Stulln: Church Art and Mining History in the Surrounding Area

Stulln: Church Art and Local History

If you are looking for a hotel in Stulln, church art and local history provide a local thematic context. The Mineralogical Collection is another point of interest; mining history can be found in the nearby area. In the wider travel destination of Schwandorf, regional landscapes and points of orientation are also in focus.

The Baroque high altar in the Old Parish Church of St. Stephen in Stulln is believed to have been created in the 18th century. It has two twisted columns entwined with grapevines, as well as lateral scrollwork. Its design can thus be described through both form and ornament: the columns shape the structure, while the grapevines and scrollwork add botanical details. If you are interested in church art, these features offer a concrete point of reference.

An earlier place of worship in Stulln was destroyed during the Hussite incursions at the beginning of the 15th century. The dates point to different historical periods: the destruction took place at the beginning of the 15th century, while the high altar is thought to date from the 18th century.

The Mineralogical Collection is located in the Stulln multipurpose hall and can be visited by appointment only. If you would like to include the collection in your plans, please arrange your visit in advance. This makes it a different kind of planning consideration from a destination that can be visited spontaneously.

Mining History in the Nearby Area

The Reichhart shaft is located near Stulln. After the Hermine mine closed, water drainage was discontinued in 1987; groundwater flooded the shaft near Stulln. Konrad Reichhart renovated it over six years of construction and developed an old passageway 30 meters underground for visitors. The passageway opened to the public in May 1996. The depth and construction period give the development a concrete scale; the opening remains a historical date. If you are considering a visit, check in advance on current visiting options.

Regional Setting: Schwandorf

The district of Schwandorf is a holiday region in the Upper Palatinate Forest in Bavaria. The Upper Palatinate Lake District, a region shaped by water and diverse landscapes, is located in the district. The Forest and Heathland Nature Reserve is also in the district of Schwandorf. It provides a valuable refuge for species that cannot survive in more densely vegetated, nutrient-rich locations. The gneiss at Hochfels in the district of Schwandorf was included in Bavaria’s list of the 100 most beautiful geotopes.

For cycling, there is the Weiher Cycle Path: it is around 9 kilometers long, signposted throughout in both directions, and connects Schwandorf with Lake Murner. Its route passes through the Charlottenhofer Weiher Nature Reserve. This provides points of orientation including the length, signage, endpoints, and a section through a protected area.

Another planning consideration is getting to the Upper Palatinate Open-Air Museum: the BAXI Museum Line 8402 serves the museum in the district of Schwandorf. While the Weiher Cycle Path is a signposted route with specified endpoints, this bus line is for travel to the museum. Check the line’s current service details before your trip.

Discover more destinations: Bodenwöhr, Schwandorf, Maxhütte-Haidhof, Schmidgaden, Neunburg Vorm Wald, Schwarzach, Pfreimd, Nabburg

Back to the main travel overview: Schwandorf.