The best cycling routes in Schwandorf
4.5
(11411)
57,803
riders
2,158
rides
Touring cycling in Schwandorf offers routes through diverse landscapes, including the broad plains of the Naab River Valley and the extensive Upper Palatinate Lake District. The region features rolling hills and dense forests of the southern Upper Palatinate Forest, providing varied terrain for cyclists. Iron sandstone hills define the edges of the Naab Valley, contributing to the area's varied topography. This network of routes caters to different skill levels, from relaxed riverside rides to more challenging paths through forested uplands.
Best touring cycling routes in Schwandorf
- The most popular touring cycling route is Across the Upper Palatinate Lake District, a 37.3 miles (60.0 km) trail that takes 4 hours 6 minutes to complete. This moderate route navigates through the scenic lake district, offering varied views.
- Another top favourite among local touring cyclists is Short loop of the lakes, a moderate 27.4 miles (44.1 km) path. This route provides a comprehensive experience of the Upper Palatinate Lake District's natural beauty.
- Local touring cyclists also love the Pfreimdtal cycle route, a 35.7 miles (57.5 km) trail leading through the Pfreimdtal, often completed in about 4 hours 21 minutes. This difficult route includes significant elevation changes.
- Touring cycling in Schwandorf is defined by the Naab River Valley, the Upper Palatinate Lake District, and the Upper Palatinate Forest. The comprehensive network offers options for easy, moderate, and difficult routes, suitable for various ability levels.
- The routes in Schwandorf are highly rated by the komoot community with an average score of 4.5 stars from over 11,000 reviews. More than 55,000 touring cyclists have used komoot to explore Schwandorf's varied terrain.
Last updated: May 15, 2026
4.8
(195)
732
riders
60.0km
04:06
350m
350m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.6
(104)
433
riders
44.1km
02:53
160m
160m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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4.8
(80)
357
riders
59.4km
04:27
560m
560m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.4
(49)
153
riders
58.5km
04:03
270m
270m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.7
(348)
1,602
riders
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.7
(314)
1,265
riders
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.8
(5)
34
riders
57.5km
04:21
740m
590m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.8
(182)
696
riders
62.9km
04:25
400m
400m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.7
(125)
523
riders
66.6km
04:16
280m
280m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.6
(155)
496
riders
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Tips from the Community
The wooden sphere is certainly a highlight on the lake. Personally, however, it wouldn't be worth €13 entrance fee for me (as of May 2026)
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the wooden ball is visible from some places
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Lake Steinberger Lake Steinberger is part of the Upper Palatinate Lake District and, with an area of 1.84 km², is the largest lake in the Upper Palatinate. It was named after the municipality of Steinberg am See. It is 1.98 km long, 1.4 km wide, and has a maximum depth of 50 meters. The Schreckerbach stream feeds and drains the lake. After the Bavarian lignite industry ceased mining operations in the mid-1980s, the open-cast mine "Steinberger See" was flooded by reducing the water level. Remaining mining equipment was demolished and still lies on the lakebed. Two small, wooded islands also remain, which now divide the lake into a northern and a southern section. In the following decades, tourism developed at Lake Steinberger, bringing a degree of economic growth to the region. In addition to the Steinberger Yacht Club (SYC), founded in 1987, the area now boasts a sailing school, a water ski lift, a boat rental, a leisure park for families and children, a surf club, and most recently, an adventure golf course and a roughly 40-meter-high wooden "adventure sphere" with viewing platforms, an obstacle course, and a giant slide. Numerous restaurants, inns, and cafés complement the leisure offerings. A water rescue station has been established for the safety of visitors. Due to the increasing improvement in water quality and visibility in recent years, Lake Steinberger has become one of the most popular diving areas in the Upper Palatinate. Like all lakes in the Upper Palatinate Lake District, which originated from lignite mines, the water is acidic due to leaching. Because of the ongoing improvement in water quality, fish populations are steadily increasing. Perch and the occasional pike have been observed most frequently. The water is very clean; on windless days, visibility is possible to a depth of at least 10 meters. Occasionally, the tops of dead trees can be seen on the bottom. According to the ordinance issued by the Schwandorf District Office on August 8, 2002, the entire Steinberger See is open for diving. Especially in summer and winter, very good visibility (up to 20 meters) has been possible in recent years. Source: Excerpts from www.wikipedia.de
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Lake Steinberger Lake Steinberger is part of the Upper Palatinate Lake District and, with an area of 1.84 km², is the largest lake in the Upper Palatinate. It was named after the municipality of Steinberg am See. It is 1.98 km long, 1.4 km wide, and has a maximum depth of 50 meters. The Schreckerbach stream feeds and drains the lake. After the Bavarian lignite industry ceased mining operations in the mid-1980s, the open-cast mine "Steinberger See" was flooded by reducing the water level. Remaining mining equipment was demolished and still lies on the lakebed. Two small, wooded islands also remain, which now divide the lake into a northern and a southern section. In the following decades, tourism developed at Lake Steinberger, bringing a degree of economic growth to the region. In addition to the Steinberger Yacht Club (SYC), founded in 1987, the area now boasts a sailing school, a water ski lift, a boat rental, a leisure park for families and children, a surf club, and most recently, an adventure golf course and a roughly 40-meter-high wooden "adventure sphere" with viewing platforms, an obstacle course, and a giant slide. Numerous restaurants, inns, and cafés complement the leisure offerings. A water rescue station has been established for the safety of visitors. Due to the increasing improvement in water quality and visibility in recent years, Lake Steinberger has become one of the most popular diving areas in the Upper Palatinate. Like all lakes in the Upper Palatinate Lake District, which originated from lignite mines, the water is acidic due to leaching. Because of the ongoing improvement in water quality, fish populations are steadily increasing. Perch and the occasional pike have been observed most frequently. The water is very clean; on windless days, visibility is possible to a depth of at least 10 meters. Occasionally, the tops of dead trees can be seen on the bottom. According to the ordinance issued by the Schwandorf District Office on August 8, 2002, the entire Steinberger See is open for diving. Especially in summer and winter, very good visibility (up to 20 meters) has been possible in recent years. Source: Excerpts from www.wikipedia.de
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The Mariental inn is only open on weekends. The next place to stop for refreshments would be in Ramspau G.H., near the church.
