Marktredwitz: Auenpark, Egerland Culture and Trails

Marktredwitz lies in the valley of the small Kössein River, in a low mountain landscape between the ridges of the Fichtel Mountains and the Steinwald. The border with the Czech Republic is only a few kilometres away. The town is also a starting point for excursions, hikes and bike rides in the Fichtel Mountains, the Steinwald, the Upper Palatinate Forest and neighbouring Bohemia. When choosing accommodation, you can first consider whether your trip will focus on culture in town, trails in nature or a mix of both.

Auenpark, hiking trailhead and long-distance cycle routes

At Auenpark, landscaped green spaces meet expansive views across Auensee lake. The park offers picnic spots overlooking the lake and walks along flower beds. A notable landmark is the “Überschaubar”: this viewing platform is on the boiler house of the former Benker textile factory. From there, you can see across Auensee to the neighbouring MAKBAD natural swimming pool. The park thus combines time by the water with a glimpse of industrial history.

Marktredwitz also has a specific starting point for hikes: the Goldsteig begins at the Three-Arch Bridge in Auenpark. Its first stage runs from Marktredwitz to Friedenfels. For those who prefer cycling, the long-distance cycle routes “Donau-Naab-Saale” and “Main-Eger-Elbe” both pass through Marktredwitz. The town is therefore a starting point for a range of tours; which one shapes your stay depends on whether you want to focus on a hiking trailhead, a cycle route or excursions into the surrounding landscapes.

Plan your journey and accommodation in Marktredwitz

Marktredwitz has direct access to the A 93 motorway and is also an important railway junction on the Nuremberg–Eger and Munich–Hof lines. The city centre is just a few minutes’ walk from the main railway station. The best location for you depends on how you are travelling and which local or regional activities you want to prioritise.

Discover Egerland traditions and culture

The Egerland Cultural Centre is dedicated to preserving Egerland traditions. It houses the Egerland Museum, the Egerland Art Gallery, the museum café, the town library and the office of the Euregio Egrensis Working Group Bavaria e. V. The museum’s permanent exhibition presents life, history and culture in the Egerland region. The art gallery displays a collection of works by artists with strong ties to their Egerland roots.

The Egerland Fountain is located in the cultural centre’s outdoor grounds. Its four levels depict an Egerland peasant wedding. Another way to discover local traditions is the Marktredwitz Nativity Scene Trail: the “Kripperer” open their homes to visitors, share anecdotes and often show nativity scenes depicting Marktredwitz landscapes, some of which are room-sized. Marktredwitz’s nativity scene tradition has been included in Bavaria’s State Register of Intangible Cultural Heritage. As dates are seasonal, check them separately when planning your trip.

Seasonal experiences and the right time to visit

The Marktredwitz Advent Magic is a Christmas market held in the atmospheric, illuminated Glasschleif. The programme includes decorated stalls, live music and shows that change daily, activities for children and food and drink. The market runs from late November to late December, Thursday to Sunday; the exact dates vary from year to year. If you want to plan your trip around it, check the dates for the relevant year.

There is also a seasonal cycling offer in town: during the summer months, approximately April to October, the Tourist Information Centre rents out CUBE e-mountain bikes and e-touring bikes. Check availability before your trip. Together with the two long-distance cycle routes and the Goldsteig, this gives you a clear choice of focus for your stay: culture and the nativity scene trail, walks in Auenpark or tours in and around Marktredwitz.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Nagel, Hohenberg, Marktleuthen, Schönwald, Arzberg, Weißenstadt, Schirnding, Tröstau.

Back to the main travel guide: Wunsiedel in the Fichtel Mountains.