Störnstein: Local History, Granite and the Bockl Cycle Path

Störnstein combines local history with traces of a former castle and a landscape shaped by geology. The hiking trails described here lead on foot to religious and historic sites, granite locations and the Bühl. Störnstein is also on the Bockl Cycle Path. When planning your trip, you can therefore look at local trails as well as other destinations in the wider Neustadt An Der Waldnaab travel region.

Church and Local History

The Catholic Church of St. Salvator in Störnstein was built in 1934, consecrated on October 20, 1934, and dedicated in 1935. Until 1934, the Chapel of St. Catherine stood on this site. It was the last remaining part of Störnstein Castle, which was destroyed during the Thirty Years’ War. The church building of the 20th century, the history of the chapel and the memory of the castle thus come together in the same place. The former communal bakehouse is also worth a visit.

Granite, Quartz and Views

At the Gügel, on the southern side of the valley opposite Störnstein, several small former granite quarries lie at an elevation of 498 metres. A substantial quartz vein runs through the Bühl; it once supplied raw material for the glass and porcelain industries. These two sites reveal different aspects of the area’s history: the former quarries at the Gügel recall granite extraction, while the Bühl highlights the former use of quartz.

The Gügl can be climbed, although the views from there are very limited. If you plan to make the ascent, check conditions before setting out. This helps you take account of both the limited views and possible changes to access conditions.

Hiking Trails and the Bockl Cycle Path

A geological and historical hike in Störnstein leads to the village church of St. Salvator, across the plateau of the former Störnstein Castle, around the distinctive granite spur, to the road cutting at the western edge of the village, to the former quarries at the Gügel and then to the Bühl. The route brings together architectural and local history with geological sites. Check trail conditions before setting out.

The “Störnsteiner Steine” circular hiking trail is about 4.8 kilometres long, includes 125 metres of ascent and descent, and has an elevation difference of 73 metres. These figures provide different ways to gauge the route: its length, total elevation gain and elevation difference. They also make it easy to distinguish this local route from the longer Bockl route. Störnstein is on the Bockl Cycle Path.

More Destinations in the Wider Neustadt An Der Waldnaab Travel Region

The Bockl is a 52-kilometre route from Neustadt an der Waldnaab to Eslarn that follows a historic railway line. It can be travelled on foot, by bike or on inline skates. The route is mostly paved and traffic-free; gradients rarely exceed 3 percent. The Bockl’s starting point in Neustadt an der Waldnaab is directly accessible by train. Trains run hourly to the terminus of the Nuremberg–Neustadt an der Waldnaab line, where you can transfer directly to your bike. Check the timetable before your trip.

The geological attractions in the wider travel region each offer something different. The Parkstein basalt cone was included on the list of Bavaria’s 100 most beautiful geotopes in 2003 and received the designation “National Geotope” in 2006. At Vulkanerlebnis Parkstein, a volcanic eruption is staged every hour and can be experienced on three levels. As schedules may change, check the times before your visit.

For those interested in culture, Speinshart Abbey Church is another regional highlight: it is one of the most significant Baroque buildings in southern Germany and is distinguished by its Italian High Baroque furnishings. Speinshart Abbey and the surviving historic abbey village of Speinshart together form a cultural heritage site of European standing. A public guided tour of the abbey church takes place every Sunday and public holiday at 3 p.m. Check the tour time before your visit.

Discover more destinations: Waldthurn, Eslarn, Parkstein, Pressath, Vorbach, Windischeschenbach, Waidhaus, Neustadt An Der Waldnaab.

For the wider travel overview: Neustadt An Der Waldnaab.