Neumarkt in der Oberpfalz: Discover the town’s history and Jura valleys

Neumarkt in der Oberpfalz combines a rich town history with the landscapes of the Bavarian Jura. The district lies in the northeast of Altmühltal Nature Park and in the Bavarian Jura landscape area. The Upper Palatinate Jura valleys are also located in Altmühltal Nature Park and the Bavarian Jura, between Nuremberg and Regensburg; they invite visitors to relax. You can discover the town’s history and the surrounding landscapes as distinct highlights of your trip.

Town history in museums and historic buildings

The exhibits at the Town Museum take visitors through several eras of Neumarkt’s history: from the town’s medieval founding and its heyday as a residence town, through its time as a garrison town for the Bavarian Chevaulegers and as a spa, to the beginnings of industrialisation and the Second World War. A particular focus is the history of the Goldschmidt & Pirzer velocipede factory, later known as the Express Works.

The Lothar Fischer Museum displays selected works from a collection of around 450 sculptures and hosts temporary exhibitions several times a year. Guided tours take place on Sundays at 3 pm; on the first Sunday of the month, the tour starts at 11:15 am and is accompanied by a children’s tour for ages six and up. Check current tour times and exhibition dates before your visit.

Historic buildings also tell the story of Neumarkt. The Palatine Count’s Palace on Residenzplatz evokes the splendour of court life in the former residence town. The Historic Riding Hall was established in the 1980s as a cultural centre with a concert hall and exhibition spaces; concerts and performances by internationally renowned artists have become a hallmark of the town. The annual Neumarkt Castle Plays, held during the summer months, bring open-air performances to the castle courtyard. The programme may vary; check current dates before your visit.

Art, the town park and special places

The Church of Our Lady (“Zu Unserer Lieben Frau”) houses two late Gothic treasures: a statue of Saint Sebastian and a stone Madonna dating from 1480. The church also contains Otto II of Mosbach’s richly decorated marble tomb. Neumarkt is also home to the world’s only museum dedicated to historic Maybach vehicles.

The town park offers a variety of experiences. Its facilities include a large playground, water terraces with fountains and a large staircase with views of the old town; it also features numerous public artworks. The entire site is protected as an archaeological, architectural and garden monument. Individual facilities may change; if needed, check that the amenities important to you are available before your visit.

The children’s town rally “With Philipp through Neumarkt’s History” offers another way to explore the town’s past, leading visitors through the town to 18 stops. For a visit focused more on architecture or art, you can explore the Church of Our Lady, the Palatine Count’s Palace, the museums and the town park as distinct themes.

The Jura, its trails and a landmark visible from afar

Activities in the district also offer a range of options. Leisure activities include cycling along the Black Laber and the old Ludwig-Donau-Main Canal, as well as hiking along the White Laber and Wissinger Laber. The Ludwig-Donau-Main Canal is one of Germany’s most interesting industrial monuments and is particularly well preserved in the Neumarkt district in the Upper Palatinate.

For a hike, the Jurasteig and the Water and Mill Trail share the same stretch along the White Laber from the Lengenbach valley near Deining to Dietfurt. The Witness Mountain Circuit is listed as a hiking option near Neumarkt in the Upper Palatinate; it is a certified “Hiking Germany” quality trail. The options can be chosen according to your preferred activity: cycling along the canal or the Black Laber, hiking along the Laber rivers or following one of the designated trails.

A historic landmark visible from afar, Wolfstein Castle Ruin shapes the image of Neumarkt. It is open continuously from 1 April to 31 October; the ruin is not accessible from 1 November to 31 March. Check seasonal access before your trip.

A local brewing tradition is also part of the town’s character: Neumarkter Lammsbräu is one of Germany’s oldest organic breweries. In Dietfurt, the Chinese Carnival is also held every year on Unsinniger Donnerstag, attracting several thousand visitors. Alongside museums and historic buildings, a recurring event and a brewery tradition known beyond the region offer further options for planning your trip.

Choose accommodation based on the experiences you want

If you want your stay to focus on town history, museums and historic buildings, base your search in Neumarkt. If hiking or cycling tours or an event are your priority, also consider the relevant places in the district. This way, you can choose where to search based on the experiences that matter to you, rather than treating a town visit and excursions as the same kind of trip.

Discover more destinations

Explore more places: Breitenbrunn, Velburg, Parsberg, Neumarkt in der Oberpfalz, Freystadt, Hohenfels, Postbauer-Heng, Lauterhofen, Berg bei Neumarkt in der Oberpfalz, Pilsach, Berching, Pyrbaum, Mühlhausen, Lupburg, Dietfurt an der Altmühl, Deining.

See the main travel overview: Bavaria.