4.9
(219)
369
riders
76
rides
Mountain bike trails around Schönsee are set within the Upper Palatinate Forest Nature Park, characterized by boundless forests, diverse meadow landscapes, and "Waldbuckel" (forest hills). The region features varied terrain with significant elevation changes, providing a dynamic environment for mountain bikers. Picturesque lakes, including the Schönsee, are integrated into the landscape. The area also offers cross-border cycling opportunities into the Czech Republic.
Last updated: May 4, 2026
4.1
(42)
48
riders
35.5km
02:41
430m
430m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(14)
26
riders
34.3km
03:09
770m
770m
Hard mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Advanced riding skills necessary. Some portions of the route may require you to push your bike.

Sign up for free
5.0
(11)
17
riders
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Advanced riding skills necessary.
4.8
(6)
16
riders
18.5km
01:26
310m
310m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Advanced riding skills necessary.
4.6
(8)
19
riders
73.1km
05:32
880m
880m
Hard mountain bike ride. Very good fitness required. Suitable for all skill levels.
Get access to more routes and recommendations from other explorers.
Sign up for free
Already have an account?
Our route recommendations are based on thousands of hikes, rides, and runs completed by other people on komoot.
Start today with a free account
Your next adventure awaits.
Login or Signup
Popular around Schönsee
On the 'Kultouren' through the Upper Palatine Forest
Cycling on the Bavarian-Bohemian Friendship Trail
Experience nature at every turn – Forest Sea Trails in the Upper Palatinate Forest
Cycling to the Inn – fun Tours in the Upper Palatinate Forest
Your cycling adventure in the Upper Palatinate – Oberpfälzer Radl-Welt
Hiking in Bavaria’s Upper Palatinate Forest – unspoilt forests & green hills
Water, forest and castles — hiking in the Upper Palatinate Forest
Hiking around Schönsee
Cycling around Schönsee
Road Cycling Routes around Schönsee
At least the chapel was rebuilt.
2
0
It's unbelievable what the border closure has destroyed in village life.
0
0
It is almost a must to stop at the Müller Hof.
1
0
A wonderful view of the Upper Palatinate, Bohemian, and Bavarian Forests can be enjoyed from the glass-enclosed viewing platform. Visitors are at an altitude of 898 meters, the highest point in the Schwandorf district. The tower is 30 meters high.
18
0
The residents of Bügellohe fetched their water from this spring daily. The water flows into the Ascha.
17
0
The settlement of Rappauf once housed a glassworks, first documented in 1718. This workshop was called the Plesser Hütte (Plesser Glassworks), and it produced mirror and window glass, beads, and buttons. The glassworks was abandoned in 1747. Before World War II, Rappauf had 16 houses. After the war, the village, which was now located within the military exclusion zone, was destroyed. A few remnants of the walls can still be seen.
19
0
A cozy inn with a lovely beer garden and playground. It's very busy in the summer, as a major Czech cycling route runs nearby. The staff is friendly and the food is delicious.
18
0
The chapel was built in 2016 by Marek Hrusa, owner of the Pension Plöss, to commemorate the former residents and the village's recent history. It stands on the site of the neo-Gothic village church, consecrated in 1906. After the expulsion of the German population, the church was used as a stable before being eventually demolished. The chapel also stands as a symbol of the good relations between the people living on the border between Bavaria and Bohemia.
20
0
There are over 75 mountain bike trails around Schönsee, offering a wide range of options for different skill levels. The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.8 stars from over 200 reviews.
Yes, Schönsee offers several trails suitable for beginners. There are 6 easy routes available, providing a good starting point for those new to mountain biking or looking for a more relaxed ride through the scenic Upper Palatinate Forest.
The trails around Schönsee feature diverse terrain, including gravel, asphalt, natural paths, and singletracks. You'll encounter boundless forests, diverse meadow landscapes, and 'Waldbuckel' (forest hills), with significant elevation changes that provide a dynamic environment for mountain bikers.
Absolutely. Schönsee is known for its challenging routes, with 14 difficult trails available. These often involve significant elevation changes, with some rides featuring up to 3,000 feet of elevation gain, demanding good fitness and advanced riding techniques. An example is the Stückberg Observation Tower – Landscape Cinema Stadlern loop from Schönsee, which includes over 770 meters of elevation gain.
Yes, Schönsee offers unique cross-border mountain biking opportunities into the Czech Republic. Dedicated transitions for cyclists at Friedrichshäng/Plés and Schwarzach/Rybnik allow direct access. The Na Pleši Inn – Friedrichshäng Border Crossing loop from Schönsee is a popular route that leads towards the Czech border.
Many mountain bike routes in Schönsee are designed as loops, allowing you to start and end in the same location. For example, the popular World Trade Center Memorial – Gaisthal Bike Station loop from Laub is a 35.5 km loop, and the challenging Na Pleši Inn – Böhmerwald Tower Trail loop from Lindau (Opf), Zollhaus is a 44.9 km loop.
Several routes lead to impressive viewpoints and historical sites. You can ride to the Böhmerwald Observation Tower, which offers breathtaking panoramic views of the Upper Palatinate, Bohemian, and Bavarian Forests. The Stückberg Observation Tower is another significant point of interest accessible via challenging routes. You can also explore historical sites like the Reichenstein Castle Ruins.
Yes, Schönsee is well-equipped for e-bike enthusiasts. You'll find several charging stations, including at the Bayerisch-Böhmisches Kulturzentrum (CeBB) in Schönsee, a bike service station in Gaisthal, and the local history museum in Stadlern.
The region's diverse landscapes are enjoyable throughout the warmer months, typically from spring to autumn. During these seasons, the trails are generally dry and the weather is pleasant for exploring the boundless forests and meadow landscapes. Winter conditions can make some trails challenging or inaccessible.
Yes, you'll find various options for refreshments and accommodation. The Historic border inn Gerstmeier on Eulenberg and Ples Guesthouse are examples of places where you can stop for a meal. The region also offers huts like the Vogelherdhütte, providing convenient resting spots.
For those seeking longer adventures, Schönsee offers extensive routes. The Gold Panning at Forellenbach – Zangenstein Castle Chapel loop from Laub is a challenging 73 km route, perfect for a full day of riding. The area is also integrated into longer cycling routes like the 94 km Bavarian-Bohemian Friendship Trail.


Browse the best MTB trails in other regions.