Fuchsmühl: Forest Adventure Trail, Pilgrimage Church and Forest Bathing Pond

Fuchsmühl lies on the eastern edge of the Steinwald Forest. There are several themes to consider when choosing a destination: the history of the Maria Hilf pilgrimage church, an interactive trail about the forest ecosystem, Hackelstein and the forest bathing pond. This lets you weigh up whether architecture, nature experiences, climbing, waterside relaxation or a seasonal event matters most for your stay.

Maria Hilf Pilgrimage Church: Building History and Local Landmark

Construction of the Maria Hilf pilgrimage church began in 1710, was completed in 1725 and the church was consecrated in 1726. It has always been a wayside church outside the town limits. Its flattened towers are a landmark of Fuchsmühl. The church’s musical features include an organ built by the Klais organ company in Bonn in 1983. The church thus brings together a long building history and a later musical addition, with the different dates kept distinct rather than condensed into a single point in time.

Forest Adventure Trail and Hackelstein

The Fuchsmühl Forest Adventure Trail is an interactive route for children and adults exploring the forest ecosystem. At eleven stations, visitors can experience the forest with all their senses. The trail is also an easy 4.8-kilometre hiking route. The stations describe the interactive experience, while the length and difficulty rating provide a different kind of guidance for the hike. The starting point is the Forsthaus car park on Waldstraße/Hackelsteinstraße in Fuchsmühl.

Climbing is permitted at Hackelstein. The site is also associated with two events that take place at different intervals: the Forest Christmas is held every December, while a play written especially to commemorate the Holzschlacht is performed there every ten years. If either event is important to your travel plans, check the relevant date in advance.

Forest Bathing Pond and Cycle Route

The forest bathing pond has a sunbathing lawn, play equipment, a beach volleyball court, showers and a changing room. There is a small campsite right by the pond. The Steinwald Cycle Route passes directly by the forest bathing pond. This brings together two different points of interest: waterside leisure facilities and a location on a cycle route. You can consider the pond as a focus in its own right, alongside Fuchsmühl’s forest and cultural themes.

Cultural Context in the Wider Destination of Tirschenreuth

The MuseumsQuartier is located in the town of Tirschenreuth, within the wider destination of Tirschenreuth. It combines the Upper Palatinate Fisheries Museum with six other specialised exhibitions in a former monastery. Visitors can explore nearly 1,000 years of fishing and fish farming history and see native fish in four large aquariums. The MuseumsQuartier’s regular programme includes special exhibitions, talks, readings and concerts. As individual dates may change, it is advisable to check the current programme if you are interested.

In Tirschenreuth’s Fischhofpark, the historic Fischhof Bridge and the Fischhof, the district court, are located in the centre. The culinary notes also relate to the district of Tirschenreuth: it is especially known for Zoigl, the iconic beer of the Upper Palatinate Forest, and for carp from the pond landscapes of the “Land of 1,000 Ponds.” These regional themes complement Fuchsmühl’s local highlights without conflating them with the attractions in Tirschenreuth.

Discover more destinations: Wiesau, Tirschenreuth, Krummennaab, Mitterteich, Erbendorf, Kemnath, Bärnau, Neualbenreuth

Back to the wider travel overview: Tirschenreuth.