Upper Palatinate Travel Guide

Discover the best places to visit, things to do, and where to stay in Upper Palatinate, Germany. Read our comprehensive guide to travel like a local.


Upper Palatinate, located in the stunning region of Bavaria, Germany, offers travelers a chance to explore endless natural landscapes, historical treasures, and a truly authentic local culture. With breathtaking views of the Bavarian Forest, lush green hiking trails, medieval castles, local art galleries, and bustling town squares filled with delicious food, Upper Palatinate has something for everyone.

In this comprehensive travel guide, we will take you on a journey through the region’s best spots for a trip like a local. From the best places to visit, things to do, where to stay, and eat, to cultural and historical attractions, this guide has got you covered.

List of Places to Visit in Upper Palatinate

Before we dive into the details, here is a list of must-visit places in Upper Palatinate:

  • Regensburg
  • Walhalla Memorial
  • Chamer Land
  • Speinshart Abbey
  • Weiden in der Oberpfalz
  • Nationalpark Bayerischer Wald
  • Falkenstein Castle
  • Burgruine Leuchtenberg
  • Marktredwitz

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

Upper Palatinate is blessed with a rich cultural heritage, and the following museums and historical places are a must-visit:

  • Document Niedermuenster
  • Regensburg Museum of Bavarian History
  • Bavarian Forest National Park
  • Burgruine Waldeck
  • Energy Nature Trail
  • Wallhalla Memorial

Natural Attractions of Upper Palatinate: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

Upper Palatinate is filled with natural beauty that will take your breath away. The following are some of the best natural attractions to visit:

  • Lake Fichtelgebirge
  • Forest Adventure Centre St. Englmar
  • Wild-romantic Kaiserpfalz
  • Stone Bridge and the Old Town of Regensburg
  • Bavarian Forest National Park
  • Tour around the Weidener Schweiz
  • Arbersee

Hiking/Biking Routes of Upper Palatinate

Upper Palatinate is a hiker’s and biker’s paradise, with endless trails and picturesque views. Here are some popular trails:

  • Ebrach Valley Cycle Path
  • Upper Palatinate Forest Trail
  • Goldsteig Trail
  • Haidenaab Cycle Path
  • Fichtelnaab Cycle Path
  • Taurastein Circular Trail

Best Things to Do in Upper Palatinate: Activities and Tours

The following are some classic experiences and tours that you should not miss while visiting Upper Palatinate:

  • Hiking in the Upper Palatinate Forest
  • A trip to the Regensburg Cathedral
  • Visit Strudelhof Stiebarlimbach
  • Explore the medieval castle ruins of Leuchtenberg
  • Visit the local arts and crafts market in the town square
  • Take a boat trip along the Danube

Week-Long Itinerary for Upper Palatinate

Here’s a suggested itinerary for a week-long trip to Upper Palatinate:

Day 1: Visit Regensburg

Day 2: Hiking trip or bike adventure in the Bavarian Forest

Day 3: Visit Weiden in der Oberpfalz

Day 4: Tour around the Weidener Schweiz

Day 5: Lake Fichtelgebirge and the Forest Adventure Centre St. Englmar

Day 6: Explore the medieval castle ruins of Leuchtenberg

Day 7: Relax in the beautiful town square and enjoy some local cuisine

Food and Drink Scene of Upper Palatinate

Upper Palatinate is also famous for its delicious regional cuisine and drinks. Here are some examples of what you should try:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Bavarian Pretzels
  • Bavarian Sausages
  • Birnen, Bohnen, und Speck (Peas, Pears, and Bacon)
  • Gebackene Karpfen (Baked carp)
  • Sauerkraut

Local Beverages

  • Bavarian Beer
  • Wines from the Franconia region
  • Obstler (fruit brandy)

Where to Stay in Upper Palatinate: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Upper Palatinate offers a variety of accommodation options to fit any budget or travel style:

  • Best Western Premier Hotel Regensburg
  • Hotel Burg Wernberg
  • Traditionshotel Osterhofen
  • Hotel Gasthof Kammbräu
  • Ferienhaus Anna

What to Buy in Upper Palatinate: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Upper Palatinate is known for its delicate craftsmanship, and you can bring home a piece of the region with the following souvenirs and products:

  • Beer steins and tankards
  • Handcrafted pottery
  • Bavarian-style clothing
  • Glassware and crystal
  • Wooden crafts

Local Culture and Customs of Upper Palatinate

Upper Palatinate boasts a rich cultural history and heritage that is rooted in tradition. Here are a few things to know about local customs and culture:

  • Respect for elders is essential in the region
  • Sunday is a day of rest and relaxation
  • Folk festivals and traditional dress are an important part of the culture
  • Agriculture and forestry are integral to the economy and history of the region

Best Time to Visit Upper Palatinate

The best time to visit Upper Palatinate is during the summer months (June – August), as this is when the weather is mild, and outdoor adventures are in full swing. July and August are peak tourist months, while December is the best time to visit for the festive markets.

Do’s and Don’ts of Upper Palatinate

Do:

  • Take time to relax and enjoy the natural beauty of the region
  • Embrace the region’s culture and traditions
  • Try the local cuisine and drinks
  • Take a tour or hike to immerse yourself in the region’s history
  • Respect the traditions and customs of the region

Don’t:

  • Wear inappropriate clothing on hikes or in public areas
  • Be disrespectful to the culture and customs of the region
  • Litter or damage natural landmarks
  • Be loud or disruptive in public places

Safety and Health

Safety in Upper Palatinate

Upper Palatinate is a relatively safe region for travelers. However, like any other destination, travelers should take precautions to stay safe, such as:

  • Secure your belongings and keep them in safe places
  • Avoid walking alone at night
  • Take precautions when hiking alone

Health in Upper Palatinate

Healthcare facilities in Upper Palatinate are high-quality, and the region is safe to visit from a health perspective. However, it’s always best to carry a health insurance policy when traveling abroad.

Getting to Upper Palatinate: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Upper Palatinate

The nearest airports to Upper Palatinate are the Munich International Airport and the Nuremberg International Airport. Both airports offer regular flights and connections to other major European cities.

Bus Stations Near Upper Palatinate

There are several bus stations in Upper Palatinate, such as the Regensburg central bus station, Marktredwitz bus station, and Weiden bus station.

Other Options

You can also travel to Upper Palatinate by train or car, as there are excellent road connections from other parts of Germany.

How to Get Around in Upper Palatinate

Traveling around Upper Palatinate is easy and convenient, with good road and rail connections. You can rent a car or use public transportation, such as buses or trains, to get around. Hiking and biking are also popular ways of exploring the region.

Where to Go Next from Upper Palatinate: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Upper Palatinate is located in central Germany, and there are plenty of nearby destinations to visit on your trip:

  • Nuremberg
  • Regensburg
  • Bamberg
  • Munich
  • Fichtel Mountains

Conclusion

Upper Palatinate, with its endless natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, and authentic local cuisine, offers travelers a true escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. To make the most of your visit, be sure to use this comprehensive guide to discover the region’s best spots and travel like a local.



    Regensburg
    Schwandorf