Discover Neustadt am Kulm

In Neustadt am Kulm, discoveries range from a volcanic landscape and a geopark hike to the history of the town church. When planning your trip, you can focus on the views and geology, or include the historic sites as well.

Volcanic landscape and views

Kleiner Kulm is a stop on the “Volcanoes” GEO-Tour, located in an old quarry. At the end of Kleiner Kulm road, the tour’s information board stands in front of the exposed rock face of an old quarry. From the summit, you can enjoy an outstanding view of the town, Rauher Kulm and the surrounding area.

The volcanic landscape of Rauher Kulm is 682.5 m high and is one of Bavaria’s most imposing basalt mountains. It has been protected as a natural monument since 1949. Its significance extends beyond geology: it is also considered important from historical and nature conservation perspectives. The views, basalt and protected status offer different facets of the landscape experience.

Geopark hike and historic traces

The Geopark hike starts at the market square and first leads to Kleiner Kulm. It follows the “Rollbahn” and passes an archaeological excavation before climbing to the summit of Kulm and the observation tower. The hike also leads to the rock cellars at Sandberg, at the foot of Rauher Kulm, and past the Margrave’s Church. The route thus combines geological and archaeological themes with scenic views and churches.

The town church in Neustadt am Kulm offers a distinct perspective on the town’s history: it was built in 1413 as a Carmelite monastery church. For anyone interested in architectural and church history, it provides another specific point of interest to consider when planning a trip, alongside the Geopark hike.

A break with a view

A snack with a beautiful view is recommended at the Kulm terrace, at the foot of Rauher Kulm. As service details can change, check the latest information before your visit. When looking for accommodation in Neustadt am Kulm, you can start by considering whether the Geopark and views, the town’s history, or both will shape your stay.

More options in the broader Neustadt an der Waldnaab travel destination

The Neustadt an der Waldnaab district is part of the Upper Palatinate Forest destination. Activities mentioned there include hiking, cycling, visiting museums and swimming in numerous bathing waters. One longer tour option is the Bockl: the 52 km route follows a historic railway line from Neustadt an der Waldnaab to Eslarn. It can be used on foot, by bicycle or on inline skates, is mostly paved and traffic-free, and has gradients that rarely exceed 3 percent.

The start of the Bockl in Neustadt an der Waldnaab can be reached directly by train. Trains run hourly to the terminus of the Nuremberg–Neustadt an der Waldnaab line; from there, you can transfer straight to a bicycle. Check the timetable before travelling. Another natural setting is the Doost nature reserve, where the Girnitzbach flows through a boulder field of large, rounded granite blocks along a stretch of about 750 m. Several hiking trails lead there from Neustadt/WN, Weiden or Floß.

Cultural attractions also add to the options in the broader Neustadt an der Waldnaab travel destination. Speinshart Monastery Church is one of the most significant Baroque buildings in southern Germany and is distinguished by its Italian High Baroque furnishings. The monastery and the preserved historic monastery village of Speinshart are together considered a cultural asset of European standing. A public guided tour of the monastery church takes place every Sunday and public holiday at 3 p.m.; check the official times before travelling, as they may change.

Which of these you choose to include will give your search for a suitable base a clear direction.

To the broader travel overview: Eschenbach in der Oberpfalz.