Erlau – Jägersteig and Local History

If you’re looking for a hotel in Erlau, you can plan your stay around two main interests: hiking the Jägersteig and exploring local history. The trail passes above Erlau along its route; in the village itself, you’ll encounter a striking castle, memorial sites, and religious buildings, among other things.

The Jägersteig: a hike starting in Obernzell

The Jägersteig is a moderately challenging point-to-point hiking trail from Obernzell. The route is 6.5 kilometres long and takes about two hours. After approximately five kilometres, it passes the main road above Erlau. This distinction is important when planning: Obernzell is the starting point of the trail, while Erlau lies along its route.

There are inns in Erlau and a stop for the Bahnbus line. This may be relevant if you’re considering a return trip to Obernzell. If you plan to use this option, check the timetable in advance. This lets you factor in the bus journey without confusing the hiking trail’s approximate passage by Erlau with a starting point there.

Castle, bust, and memorial sites

Krempelstein Castle towers over Erlau and is considered a local landmark because of its prominent position. Another historic stop is the bust of Adalbert Stifter in the village centre, by the Erlau Bridge. It was moved there from the overgrown memorial site in the Erlauer Leithe. In the village centre, you’ll therefore find a monument whose change of location is part of its history.

Edlhoffeld, in the village district of Erlau, also connects history with visible memorials. In 1367, it was the site of a battle between rebellious citizens of Passau and the army of the Prince-Bishop of Passau. Today, beside the linden trees, there is a restored wayside cross and a bench where you can take a break. The old linden tree at Edlhoffeld is a natural monument; if necessary, check the condition of the bench before your visit.

Erlau has had a Catholic church since 1957; ecclesiastically, the village belongs to Obernzell parish. Beside Erlau’s branch church stands a monument consisting of a granite column topped by a wayside shrine and a bronze cross. Details like these bring local history to life in specific places, rather than limiting it to a single attraction.

Museum at the Erlau site

The Experience Magnetism Gallery is a museum run by SUMIDA at its Erlau site. If you’re considering a visit, check in advance whether it is possible. This means that a visit remains subject to confirming current access arrangements.

More culture in Obernzell

In the wider Obernzell destination, the castle and cultural history form a focus of their own. In the 16th century, Obernzell Castle was expanded from a simple castle into a grand Renaissance palace. In the 17th century, it temporarily served as the seat of government for the Prince-Bishops of Passau after their residence burned down.

The Bavarian Danube Region Museum in Obernzell Castle opened on 17 July 2025. Across approximately 800 square metres, it displays around 500 objects relating to the cultural history of the Danube region. The approximate floor area and number of objects give an idea of the exhibition’s scale. You can also discover the “Sculptures of Silence” on an art walk through Obernzell. The castle garden also features sculptures by Renate König-Schalinski, which blend into the garden landscape and can be viewed by visitors.

The castle garden also has a large open-air stage and serves as a venue for concerts, markets, and club festivals. If you’d like to plan your stay around an event, check the specific dates in advance. Another way to experience Obernzell is to visit the Danube Promenade: this wide, well-maintained, level, paved path along the Danube is accessible by pushchair and wheelchair, and offers views of the river and its distinctive valley.

For the wider travel overview: Obernzell.