Discover Roßbach

Roßbach (Hranice) combines cross-border cycling routes and trails through nature with traces of local and border history. If you are looking for a hotel for a stay in Roßbach, cycling, hiking and historic sites can each provide a different focus for your trip.

Cycling routes with a variety of connections

The EuroVelo 13 cycle route passes through Hranice, reaches the Czech Republic at Trojstátí and connects with cycle route 2058 near Pastviny. Cycle route 2057 begins at the Ebmath border crossing, runs through the centre of Hranice and continues via Pastviny towards Aš and Skalka u Chebu. Cycle route 2058 starts near Krásňany, also runs through the centre to Trojstátí, and connects with EuroVelo 13 at Pastviny and cycle route 2057 at Aš. The routes can be distinguished by their starting and connecting points: Ebmath and the direction of Aš mark the course of route 2057, while route 2058 runs from Krásňany to Trojstátí.

The cross-border Mockelbahn cycle route has a different character. It starts at Hranice station and follows the former railway line for 8.52 kilometres through dense forest, passing the former Freiberg station before reaching Adorf in the Vogtland. Here, the focus is on the former railway line and forest stretch; the other cycle routes mentioned are described in terms of their border sections and connections.

On foot through the landscape and border history

The “Na cestě k Trojstátí” nature trail is an approximately 18-kilometre circular route that starts right at Masarykovo náměstí in Hranice. Nine main information panels cover the local landscape, settlement in the border region and the history of the Iron Curtain. The route thus combines a longer walk with themes from natural and modern history. Nearby, Hoher Stein is a 636-metre-high rock formation with a preserved stone observation tower; hiking trails lead there from Hranice.

Nature park and habitats

Hranice lies within the extensive landscape of the Přírodní park Smrčiny nature park. It extends across the Karlovarský kraj, particularly the Ašský výběžek, and reaches into neighbouring Germany. Coniferous forests, peat bogs, spring areas and lively streams shape the landscape; hiking and cycling are among the activities available there. The nature park’s cross-border extent thus adds a landscape perspective to the cycling connections that also cross borders.

Nearby, Bystřina – Lužní potok includes natural dystrophic lakes and pools, as well as communities of moisture-loving tall-herb fringe vegetation. Species found there include the marsh fritillary, brook lamprey and freshwater pearl mussel. Those interested in nature and biodiversity will find a different thematic experience here than on the cycle routes or at the historic buildings.

Churches and technical monuments

The roots of the Protestant Church of St Martin date back to the 14th century. It was extensively remodelled in 1719, when the nave was given its Romanesque design. The church contains an original clock mechanism from 1881, which is considered a technical monument. The Church of the Visitation of the Virgin Mary represents a different building period: it acquired its present Neo-Romanesque appearance in 1894.

The history of the border can also be read in specific places. The historic main border stone I/1 marks the Czech-Bavarian border and bears the year 1844. Nearby, beside a stone bridge at a crossroads in the direction of Prex, Hranice and Trojstátí, stands a stone reconciliation cross. Two graves can still be seen in the wooded surroundings of the former cemetery in Trojmezí, near preserved war memorials.

The former settlement of Kaiserhammer is part of the area’s industrial history. It was established at the beginning of the 15th century as a water-powered forge specialising in processing iron ore. Remains of an iron-ore adit survive at the former site nearby. The settlement’s history and the adit point to an earlier use of the landscape, not to any current industrial activity.

Places to visit and local culture

Knihovna a Muzeíčko includes a small local museum that shares its premises with the adult library. The ground floor also houses an information centre and a café. Anyone interested in the conservation of the freshwater pearl mussel can visit the breeding centre in Huschermühle by prior arrangement; these visits focus on protecting the species. Arranging a visit in advance is part of the planning.

The options range from a long waymarked circular trail and several cycling connections to churches, border markers and natural habitats in the surrounding area. For your stay, you can choose a focus based on which of these aspects of Roßbach you would like to explore more closely.

Discover more destinations: Pastviny, Groß Sichdichfür, Fleißen, Liebenstein, Trstěnice U Mariánských Lázní, Klinghart, Trebendorf, Skalka U Chebu.

For the broader travel overview: Eger District.