The best traffic-free bike rides in Naturpark Oberpfälzer Wald
4.6
(6034)
25,872
riders
658
rides
No traffic touring cycling routes in Naturpark Oberpfälzer Wald traverse a landscape characterized by extensive forests, numerous water bodies, and open meadows. The region features a network of cycling paths, including former railway lines, which offer gentle gradients and lead through picturesque natural settings. Cyclists encounter varied terrain, from serene river valleys to areas with intriguing rock formations, providing a diverse experience.
Best no traffic touring cycling routes in Naturpark Oberpfälzer Wald
- The most popular no traffic touring cycling route is Across the Upper Palatinate Lake District, a 37.3 miles (60.0 km) trail that takes 4 hours 6 minutes to complete, offering views of the region's numerous lakes and diverse landscapes.
- Another top favourite among local touring cyclists is Short loop of the lakes, a moderate 27.4 miles (44.1 km) path. This route provides a relaxed experience around the water bodies with minimal elevation gain.
- Local touring cyclists also love the Panorama loop, a 36.9 miles (59.4 km) trail leading through varied terrain with elevated sections, often completed in about 4 hours 27 minutes.
- Touring cycling in Naturpark Oberpfälzer Wald is defined by vast forests, meandering rivers and streams, and converted railway lines. The network offers options for different ability levels, from easy rides to more challenging routes.
- The routes in Naturpark Oberpfälzer Wald are highly rated by the komoot community with an average score of 4.6 stars from over 5,300 reviews. More than 24,000 touring cyclists have used komoot to explore Naturpark Oberpfälzer Wald's varied terrain.
Last updated: August 27, 2026
4.7
(210)
756
riders
60.0km
04:06
350m
350m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.6
(128)
495
riders
44.1km
02:53
160m
160m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
Sign up for free
4.8
(94)
367
riders
59.4km
04:27
560m
560m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.7
(398)
1,665
riders
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.8
(6)
36
riders
57.5km
04:21
740m
590m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
Get access to more routes and recommendations from other explorers.
Sign up for free
Already have an account?
Our route recommendations are based on thousands of hikes, rides, and runs completed by other people on komoot.
Start today with a free account
Your next adventure awaits.
Login or Signup
Popular around Naturpark Oberpfälzer Wald
Bavaria-Bohemia long-distance cycling trail – Crossing borders
Cycling on the Bavarian-Bohemian Friendship Trail
Cycling to the Inn – fun Tours in the Upper Palatinate Forest
Your cycling adventure in the Upper Palatinate – Oberpfälzer Radl-Welt
Cycling by the water in the Upper Palatinate Forest
Nature and Culture — Cycling in the Upper Palatinate Forest
Nurtschweg – Hiking along the German-Czech border
The Goldsteig – 38 stages between Upper Palatinate and Passau
Goldsteig — The best routes for long distance hiking in Eastern Bavaria
The Upper Palatinate Castle Trail — 9 days in picturesque northern Bavaria
Other adventures in Naturpark Oberpfälzer Wald
Tips from the Community
Especially recommended when the Barthlmarkt is on. Then there are all sorts of delicious things to eat with hearty music.
0
0
Wonderful sections of trail in a magnificent area
1
0
Wonderful stretches of trail in a magnificent area
1
0
Železná (German: Eisendorf) lies directly on the Czech-German border and, together with Tillyschanz on the German side, forms a border crossing. State road 2155 comes from Eslarn through Tillyschanz, crosses the border into the Czech Republic, and continues there as road no. 197, which leads through Železná to Bělá nad Radbuzou (German: Weißensulz).
7
0
The wooden sphere is certainly a highlight on the lake. Personally, however, it wouldn't be worth €13 entrance fee for me (as of May 2026)
1
0
the wooden ball is visible from some places
1
0
Lake Steinberger Lake Steinberger is part of the Upper Palatinate Lake District and, with an area of 1.84 km², is the largest lake in the Upper Palatinate. It was named after the municipality of Steinberg am See. It is 1.98 km long, 1.4 km wide, and has a maximum depth of 50 meters. The Schreckerbach stream feeds and drains the lake. After the Bavarian lignite industry ceased mining operations in the mid-1980s, the open-cast mine "Steinberger See" was flooded by reducing the water level. Remaining mining equipment was demolished and still lies on the lakebed. Two small, wooded islands also remain, which now divide the lake into a northern and a southern section. In the following decades, tourism developed at Lake Steinberger, bringing a degree of economic growth to the region. In addition to the Steinberger Yacht Club (SYC), founded in 1987, the area now boasts a sailing school, a water ski lift, a boat rental, a leisure park for families and children, a surf club, and most recently, an adventure golf course and a roughly 40-meter-high wooden "adventure sphere" with viewing platforms, an obstacle course, and a giant slide. Numerous restaurants, inns, and cafés complement the leisure offerings. A water rescue station has been established for the safety of visitors. Due to the increasing improvement in water quality and visibility in recent years, Lake Steinberger has become one of the most popular diving areas in the Upper Palatinate. Like all lakes in the Upper Palatinate Lake District, which originated from lignite mines, the water is acidic due to leaching. Because of the ongoing improvement in water quality, fish populations are steadily increasing. Perch and the occasional pike have been observed most frequently. The water is very clean; on windless days, visibility is possible to a depth of at least 10 meters. Occasionally, the tops of dead trees can be seen on the bottom. According to the ordinance issued by the Schwandorf District Office on August 8, 2002, the entire Steinberger See is open for diving. Especially in summer and winter, very good visibility (up to 20 meters) has been possible in recent years. Source: Excerpts from www.wikipedia.de
1
0
