Schirnding: Cycling Routes and Border History

If you are planning a trip to Schirnding, you can take two specific aspects of the town into account when choosing your stay: cross-border cycling routes and the history of this border town. Would you mainly like to discover Schirnding as a point on a cycling route, or are you interested in the development of customs and border protection?

Cycling routes across the border and along the Eger

The Brückenradweg Bayern-Böhmen (Bavaria–Bohemia Bridge Cycling Route) runs from Fichtelberg via Tröstau, Wunsiedel, Thiersheim and Selb. Near Schirnding, it crosses the border and continues to the Czech town of Aš. Schirnding is therefore on the cross-border route described here; Aš is its stated destination. In the wider Wunsiedel im Fichtelgebirge travel destination, the Bavarian section of the Eger Cycle Route runs for around 55 kilometres along the Eger. It passes 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.

The routes offer different points of reference when choosing a tour: the Brückenradweg focuses on crossing the border near Schirnding and continuing to Aš; the Eger Cycle Route follows the Eger and continues via Cheb. In the Fischern area near Schirnding, a 529-metre paved section of the Eger Cycle Route was opened to public cycling. Before setting off, check current local information about possible detours or closures.

Border history at the pass and in the museum

Customs collectors were already working at Schirndinger Pass in the 18th century; in 1833, the customs office was elevated to the status of a main customs office. The Bavarian Border Museum Schirnding presents the history of the Federal Border Guard in its exhibition. Original equipment and historical uniforms convey what everyday life at the border was like. The museum opened in its new premises at Hauptstraße 15 on 5 August 2023.

These subjects can be distinguished when choosing what to explore: the pass represents the earlier history of customs, while the exhibition focuses on the Federal Border Guard and everyday life at the border. If you would like to visit the museum, check current access information in advance.

The Schirnding Village Market

The 2026 edition of the Schirnding Village Market took place on the last Saturday in August, 29 August. Attractions and stalls selling regional products, handicrafts and treats filled the entire town centre; visitors from near and far were welcome. If you are planning a future trip around the market, check the date of that edition before booking a hotel.

More topics in the wider travel destination

The wider Wunsiedel im Fichtelgebirge travel destination also features mining, geology and granite processing. The Altes Bergwerk “Kleiner Johannes” in Arzberg focuses on mining and geology. The Häuselloh demonstration quarry in Selb is about the extraction and processing of granite; guided tours are available on request. These topics offer another perspective on the wider travel destination, separate from Schirnding’s cycling routes and border history.

More destinations

Discover more destinations: Hohenberg an der Eger, Tröstau, Kirchenlamitz, Hohenberg, Thierstein, Weißenstadt, Nagel, Marktredwitz.

Back to the wider travel overview: Wunsiedel im Fichtelgebirge.