Discover Loitendorf

Loitendorf is a specific reference point for several cycling routes; at the same time, its historical connections range from a Mesolithic open-air site to a donation dating back to 1303. This gives you two themes to combine when planning your trip: the places along the routes and the long history of the town. Three cycling routes specifically mention Loitendorf, each with different other stops.

Distinguishing cycling routes by the places they pass

Tour 7 passes through Kritzenast, Loitendorf and Hiltersried. Tour 9 passes through Hiltersried, Loitendorf and Trosendorf. Loitendorf and Hiltersried feature in both routes; Kritzenast is part of Tour 7, while Trosendorf is part of Tour 9. The Schwarzachtal Tour passes through Hiltersried, Loitendorf, Kritzenast, Thuraumühle and Schönthal. Its route therefore includes Kritzenast, Thuraumühle and Schönthal as well as Loitendorf and Hiltersried.

When choosing a cycling tour for your stay, these places can help make it easier to compare the options. Starting from Loitendorf, you can consider whether to include the route that passes through Kritzenast, the one that passes through Trosendorf, or the Schwarzachtal Tour with Thuraumühle and Schönthal in your plans. The three routes thus differ in the places included along each one.

Early and medieval history

A Mesolithic open-air site in Loitendorf is recorded as an archaeological monument under reference D-3-6641-0092. Its Mesolithic dating marks an early period in Loitendorf’s history. A much later period is associated with the year 1303: that year, Hiltprant von Puchperch donated a small estate in Loitendorf to the monastery.

These two accounts give the town’s history a long timespan—from the Mesolithic open-air site to a medieval event dated to a specific year.

Culture and routes in the wider destination of Schönthal

The wider destination of Schönthal adds its own cultural and historical focus. It is home to a former Augustinian Hermits monastery. Despite years of threats and devastation by the Hussites, as well as the Reformation and Counter-Reformation, it developed into the economic, intellectual and ecclesiastical centre of the upper Schwarzach Valley.

The Hussite monument in Hiltersried is also part of this Schönthal context. Erected in 1933 to commemorate the Hussite battle of 1433, it recalls the Hussites’ defeat there. The medieval events and a later monument commemorating them are thus two distinct historical records.

Schönthal has marked routes for hikers and cyclists, including the ten-kilometre Hussenbierlweg circular trail and the eleven-kilometre Waldkapellenweg circular trail. The Hussenbierlweg crosses the northern slope of Kühberg into the Schwarzach Valley near Thuraumühle; on its return, it passes the church and monastery in Schönthal. The Waldkapellenweg starts at the Rathausplatz.

Another cycling route in the wider destination is the 132.1-kilometre Schwarzachtal Cycle Route. It passes, among other places, through Schwarzenfeld, Schwarzach near Nabburg, Neunburg vorm Wald, Rötz, Schönthal, Waldmünchen and the Höll border crossing, continuing as far as Kritzenast. One described section passes quiet oxbow lakes on its way to Schönthal in the direction of Thuraumühle. The Schwarzachtal Tour and the Schwarzachtal Cycle Route are differently named routes; if you plan to take the cycle route, check current trail conditions before setting out.

The Schwarzach in Schönthal offers opportunities for fishing. Schönthal’s tourist office provides visitors and tourists with information, brochures and advice, and can be reached by car or on foot. These additional themes are located in the wider destination of Schönthal and complement Loitendorf’s cycling routes and historical connections with further points of interest in the region.

Plan your accommodation search around your trip

If you are looking for accommodation in Loitendorf, you can first decide which of the cycling routes mentioned will shape your stay. If you also want to take in monastery history, marked hiking trails or other attractions in Schönthal, include them when planning your destination. This way, your search is guided by the specific routes and historical connections that interest you for your trip.

For an overview of the wider destination: Schönthal.