Lake Steinberger Lake Steinberger is part of the Upper Palatinate Lake District and, with an area of 1.84 km², is the largest lake in the Upper Palatinate. It was named after the municipality of Steinberg am See. It is 1.98 km long, 1.4 km wide, and has a maximum depth of 50 meters. The Schreckerbach stream feeds and drains the lake. After the Bavarian lignite industry ceased mining operations in the mid-1980s, the open-cast mine "Steinberger See" was flooded by reducing the water level. Remaining mining equipment was demolished and still lies on the lakebed. Two small, wooded islands also remain, which now divide the lake into a northern and a southern section. In the following decades, tourism developed at Lake Steinberger, bringing a degree of economic growth to the region. In addition to the Steinberger Yacht Club (SYC), founded in 1987, the area now boasts a sailing school, a water ski lift, a boat rental, a leisure park for families and children, a surf club, and most recently, an adventure golf course and a roughly 40-meter-high wooden "adventure sphere" with viewing platforms, an obstacle course, and a giant slide. Numerous restaurants, inns, and cafés complement the leisure offerings. A water rescue station has been established for the safety of visitors. Due to the increasing improvement in water quality and visibility in recent years, Lake Steinberger has become one of the most popular diving areas in the Upper Palatinate. Like all lakes in the Upper Palatinate Lake District, which originated from lignite mines, the water is acidic due to leaching. Because of the ongoing improvement in water quality, fish populations are steadily increasing. Perch and the occasional pike have been observed most frequently. The water is very clean; on windless days, visibility is possible to a depth of at least 10 meters. Occasionally, the tops of dead trees can be seen on the bottom. According to the ordinance issued by the Schwandorf District Office on August 8, 2002, the entire Steinberger See is open for diving. Especially in summer and winter, very good visibility (up to 20 meters) has been possible in recent years. Source: Excerpts from www.wikipedia.de
5
0
Frequently Asked Questions
How many traffic-free touring cycling routes are available in Naturpark Oberpfälzer Wald?
Naturpark Oberpfälzer Wald offers a wide selection of touring cycling routes designed to be traffic-free or traffic-calmed. You'll find over 680 routes, with a good mix of easy, moderate, and difficult options to suit various skill levels.
What kind of terrain can I expect on the no-traffic touring cycling routes?
Many of the routes in Naturpark Oberpfälzer Wald utilize former railway lines, providing comfortable cycling paths with gentle climbs. You can expect to cycle through picturesque forests, alongside meandering rivers and streams, and past wetlands, offering a serene and varied natural environment.
Are there any family-friendly no-traffic cycling routes in Naturpark Oberpfälzer Wald?
Yes, the region is well-suited for family cycling, especially on paths converted from former railway lines which offer smooth, gentle gradients away from car traffic. Routes like the Short loop of the lakes are generally considered moderate and can be enjoyed by families looking for a pleasant day out.
What natural features or landmarks can I see along these routes?
The routes often pass through vast forests and along waterways. You can also discover unique geological formations and wetlands. For specific points of interest, consider routes that pass by Lake Murner or offer views of it, such as the View of Lake Murnersee – Wooden Sphere Observation Tower loop from Schwandorf Airfield. The region also features mystical rocks and canyons.
Are there any circular no-traffic touring cycling routes?
Yes, there are several circular routes designed for touring cyclists. For example, the Across the Upper Palatinate Lake District tour offers a substantial loop, and the Panorama loop provides a challenging circular option with scenic views.
What is the best time of year to go touring cycling in Naturpark Oberpfälzer Wald?
The spring, summer, and early autumn months are generally ideal for touring cycling in Naturpark Oberpfälzer Wald. During these seasons, the weather is typically pleasant, and the natural landscapes are at their most vibrant, offering comfortable conditions for exploring the extensive network of paths.
Are dogs allowed on the no-traffic cycling routes?
Generally, dogs are welcome on most public cycling paths in Naturpark Oberpfälzer Wald, provided they are kept on a leash and under control. It's always advisable to carry water for your dog, especially on longer rides, and to respect local signage regarding protected areas or wildlife.
What do other touring cyclists enjoy most about cycling in Naturpark Oberpfälzer Wald?
The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.6 stars. Reviewers often praise the quiet, well-maintained paths, the diverse natural scenery including vast forests and tranquil waterways, and the overall relaxing experience of cycling away from traffic.
Are there any historical sites or castles accessible from the cycling routes?
Yes, Naturpark Oberpfälzer Wald is dotted with historical attractions. While cycling, you might find routes that pass near sites such as the Reichenstein Castle Ruins or the Count Palatine Castle Complex Neunburg vorm Wald. These offer interesting stops to explore the region's rich history.
How can I access these no-traffic cycling routes using public transport?
While specific public transport connections vary by route, many towns within Naturpark Oberpfälzer Wald are served by regional buses and trains. It's recommended to check local public transport schedules and bike carriage policies for the specific starting points of your chosen routes. Some former railway line paths might be particularly well-connected to train stations.
Are there places to eat or stay along the no-traffic touring routes?
Yes, many routes pass through or near charming towns and villages where you can find cafes, restaurants, and accommodation options. Popular spots like Lake Murner, for instance, have facilities such as the Seaside at Murner Lake. Planning your route with komoot allows you to identify these points of interest beforehand.
What are the elevation changes like on these routes?
Given the focus on no-traffic touring, many routes, especially those on former railway lines, feature relatively gentle elevation changes. For example, the Short loop of the lakes has an elevation gain of around 165 meters. However, some routes, like the Pfreimdtal cycle route, can involve more significant climbs, reaching up to 740 meters of ascent, offering a more challenging experience.
Most popular routes in Naturpark Oberpfälzer Wald
Most popular attractions in Naturpark Oberpfälzer Wald
Get inspired with the komoot mobile app
Explore more
Browse the best Cycling routes in other regions.
