Marktredwitz: Culture, Cycling Routes and Auenpark

Marktredwitz lies in the valley of the small river Kössein, in a low mountain landscape between the ridges of the Fichtelgebirge and the Steinwald. The border with the Czech Republic is just a few kilometres away. The town is a starting point for excursions, hikes and cycle rides in the Fichtelgebirge, the Steinwald, the Upper Palatinate Forest and neighbouring Bohemia. When planning your trip, you can combine different priorities: getting to and finding your way around the town, exploring routes in the surrounding area, and discovering Egerland culture.

Getting to and finding your way around Marktredwitz

Marktredwitz has a direct connection to the A 93 motorway and is also an important railway junction. Train services run on the Nuremberg–Eger and Munich–Hof routes. From Marktredwitz main station, you can reach the town centre on foot in just a few minutes.

Hiking, cycling and Auenpark

The Goldsteig starts at the Three-Arch Bridge in Marktredwitz’s Auenpark. Its first stage runs from Marktredwitz to Friedenfels. This means that a hiking trail with a clearly defined starting point and stage destination is part of the local offering. When planning, you can easily distinguish this hiking option from the long-distance cycle routes that pass through the town.

Both the “Donau-Naab-Saale” long-distance cycle route and the “Main-Eger-Elbe” long-distance cycle route pass through Marktredwitz. The town is also a starting point for cycle rides and excursions in the landscapes mentioned above and neighbouring Bohemia. Auenpark is less about a longer route and more about spending time by Auensee: there are picnic spots with views of the lake and walks along flower beds planted with flowers.

One of the park’s viewpoints is the “Überschaubar” observation platform on the boiler house of the former Benker textile factory. From there, the view stretches across Auensee to the nearby MAKBAD natural swimming pool. A viewpoint, a walk and a picnic are different ways to include Auenpark in your day’s plans.

Egerland culture in the town

The Egerland Cultural Centre is dedicated to preserving Egerland traditions. It houses the Egerland Museum, the Egerland Art Gallery, the Museum Café, the town library and the office of the Euregio Egrensis Working Group Bavaria e. V. The museum’s permanent exhibition presents life, history and culture in the Egerland. The art gallery features a collection of works by artists from the Egerland with strong ties to their homeland.

Egerland culture can also be found outside the building: the Egerland Fountain stands in the outdoor grounds. Its four levels depict an Egerland peasant wedding. The museum, gallery and fountain each offer a different focus—from depictions of life and history in the Egerland to artworks and a figurative scene.

Seasonal experiences and bicycle hire

The Marktredwitz Nativity Trail takes place in the town and its districts. During the event, the “Kripperer” open their homes to visitors, share anecdotes and often display Marktredwitz landscape nativity scenes that fill an entire room. The Marktredwitz nativity tradition has been included in Bavaria’s State Register of Intangible Cultural Heritage. Check the seasonal visiting dates separately when planning your trip.

Marktredwitz Advent Magic is a Christmas market held in the atmospheric, illuminated Glasschleif. It features decorated stalls, live music and shows that change daily, activities for children and food and drink. The market runs from late November to late December, Thursday to Sunday; exact dates vary from year to year. If visiting is an important part of your trip, check the dates for the relevant year.

During the summer months, approximately from April to October, the Tourist Information Centre rents out high-quality CUBE electric mountain bikes and electric touring bikes. Check availability before your trip if you would like to use this seasonal service.

Discover more destinations: Röslau, Weißenstadt, Hohenberg, Thiersheim, Thierstein, Wunsiedel, Marktleuthen, Selb.

Go to the higher-level travel overview: Wunsiedel in the Fichtelgebirge.