Discover Freystadt: Market Square, Towers and Trails

Freystadt combines a historic market square framed by town gates with striking buildings and walking and cycling routes. The pilgrimage church of Maria Hilf, the preserved Powder Tower and the birdwatching tower in the Schwarzachtal meadows each offer a different perspective. During your stay, you can explore the historic townscape, plan a hike or include seasonal activities by the water.

Historic Market Square and Buildings

At the Historic Market Square, two town gates and closely packed historic houses frame the square. The Spital zu Freystadt stands by the southern town gate; it is a cultural monument of regional importance dating from the 13th century. The square and the Spital present Freystadt’s history on two scales: as an enclosed urban space and as an individual cultural monument.

The Powder Tower in the Betzgarten is one of Freystadt’s attractions and a preserved part of the former fortifications. Visiting the towers of the Upper and Lower Gates and climbing to the upper floor offers views over the historic market square and the Schwarzachtal valley. Check before your trip whether access is currently possible. Exhibitions under the motto “Art in the Tower” are regularly held in the Upper Gate Tower in spring and autumn. If you have a particular date in mind, check the current exhibition dates in advance.

The pilgrimage church of Maria Hilf is also one of Freystadt’s attractions. Its gleaming green dome is surrounded by four towers and crowned with a gilded Madonna. The church thus offers an architectural contrast to the town gates and Powder Tower.

Walking and Cycling Routes

The Tour de Baroque runs from Neumarkt in der Oberpfalz via Freystadt to Berching, then follows the former Ludwig-Donau-Main Canal back to its starting point. The Freystadt section passes the Historic Market Square and the Asam stucco in the pilgrimage church of Maria Hilf. Freystadt is also a stage destination on the Five Rivers Cycle Route.

For hiking, “Auf nach Sulzbürg” starts at the market square. The route follows the trail marker southeast along the Jurasteig–Seenland connecting route. The “Blaustrich,” also known as the Berchinger Weg, is 58 kilometres long; its first stage ends in Freystadt. These are two different route options: one route starts at the market square, while the other ends a stage in Freystadt.

Wildlife Watching and Seasonal Activities by the Water

A seven-metre-high birdwatching tower stands on the edge of the Schwarzachtal meadows. From there, you can look out over the nature reserve. This viewpoint adds a focus on nature alongside the historic buildings and routes.

Freystadt natural swimming area is two kilometres from the town centre and is a seasonal destination. It has a swimming area, a children’s playground, a beach volleyball court, outdoor exercise equipment and a table tennis table. These facilities are freely accessible and free to use. Swimming, playing, beach volleyball, exercising on the equipment and playing table tennis are all available as different ways to enjoy the water.

Discover More Destinations

Discover more destinations: Berg Bei Neumarkt In Der Oberpfalz, Postbauer-Heng, Deining, Pilsach, Lauterhofen, Breitenbrunn, Hohenfels, Mühlhausen.

To the main travel guide: Neumarkt In Der Oberpfalz.