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The Naab River offers beautiful spots for swimming and good cycling paths.
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Beautiful property, especially in winter during the Advent markets.
1
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many touring cycling routes are available in Schwandorf?
Schwandorf offers an extensive network of over 2,100 touring cycling routes. These routes cater to various preferences, ranging from easy riverside paths to more challenging trails through forested uplands.
What types of landscapes can I expect to see while cycling in Schwandorf?
You'll experience a diverse range of landscapes. Routes often follow the picturesque Naab River Valley, wind through the extensive Upper Palatinate Lake District with lakes like Lake Steinberg, and traverse the rolling hills and dense forests of the southern Upper Palatinate Forest. The distinctive Iron Sandstone Hills also add to the varied topography.
Are there any family-friendly touring cycling routes in Schwandorf?
Yes, Schwandorf offers many routes suitable for families. The Naab River Valley, for instance, provides relaxed cycling tours along its picturesque riverbanks, which are generally flatter and easier. Many routes around the Upper Palatinate Lake District are also well-suited for family outings.
What are the difficulty levels of the touring cycling routes in Schwandorf?
The routes in Schwandorf cater to all skill levels. You'll find over 620 easy routes, more than 930 moderate routes, and over 600 difficult routes. This variety ensures that both casual riders and experienced touring cyclists can find suitable challenges.
What do other touring cyclists enjoy most about cycling in Schwandorf?
The komoot community highly rates touring cycling in Schwandorf, with an average score of 4.5 stars from over 11,000 reviews. Cyclists often praise the region's diverse landscapes, the well-developed cycling network, and the opportunities to explore both natural beauty and historical sites. Over 55,000 touring cyclists have used komoot to explore the area.
Are there any circular touring cycling routes in Schwandorf?
Yes, many routes in Schwandorf are designed as circular loops, allowing you to start and end at the same point. For example, the Short loop of the lakes offers a comprehensive experience of the Upper Palatinate Lake District's natural beauty, and the Panorama loop provides scenic views.
What historical or natural attractions can I visit along the cycling routes?
Schwandorf's routes pass by numerous points of interest. You can explore the region's unique gorges, such as Murnthal, or visit beautiful lakes like Lake Murner and Lake Steinberg, where you might even find the Wild Wake Park. The historical Old Town, the Rock Cellars labyrinth, Fronberg Castle, and the Schwarzenburg castle ruins also offer cultural insights.
Are there long-distance cycling paths that pass through Schwandorf?
Absolutely. Schwandorf is integrated into several regional and long-distance cycling paths, including the Oberpfälzer Seenland Radweg, Weiher-Radweg, Vier-Seen-Weg, and the Naabtal-Radweg. The Bavarian-Bohemian Friendship Cycle Path also offers a comfortable, low-climb route through varied landscapes near the Czech border.
When is the best season for touring cycling in Schwandorf?
The spring and summer months are particularly ideal for touring cycling in Schwandorf, as nature is in full bloom, especially along the Naab River. The weather is generally pleasant, making it perfect for exploring the diverse landscapes and enjoying outdoor activities.
Are there options for e-bikers in Schwandorf?
Yes, e-bikers are well catered for in Schwandorf. The region provides dedicated e-bike charging stations in central locations, such as Marktplatz Schwandorf, making it convenient to recharge during your tour.
Can I find places to eat or stay along the cycling routes?
Yes, many routes in Schwandorf pass through towns and villages where you can find cafes, pubs, and accommodation. For example, the Beer garden tour - Upper Palatinate Forest specifically highlights places to stop. You might also find spots like the Jakob Brewery Inn at Hammersee near some lake routes.
Are there any dog-friendly cycling routes in Schwandorf?
Many of Schwandorf's touring cycling routes are suitable for cycling with dogs, especially those that follow river paths or traverse forested areas, offering natural shade and opportunities for breaks. Always ensure your dog is on a leash and that you carry enough water for both of you.
What are the parking and public transport options for accessing cycling routes in Schwandorf?
Schwandorf offers various parking options, particularly in and around the city center and near popular starting points for routes. The region is also accessible by public transport, allowing you to reach different trailheads or return from a longer tour without needing to cycle back.
Most popular routes in Schwandorf
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