Haselbach: Nature Trails, Panoramic Views and History

Haselbach combines nature observation, marked trails and traces of history. Highlights include the nature trail along the Danube-Regen Cycle Path, five circular routes and viewpoints overlooking the Bavarian Forest and the Gäuboden. Other attractions include the Totentanz Chapel and historic holloways. This gives your trip a focus on landscape and history: you can explore nature trails, views and local history as distinct themes.

Discover nature: nature trail and cycle route

The Haselbach nature trail runs along the Danube-Regen Cycle Path between Ziermühle and Haselbach. Discovery stations are located along the Menach and in the forest, and the trail also includes a viewpoint. The Danube-Regen Cycle Path follows Haselbach’s former railway line. This brings two perspectives together on the same route: the course of the former railway line and stations that draw attention to nature and the surrounding area. The stations offer specific observation points and can provide talking points on outings together. The viewpoint complements the discovery stations with a view across the landscape.

Five circular routes and far-reaching views

There are five marked circular routes for hiking. They lead through green forests, alongside natural streams, across lush meadows and past fruit trees. Viewpoints along Haselbach’s hiking trails open up panoramas towards the Gäuboden and the Bavarian Forest; in clear weather, the view sometimes reaches as far as the Alps. Along the way, you can take in a variety of landscapes: forests and streams, open meadows, fruit trees and wide-ranging views. Views as far as the Alps depend on clear weather conditions. If you are travelling with children, the nature trail’s discovery stations can provide a specific opportunity to observe nature together; the five marked circular routes offer another focus for planning your day.

History in the village and the landscape

Haselbach was first documented as a parish seat in 1130. A much later date concerns the overpainted frescoes in the Totentanz Chapel: they were discovered and restored in 1912. These two details mark distinct chapters in the village’s history—the early mention as a parish seat and the rediscovery of the frescoes. Historic holloways associated with Haselbach are also part of the landscape. They are considered ecologically valuable areas and provide a variety of habitats. Haselbach’s story therefore encompasses both traces of the past and the significance of traditional routes to the landscape.

Haselbach in the wider Straubing-Bogen destination

In the wider Straubing-Bogen destination, the Bavarian Forest, the fertile Gäuboden and the Danube shape the landscape; the area is considered well suited to exploring on foot and by bike. The European pilgrimage route VIA NOVA passes through Bogen and is signposted as a hiking trail along its total length of around 300 kilometres. At Bogenberg, the district museum explores the history of the Bavarian lozenges—from the Counts of Windberg-Bogen and their use by the Wittelsbachs and in the Bavarian state coat of arms to their status as a symbol of Bavaria. Bogenberg is also one of Bavaria’s oldest Marian pilgrimage sites still in active use. These regional themes expand on the perspectives on nature and history that Haselbach itself offers.

Choose accommodation to match your travel interests

If you are looking for accommodation in Haselbach, it helps to decide on your main focus first: the nature trail and discovery stations, the five marked circular routes, or the historical sites. If your trip is also to include destinations in the wider Straubing-Bogen area, VIA NOVA and Bogenberg can be included in your plans as distinct regional attractions.

Explore more destinations

Explore more destinations: Perasdorf, Schwarzach, Bogen, Straubing, Rattenberg, Rattiszell, Geiselhöring, Windberg

Back to the wider travel guide: Straubing-Bogen.