in the Schwandorf district.
- Another must-see spot is Bügellohe — Abandoned Village, a historical site, an abandoned settlement located directly on the Czech border. It consists of house ruins at 852 meters altitude and is accessible only by foot via a hiking trail.
- Visitors also love Reichenstein Castle Ruins, castle ruins that offer views and are believed to have been inhabited since the 11th century. The site preserves remnants of the former keep and walls.
- Eslarn is known for its natural beauty, historical sites, and extensive outdoor activities. The region offers a variety of attractions, from observation towers and castle ruins to abandoned villages and pilgrimage churches.
- The attractions around Eslarn are appreciated by the komoot community, with more than 500 upvotes and over 800 photos shared.
Last updated: May 9, 2026
Böhmerwald Observation Tower
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Bügellohe — Abandoned Village
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Over time, the makeshift emergency shelters in the abandoned village of Bügellohe became permanent houses. A settlement was built from materials that had to be laboriously carried through the forest from the village of Stadlern, four kilometers away, to Bügellohe.
The hopes of the Bügelloh residents of returning to their old homeland were dashed. In 1950, the Prague government began razing Wenzelsdorf to the ground. Across the border, many Bügelloh residents gave up; life in isolation, without electricity or running water, was too hard. They moved away. Eventually, only one remained: Josef Licha. He, too, left Bügellohe in the fall of 1967.
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Reichenstein Castle Ruins
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Kreuzberg Church in Pleystein
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Wildstein Castle Ruins
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The remains of the Burgstall Wildstein lie at 744 m altitude on a hill, southwest of the village Wildstein. The remnants of the complex can be reached from the village in ten minutes. On a clear day, the visitor has a magnificent panoramic view over the "Waldbuckel" of the Upper Palatinate Forest.
Nordgau called in the period around 1000 AD, the area of the middle and northern Upper Palatinate. The land was gradually colonized (clearing settlements in the vicinity are: Zeinried, Kühried, Pullenried, Wildeppenried) and the lands, in which the Slavs (Slavic settlements are: Teunz, Gleiritsch) from the East were already colonial advances. Castles therefore secured the area to the east. The Upper Palatinate is therefore the most densely casted area in Germany.
In the vicinity of Wildstein were the castles Kunzenstein, today a castle stable about two kilometers northwest, Flossenbürg, Leuchtenberg, Trausnitz, Tännesberg, Gleiritsch (Castle Plassenberg), House Murach (Obermurach), Thanstein, Reichenstein in Stadlern and Frauenstein in Weiding. In the Middle Ages, trade routes led east through the area. From the east, however, came again and again incursions to the newly populated areas of the Bavarian Nordgaus. The Castle Wildstein served, as well as the other castles, the administration of the area, the protection and control of trade routes and the defense against invasions.
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Popular around Eslarn
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Reichenstein Castle can be considered an early settlement center in the Schönsee area. It was probably built in the late 11th century. Apart from a few remnants of the walls, only the stump of the round keep remains. However, the Reichenstein ruins are still shrouded in mystery. Legends tell of white women haunting the castle, and a treasure of gold lies beneath the ruins.
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A wonderful view of the Upper Palatinate, Bohemian, and Bavarian Forests can be enjoyed from the glass-enclosed viewing platform. Visitors are at an altitude of 898 meters, the highest point in the Schwandorf district. The tower is 30 meters high.
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The abandoned village of Bügellohe lies directly on the Czech border. It can only be reached on foot, via a hiking trail of about three kilometers. At an altitude of 852 meters, ruins of houses stand in a clearing and in the forest. What today attracts curious visitors as a "lost place" was once a settlement where up to 75 people lived after the Second World War: Sudeten Germans from Wenzelsdorf, just one kilometer away. They had retreated to the Bavarian mountain saddle in the winter of 1945/46 to avoid expulsion from Czechoslovakia. They owned land on the saddle, a piece of land that juts out into Bohemia like a bow. They wanted to wait there until they could return home. Over time, the makeshift emergency shelters in the abandoned village of Bügellohe became permanent houses. A settlement was built from materials that had to be laboriously carried through the forest from the village of Stadlern, four kilometers away, to Bügellohe. The hopes of the Bügelloh residents of returning to their old homeland were dashed. In 1950, the Prague government began razing Wenzelsdorf to the ground. Across the border, many Bügelloh residents gave up; life in isolation, without electricity or running water, was too hard. They moved away. Eventually, only one remained: Josef Licha. He, too, left Bügellohe in the fall of 1967.
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The small town of Pleystein with some quaint pubs is always worth a stop.
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Beautiful rock formation and a great view, a trip to the Burgstall is worth it.
