A forest trail with stops exploring the functions of the forest, and a Gothic fortified church that served as a refuge in times of war: Wendelstein offers different ways to experience nature and history. As you explore the town, you can focus on trails and water or seek out historic buildings and traditional crafts.
Forest Trails and Routes
The Forest Experience Trail is a circular route about 4.2 kilometres long. Information boards and stations explore the forest’s various functions. The trail includes a forest playground for children. It is open year-round and suitable for wheelchair users and pushchairs.
The circular route through the Wernloch is a similar length, at about 4.5 kilometres. It starts at the car park on NĂĽrnberger StraĂźe by the Old Canal in Wendelstein. Another hike starts and ends at the Wendenbrunnen in the centre of Wendelstein and passes through Wendelstein, Kleinschwarzenlohe and Kornburg. The routes therefore differ not only in length, but also in their stated starting points and the places along the way.
For cyclists, the Five Rivers Cycle Route runs parallel to the Old Canal in Wendelstein. The “Mills & Industry” cycle route is an approximately 45-kilometre loop of the Five Rivers Cycle Route through Wendelstein, Schwanstetten and Rednitzhembach. The information about the circular routes and the cycle route provides different ways to plan your trip.
Buildings and Water
The Gothic St. George’s Church is Wendelstein’s oldest building. As a fortified church, it served as a refuge for the local population in times of war. The Schwarzach also shapes the setting described around the church: it loops around the rock near St. George’s Church. At Badhausplatz, steps lead down to the Schwarzach; information there recalls the former bathhouse.
Pfinzing Castle was built as a country retreat in the 16th century by the Nuremberg patrician Pfinzing family. The paper mill offers a different historical focus. Together with the manor house, factory building and grinding mill, the paper mill forms an early industrial factory complex dating from the 17th to the 19th century.
The half-timbered house by the fountain is a complex dating from 1705. It includes a farmhouse, stable and barn. It can only be viewed from the outside; check the access conditions before your trip in case they change.
Experience Crafts and Culture
The turnery and metal-spinning museum is housed in the former water house. It preserves products, tools and machinery from traditional crafts. Demonstrations on the lathe also offer a chance to see the work done on this machine. The collection and demonstrations have different focuses: they showcase both traditional workpieces and tools, and a craft being practised.
The summer serenades take place at Badhausplatz every Sunday in August. Musical and literary performers provide entertainment there; check the dates for the year you plan to visit. The Jazz & Blues Open takes place every year during the week around 1 May in Wendelstein. Here, too, it is advisable to check the specific event dates before your trip. The Jegelscheune offers a high-quality cultural programme, adding another cultural dimension to these events.
Getting There and Finding Your Way
Bus routes 53, 602, 603, 610 and the N60 night bus connect Wendelstein with Nuremberg. As transport services can change, check connections before you travel. Your interests can help you choose accommodation: forest trails and a cycle route are among the options, as are the fortified church, craft museum and cultural programme.
Discover more destinations: Ostallgäu, Rhön, Tirschenreuth, Dillingen an der Donau, Frankenwald, Passau, Tegernsee, Altötting.
Return to the main travel overview: Bavaria.
