Schmidgaden between Maypole Traditions and the Magdalenental Valley

Schmidgaden combines local village traditions with opportunities to explore the surrounding countryside. The Maypole tradition is kept alive in the municipality; the 15 km “Around Trisching” cycle tour starts in Schmidgaden, and a short hike in the Magdalenental Valley leads to St. Magdalene’s Chapel. These activities differ in their occasion, mode of transport and scale, offering helpful guidance when planning your holiday.

Trisching and the Magdalenental Valley

Trisching lies in the foothills of the Upper Palatinate Forest and is a starting point for exploring the Magdalenental Valley Landscape Conservation Area. A short hike in the Magdalenental Valley leads from the car park to Grimmerthal. It initially follows the valley floor alongside the Schwärzerbach stream; after about one kilometre, it reaches the small St. Magdalene’s Chapel. The route thus connects a streamside landscape with a specific destination. If you plan to go on this hike, check local conditions before setting out.

Cycle tour with a section to walk

The “Around Trisching” cycle tour starts in Schmidgaden, is 15 km long and is flat. Around 300 m of the route must be covered by pushing your bike. Allow for this change when planning your day: on this section, you will need to push your bike. At 15 km, with around 300 m to cover on foot while pushing your bike, this cycle tour differs in length and mode of transport from the short hike in the Magdalenental Valley; both routes offer different ways to explore the area. Check local route conditions before setting off.

Maypole traditions and parish festival

The Maypole tradition is kept alive in Schmidgaden, Trisching, Rottendorf and Gösselsdorf. The Maypole is erected in the village centre on the eve of 1 May. The parish festival in Schmidgaden is held every summer in the parish garden beside the parish hall. The two customs therefore take place at different times: the Maypole is erected on the eve of 1 May, while the parish festival is held in summer. Check local information for the exact date of the parish festival before your trip.

Schwandorf as a broader travel destination

As a broader travel destination, Schwandorf County is a holiday region in the Upper Palatinate Forest. The Upper Palatinate Lake District in the county is a region shaped by water and varied landscapes. Geology and nature conservation also contribute to this broader regional picture: the gneiss at Hochfels in Schwandorf County was included in Bavaria’s list of the 100 most beautiful geotopes. The Wald- und Heidelandschaft nature reserve provides a valuable refuge for species that cannot survive in more densely vegetated, nutrient-rich habitats.

The broader travel destination also offers the Weiher cycle route for cyclists. It is around 9 km long, signposted throughout in both directions, connects Schwandorf with Lake Murner See and passes through the Charlottenhofer Weiher nature reserve. For travel to the Upper Palatinate Open-Air Museum, BAXI Museum Line 8402 operates in Schwandorf County; check current services before travelling.

Choose the right accommodation location

If you want to focus on Schmidgaden, with its cycle tour starting there and its local traditions, you can search for accommodation in Schmidgaden. For a broader stay in Schwandorf County, let your planned destinations and transport connections guide your choice of location. This way, your search will reflect the experiences you actually plan to enjoy.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Nittenau, Oberviechtach, Schwandorf, Burglengenfeld, Altendorf, Pfreimd, Nabburg, Schwarzach.

Back to the main travel overview: Schwandorf.