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The tower is finished and no longer scaffolded. But honestly... you can see more and get nicer pictures from below! The tower has no entrance and cannot be visited from the inside. You can save yourself the altitude 😉
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It's a bit of a shame that the top of the tower is closed with sealed glass panes. Accordingly, it is quite stuffy and hot on hot days. After all the stairs, a little air would be nice 😬🥵. But you survive it that way 😉
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Beautiful view from the Bohemian Forest Tower with free telescope
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Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I find the best panoramic views around Eslarn?
For breathtaking panoramic views, visit the Böhmerwald Observation Tower. Standing 30 meters high at an altitude of 898 meters, it offers expansive vistas of the Upper Palatinate, Bohemian, and Bavarian Forests. Additionally, the Kreuzberg Church in Pleystein, situated on a massive quartz rock, provides great views over Pleystein, and the Wildstein Castle Ruins offer a magnificent panoramic view over the 'Waldbuckel' of the Upper Palatinate Forest.
What historical sites can I visit near Eslarn?
Eslarn is rich in history. You can explore the Bügellohe — Abandoned Village, a unique site with house ruins directly on the Czech border, accessible only by foot. The Reichenstein Castle Ruins, believed to have been inhabited since the 11th century, offer an enchanted glimpse into the past. Also, the Wildstein Castle Ruins, first mentioned in the early 14th century, provide historical context and scenic views.
Are there any castle ruins to explore in the Eslarn area?
Yes, the Eslarn area features two notable castle ruins. The Reichenstein Castle Ruins near Stadlern are an enchanted site with remnants of a keep and walls, steeped in legends. Further, the Wildstein Castle Ruins, located on a hill at 744 meters, offer a glimpse into medieval history and stunning views over the Upper Palatinate Forest.
Are there family-friendly attractions or activities in Eslarn?
For families, the Wildstein Castle Ruins are considered family-friendly and offer an engaging historical experience with great views. The region also features the Wildpark Eslarn, a local wildlife park, and the Stückberg area includes a 'barefoot experience station,' providing fun outdoor activities for all ages.
What kind of outdoor activities are popular around Eslarn?
The mountainous landscape and extensive forests around Eslarn are perfect for outdoor enthusiasts. Popular activities include hiking, cycling, and gravel biking. You can find numerous trails, including long-distance routes like the Nurtschweg and the Glasschleifererweg, offering diverse experiences for all skill levels.
Are there specific hiking trails recommended near Eslarn's attractions?
Absolutely! For hiking, you can explore routes like the 'Stückberg Fountain – Stückberg Observation Tower loop' or the 'Stückberg Observation Tower – Eslarn Wildlife Park loop.' These trails offer varying distances and difficulties, allowing you to experience the natural beauty of the region. Find more details and routes on the Hiking around Eslarn guide.
Can I go cycling around Eslarn?
Yes, Eslarn is well-suited for cycling. There are options for both gravel biking and road cycling. You can find routes like the 'View of Pleystein – Bockl Cycle Path loop' for gravel biking or the 'Holy Trinity Church Waidhaus – Bockl Cycle Path loop' for road cycling. Explore more routes on the Gravel biking around Eslarn guide and the Road Cycling Routes around Eslarn guide.
How can I reach the Böhmerwald Observation Tower?
The Böhmerwald Observation Tower is generally accessible by car with parking available nearby, followed by a short walk. It's a popular destination for hikers, often incorporated into various hiking loops in the area.
Is the abandoned village of Bügellohe easily accessible?
The Bügellohe — Abandoned Village is unique because it is only accessible by foot. You'll need to hike approximately three kilometers to reach the site, adding to its secluded and historical charm.
What is the best time of year to visit Eslarn for outdoor activities?
The region around Eslarn, with its mountainous landscape and forests, is ideal for outdoor activities from spring through autumn. The warmer months offer pleasant conditions for hiking and cycling, while autumn provides beautiful foliage. Winter can also be appealing for snow-related activities, though some trails might be less accessible.
What do visitors particularly enjoy about the attractions near Eslarn?
Visitors frequently praise the stunning views, especially from the Böhmerwald Observation Tower, often described as 'super nice' and 'great.' The historical sites like Bügellohe are found to be 'very interesting' and 'well explained,' offering a unique historical experience in nature. The castle ruins are appreciated for their 'beautiful views' and 'enchanted' atmosphere, even during restoration.
Are there any unique natural monuments near Eslarn?
Yes, the Kreuzberg Church in Pleystein stands on a massive quartz rock formation, which is a designated natural monument. This impressive geological feature adds a unique natural element to the cultural site.
Most popular attractions around Eslarn
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