Hohenberg an der Eger: Porcelain, Castle and Nature

Hohenberg an der Eger combines a history of porcelain and striking architecture with the landscapes along the Eger. When planning your trip, you can choose between cultural attractions, stories about the old trade route, and trails through the river landscape and nature park. The Sakura Activity Park also adds a distinctive touch with its play equipment and fitness stations.

Porcelain History and Buildings

The Porzellanikon in Hohenberg an der Eger is housed in the former villa of Carl Magnus Hutschenreuther and presents the history of the regional porcelain industry. The Dibbern factory outlet offers another porcelain experience: visitors can discover the distinctive qualities of Dibbern porcelain firsthand. As the factory outlet’s terms may change, check in advance whether visits are possible.

Hohenberg Castle was built between 1170 and 1222 to protect an old trade route. It ran from the east, passing through the town of Eger (Cheb) and by Hohenberg. The Confinhaus near the Hohenberger Hammermühle had a different historical function: it was a former quarantine station dating from the late 18th century. Its upper floor is timber-framed, and its gabled roof has been altered.

St. Elizabeth’s Church also tells the story of Hohenberg. It developed from a small chapel that belonged to the castle and was originally part of the parish of Arzberg. In 1508, it was first mentioned as the “Chapel of the Blessed Virgin by Hohenberg Castle.” Its interior includes an altar created by Marianne Wendt in 1949, a pulpit and a baptismal font made of reddish terracotta, as well as an oak winged altarpiece carved by Albert Sterr in 1952.

A striking memorial is the 2.40-metre-high bagpiper sculpture made of shell limestone. It was erected in November 1963 by the Eger bridge near the Pfeiffermühle and commemorates Bohemian musicians who travelled to Bavaria in summer during the 19th and early 20th centuries. Oswald Hoffmann designed the sculpture, and Ludwig Deller made it. The Fatima Chapel was built beneath an oak tree in 2005 and was solemnly consecrated that same year, with a donated statue of Our Lady of Fatima.

Landscapes and Trails along the Eger

On the German side, the Eger flows through Weißenstadt, Röslau, Marktleuthen and Hohenberg an der Eger. Its course provides species-rich habitats with varying nutrient levels; the floodplains are rich in nutrients from river deposits. The 653-metre-high Steinberg rises west of the town and lies within the Fichtelgebirge Nature Park. Heiligenberg is a protected geotope of great geoscientific value.

The Carolinenquelle spring on the “Kuppelwiese” in Kocherrangen Nature Park is only a few metres from the Eger. From the car park, a forest track leads down to the Eger floodplain; the walk takes five minutes. There are additional information boards at the spring, including boards from the Geopark. Check local conditions before your visit.

The “Kaiserweg” themed hiking trail begins in Hohenberg and follows the Eger. Information boards cover the geology, natural environment and cultural history of the Eger Valley. Circular Hiking Trail 1 combines a downstream walk along the Eger, a steep climb through Kocherrangen Nature Park and fine valley views on the return to the castle square. Take the climb into account when planning your day.

Circular Hiking Trail 7 passes the Hirschsprung hydroelectric power station and reaches a bridge towards Gut Blumenthal, which leads back to the opposite bank. After a turn-off at the bridge, the trail follows the bank directly into the Wellerthal valley. The described sections therefore have different landmarks: the river and the climb define Circular Hiking Trail 1, while the power station, bridge and Wellerthal provide orientation on Circular Hiking Trail 7. Check local trail conditions before setting out.

Opened in 2023, Sakura Activity Park offers play equipment for young children and fitness stations for senior citizens. It is especially impressive during the cherry blossom season in April. Check the current facilities before your visit.

Getting There and Choosing Accommodation

Hohenberg an der Eger is accessible by train via Schirnding station and by car via the A 9 and A 93 motorways. Choose your accommodation based on which aspects of the destination you most want to experience.

For the full trip overview: Schirnding.