Stiftland holiday region
Sacred experience
The many chapels, churches and baroque buildings are the foundation of the Stiftland.
Land of a Thousand Ponds
The approximately 2,500 hectare pond area is roughly the size of Lake Tegernsee.
Wellness & Relaxation
Bavaria's newest spa, Bad Neualbenreuth, offers visitors the beneficial effects of carbon dioxide and radon.
Trinity Chapel Kappl
Abbey Library of Waldsassen Monastery
Ladder to Heaven Tirschenreuth
Discover the beautiful monastery and
Cultural landscape of the Stifland!
The eastern district of Tirschenreuth
The Stiftland encompasses the eastern district of Tirschenreuth and is known for its numerous ponds and lakes, its healing springs, and the Waldsassen Monastery. Historically, the Stiftland refers to the domain of the Cistercian monastery of Waldsassen, founded in 1133. Although the monastery promoted fish farming, the first ponds were built before the founding of the Cistercian monastery. Among other things, the 90-hectare Upper Town Pond of the island's capital, Tirschenreuth, was purchased along with the village in 1217.
Pond farming has been practiced for over a thousand years and remains an important part of the culture today. The Great Pond Pan between Tirschenreuth, Mitterteich, Wiesau, and Falkenberg alone comprises well over 2,500 ponds. A popular vantage point is the Himmelsleiter (Stairway to Heaven) in the Waldnaa floodplain near Tirschenreuth. It lies amidst the ponds, which are lined up like mosaics. The Vizinalbahn cycle path (Wiesau to Bärnau) and many hiking trails pass by this landmark.
Among the most magnificent buildings in the Stiftsland region are the Kappl Trinity Church and the Waldsassen Basilica. The chapel in Münchenreuth, not far from Waldsassen, was built on the Glasberg mountain between 1682 and 1689. Its architecture symbolizes the Holy Trinity. The basilica was designed by Bavarian, Bohemian, and Italian artists. With 103 registers, 7,720 pipes, and 82 bells, the church boasts one of the largest organ systems. This South German Baroque work was elevated to a papal "minor basilica" by Pope Paul VI in 1969. Directly adjacent to the abbey basilica is the world-famous Abbey Library of Waldsassen Abbey. The library boasts a range of furnishings that are unique in both artistic and content-related aspects, and are specifically Cistercian in character.
Pond farming has been practiced for over a thousand years and remains an important part of the culture today. The Great Pond Pan between Tirschenreuth, Mitterteich, Wiesau, and Falkenberg alone comprises well over 2,500 ponds. A popular vantage point is the Himmelsleiter (Stairway to Heaven) in the Waldnaa floodplain near Tirschenreuth. It lies amidst the ponds, which are lined up like mosaics. The Vizinalbahn cycle path (Wiesau to Bärnau) and many hiking trails pass by this landmark.
Among the most magnificent buildings in the Stiftsland region are the Kappl Trinity Church and the Waldsassen Basilica. The chapel in Münchenreuth, not far from Waldsassen, was built on the Glasberg mountain between 1682 and 1689. Its architecture symbolizes the Holy Trinity. The basilica was designed by Bavarian, Bohemian, and Italian artists. With 103 registers, 7,720 pipes, and 82 bells, the church boasts one of the largest organ systems. This South German Baroque work was elevated to a papal "minor basilica" by Pope Paul VI in 1969. Directly adjacent to the abbey basilica is the world-famous Abbey Library of Waldsassen Abbey. The library boasts a range of furnishings that are unique in both artistic and content-related aspects, and are specifically Cistercian in character.
Sibyllenbad in Bad Neualbenreuth
The Sibyllenbad mineral spring spa is the heart of the spa town of Bad Neualbenreuth. Neualbenreuth was only granted spa status in November 2019.
The Sibyllenbad has been offering radon-carbonic acid combination baths for over 30 years for long-lasting pain relief from rheumatic and spinal disorders. The medical department also offers physiotherapy, massages, physical therapy, and dry exercise therapy.
Guests can relax in the 34-36 degree Celsius pools with carbonated mineral healing water, both indoors and outdoors, or enjoy the soothing warmth of the Irish-Roman steam bath. For a short break, guests can enjoy the extensive wellness area with eight different saunas, individual relaxation areas, and a beautifully landscaped sauna garden with a healing water whirlpool. A highlight is the oriental bathing temple in the style of a Turkish hammam.
The Sibyllenbad has been offering radon-carbonic acid combination baths for over 30 years for long-lasting pain relief from rheumatic and spinal disorders. The medical department also offers physiotherapy, massages, physical therapy, and dry exercise therapy.
Guests can relax in the 34-36 degree Celsius pools with carbonated mineral healing water, both indoors and outdoors, or enjoy the soothing warmth of the Irish-Roman steam bath. For a short break, guests can enjoy the extensive wellness area with eight different saunas, individual relaxation areas, and a beautifully landscaped sauna garden with a healing water whirlpool. A highlight is the oriental bathing temple in the style of a Turkish hammam.
Bärnau-Tachov History Park
The Middle Ages can be experienced hands-on at the Bärnau-Tachov History Park. With around 30 reconstructed buildings dating from the 9th to the 13th century AD, the site on the border with the Czech Republic is the largest medieval open-air museum in the German-speaking world. On a guided tour, visitors wander through an early medieval Slavic village, climb the imposing 11th-century motte-and-bailey castle, and finally arrive at a High Medieval settlement. The history park thus uniquely illustrates the historical development of a region characterized by the merging of the Bavarian population with the Slavic settlers. The actors, especially during the events, convey a vivid impression of everyday life at that time. History becomes tangible – in the truest sense of the word. How did people live more than 1,000 years ago? How did they work? What did they eat? How did clothing and housing develop from 800 to 1300 AD?
CONTACT
Stiftland holiday region
Basilikaplatz 3, 95652 Waldsassen
09632 / 88162
