Thanstein: Moorland Trail, Hiking Routes and History

Discover Thanstein through its nature trails, distinctive landmarks and specific viewpoints. The Prackendorfer and Kulzer Moos nature reserve lies within the municipality, and several described routes lead to different landscapes and cultural highlights. When planning your visit, it’s worth deciding first whether you want to focus on the moor, hiking or history.

Moorland and trails with different views

The 3 km adventure nature trail through the Prackendorfer and Kulzer Moos nature reserve runs partly along boardwalks. This makes the moor a specific starting point for a day in nature. The Kaisereichen Route offers a different perspective: it leads from Thanstein along improved forest paths to Lake Eixendorf, with views across the water. The routes differ considerably in character and destination: moorland and boardwalks on one, forest paths and waterside views on the other.

The Warberg Route combines exercise with a series of viewpoints. From there, you can see the reservoir bridge, Gütenland, Penting, the Murnthal, Rösslberg and Eibenstein. The route is also suitable for Nordic walking. If you’d like to compare different route options, the Schwarzwihrberg Nordic Walking Park has nine trails that start in the municipality of Thanstein. The difficulty levels range from easy to challenging, and use of the park’s routes is free.

The Kulz Route and the Zubringer-Kulzer Route are also suitable for Nordic walking. The Zubringer-Kulzer Route starts at the Wintergarten Café in Thanstein, runs between two large ponds in the direction of Kulz, and joins the Kulz Route there. A feeder route to the Kulz Route, marked with a red arrow and the word “Zubringer” (feeder route), starts in the centre of Thanstein. The Bauhof Route is described as having clearly visible brown arrows at intervals of around 200 metres. These details give you different pointers for choosing a route, but do not provide walking times.

Castle tower, parish church and artwork in Kulz

The castle tower and the ruins of Thanstein Castle evoke the medieval past. The free-standing round tower is 17 metres high and was restored in 1887. From the top, views extend to the Bohemian Forest and the Bavarian Forest. Entry is through a card reader that accepts an ID card or driving licence; admission is free.

The Catholic parish church of St John the Baptist in Thanstein also reflects several phases of construction: it dates from the mid-16th century, was extended later and has a west tower dating from 1880/83. The Bodenwald Route passes the Thanstein parish church of St John the Baptist. This means you can include a church in your route planning, while the castle tower—with its height, restoration and views—offers a different historical highlight.

An artwork resembling the famous Stonehenge in England stands on the eastern edge of Kulz. The structure is over 6 metres tall, and each of its granite stones weighs more than 40 tonnes. Its scale makes it a striking subject for anyone who wants to discover unusual art and impressive dimensions while travelling.

Getting there and choosing accommodation

For bus travel, route 2513 connects Oberviechtach and Schönsee with Winklarn, Thanstein and Neunburg vorm Wald. Check the current timetable before setting off. The options described can help you tailor your search to the experiences that matter most to you.

Discover more destinations: Kleinwinklarn, Schwarzhofen, Seebarn.

Go to the main travel overview: Neunburg Vorm Wald.