Naturschutzgebiet Waldnaabtal
Discover the enchantedWaldnaabtal nature reserve
Between Falkenberg and Windischeschenbach
Mystical, untamed, and wildly romantic: The Waldnaab Valley between Falkenberg and Windischeschenbach is a superlative energy valley. The river valley of the approximately 12-kilometer-long canyon is lined with extraordinary flora and fauna, with granite cliffs up to 50 meters high. Many myths and legends surround the enchanted valley and its cliffs. At the "Kammerwagen" rock formation, even the devil himself supposedly turned to stone.
Bizarre stone giants impede the flow of the Waldnaab. The most striking rapid is the "Devil's Butter Churn," once formed by a rockfall in the river valley. Small whirlpools can be seen here. These whirlpools create hollows in the granite, known as whirlpool holes. A few minutes' walk from the Butter Churn is the Sauerbrunnen (Sour Spring). This is a spring containing iron and carbon dioxide. The carbon dioxide rises from the depths as a gas. The water from the spring is said to have certain healing properties. Around Tirschenreuth, there are several such "sour springs," which are associated with volcanic activity. Earthquakes and the subsequent pumping of hot, sulfurous water from springs in the Steinwald Forest are historically documented.
On signposted hiking and biking trails, you can explore the "Grand Canyon" of Upper Palatinate. Along the riverside path, there's an adventure playground for all ages. Here, you can climb over granite boulders, hop over small streams, or venture across narrow bridges over the Waldnaab River. Approximately in the middle of this natural wonderland lies the log cabin, which is known for its excellent cuisine. The cabin's beer garden, with its mature trees and the nearby water wheel, is particularly beautiful in summer.
Please note: The log cabin will unfortunately have to remain closed in 2024 due to personal reasons. You can find further places to stop around the Waldnaabtal valley here. Thank you very much for your understanding!
Through the Waldnaabtal with
our tour guides!
Tour guide Angela Scharnagl from Falkenberg leads visitors through the Waldnaabtal Nature Reserve. Discover the reserve's flora and fauna. Embark on a legend-based tour or learn all about the region's geology and medieval castles.
To the guides
Order Waldnaabtal brochure
How about the information brochure about the Waldnaab Valley? Cycling and hiking suggestions, or interesting facts about the Goldsteig long-distance hiking trail? We'll put together information materials for you free of charge!
To order
Einstiegspunkte in das Waldnaabtal
- Hammermühle hiking car park, Hammermühlweg, 95682 Falkenberg (see map)
- Market Square, 95685 Falkenberg
- Commuter and hiker parking lot A93/Tannenlohe on the A93 – Exit 19 Falkenberg, towards Tirschenreuth, turn right after the bridge (geocoordinates: 49.85901, 12.18271)
- Hiking parking lot at the Tannenlohe Youth Hostel, Tannenlohe 1, 95682 Falkenberg
- Hiking car park Ödwalpersreuth, 92670 Windischeschenbach (geocoordinates: 49.84016, 12.18033)
- Riverside parking lot near Windischeschenbach on the A93 – Exit 20 Windischeschenbach, towards Erbendorf or Bernstein (geocoordinates: 49.82612, 12.17570)
- Sandgrube car park on the A93 – Exit 20 Windischeschenbach towards Tirschenreuth, follow the signs for Waldnaabtal to the left (geocoordinates: 49.81632, 12.19957)
- Parking lot Haus Johannisthal, Johannisthal 1, 92670 Windischeschenbach
- Parking lot Stadtplatz, 92670 Windischeschenbach
