Thierstein between the Castle Hill and Local History

Thierstein can be explored through two closely connected landmarks: the castle ruins on Castle Hill and the town center nestled against the hill. A historic walking tour leads through the town. In the municipality, the Hammerrunde trail and the municipal pond are additional topics to consider when planning. The Eger Cycle Route is part of the wider travel destination of Wunsiedel Im Fichtelgebirge. This lets you distinguish between local history, a circular trail and a longer cycling route.

Castle Ruins and Town Center

Thierstein Castle Ruins are the remains of the former Thierstein fortress, which dates back to the 14th century. They stand on a basalt cone above the town of the same name. You can climb the keep when the access door is open, so check access conditions before your visit. In the town center, Thierstein nestles against Castle Hill. The newly redesigned market square features the Sechsämter Fountain and lime trees that provide shade. Castle Hill and the market square offer different points of interest for exploring the town: the ruins above the town and the square in the town center.

St. George’s Church and Local History

The history of Thierstein includes the present-day Evangelical Lutheran Church of St. George. It was elevated to parish church status in 1558. Fires destroyed it in 1667 and 1725. After a fire on April 20, 1945, the church burned down completely; it was reconsecrated in 1949. These dates distinguish the different stages in its history: two earlier destructions, its complete destruction by fire in 1945 and its reconsecration four years later. For a visit focused on local history, the church’s development offers another point of interest alongside the castle.

Walking Tour, Hammerrunde and Fishing

The historic walking tour leads through the town of Thierstein. The sights are numbered on the town map, so you can identify the stops by their numbers. The signposted Hammerrunde trail also runs through the municipality, following the Eger past Kaiserhammer, Schwarzenhammer and Stabhammer. QR codes at the trail’s information panels let you listen to audio features created specifically for the route. The two routes therefore have different focuses: the historic walking tour leads through Thierstein, while the Hammerrunde takes in the named places along the Eger.

Fishing at Thierstein’s municipal pond is possible year-round, provided that closed seasons and minimum size limits are observed. Fishing is not possible when the pond is frozen over. Check which permits are currently required before fishing. These conditions are a separate planning consideration and differ from navigating by the town map or following the signposted trail.

Cycling and Other Destinations in the Wider Travel Destination of Wunsiedel Im Fichtelgebirge

The Bavarian section of the Eger Cycle Route is around 55 kilometers long and follows the Eger through Bad Weißenstadt, Röslau, Marktleuthen, Thierstein, Selb, Hohenberg a.d.E. and Schirnding. On the Czech side, the route continues via Pomezí nad Ohří and Cheb, where it connects to Czech long-distance cycle route No. 6 / Cyklostezka Ohře. Unlike the historic walking tour through Thierstein, this section connects several towns and continues across the border. Check for current information about possible closures or detours before setting off on a cycling trip.

The wider travel destination of Wunsiedel Im Fichtelgebirge also includes themed attractions in Arzberg and Selb. The “Kleiner Johannes” Old Mine in Arzberg focuses on mining and geology; check seasonal dates before visiting. The Häuselloh Show Quarry in Selb focuses on the extraction and processing of granite. Tours are available on request; check seasonal dates and make arrangements with the operator in advance. The two destinations have different focuses: mining and geology at one, granite extraction and processing at the other.

Discover more destinations: Arzberg, Röslau, Marktredwitz, Kirchenlamitz, Thiersheim, Weißenstadt, Marktleuthen, Schönwald.

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