© Touristinfo Perlesreut
Hiking through history on Germany’s Pandurensteig
Hiking Collection by Bayerischer Wald
8
days
4-8 h
/ day
112 mi
11,900 ft
12,275 ft
On this 180-kilometre (112 mi) long-distance hiking trail from Waldmünchen to Passau in Germany, you follow in the footsteps of the Pandurs – a troop of soldiers who took this route in 1742 during their campaign in the War of the Austrian Succession. Adventurous and exploring deep into beautiful landscapes, you follow historical trails through picturesque nature reserves and river valleys. Across eight stages, you can marvel at enchanted castles and historic places the Pandures passed by. The Pandurensteig also connects the popular hiking routes Pfahlwanderweg and Ilztalwanderweg, so you can continue your adventure if you want.
Roam through dense forests, climb to impressive vantage points and enjoy unique natural highlights, such as the Pfahl, a spectacular quartz reef, or the Ilz, the last great white water of Eastern Bavaria. In between, take a relaxed stroll through towns like Cham, Viechtach, Regen or Grafenau. At the end, the photogenic three-river city of Passau awaits you with the mighty Veste Oberhaus, the official destination of the Pandurensteig.
You don't need any particular experience to walk the long-distance trail, but you do need enough stamina – the stages are between 15 and 32 kilometres (9–20 mi) long. As there’s sometimes only one place to stay overnight in the smaller towns, we recommend that you book your place to sleep in advance. Both the starting point, Waldmünchen, and the destination, Passau, have a connection to the railway network. The Pandurensteig is the perfect way to switch off and immerse yourself in the eventful past of Eastern Bavaria.
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Last updated: December 14, 2022
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Tours & Highlights
- Expert06:5414.9 mi2.2 mph1,725 ft2,175 ftExpert Hiking Tour. Very good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.
The official starting point of the Pandurensteig is at the colorful market square in Waldmünchen - alternatively you can also start at the nearby train station. The first stage begins with a climb up to Herzogau, from where you have a beautiful view back over the city of Waldmünchen. Accompanied by wonderful…
- Expert08:5219.8 mi2.2 mph2,100 ft1,675 ftExpert Hiking Tour. Very good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.
The second and longest stage of the Pandurensteig begins in the town of Cham - behind the town wall with the historic beer gate, you cross the Regen river and then hike into the idyllic Rötelseeweiher bird sanctuary. The pile then begins at Thierlstein Castle, a 150-kilometer-long quartz reef that is…
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- Expert05:1011.3 mi2.2 mph1,350 ft1,325 ftExpert Hiking Tour. Very good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
From Prackenbach, at the beginning of the third stage, you go again to the towering quartz rocks of the pile. The craggy rock walls form bizarre and impressive figures in the fragrant pine and oak forest. On the outskirts of Viechtach you can take a break at the beautiful St. Antonius chapel before you…
- Expert07:1015.7 mi2.2 mph1,950 ft1,675 ftExpert Hiking Tour. Very good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
Starting from Hinterdietzberg you climb up to the 14 Nothelfer chapel, which is idyllically hidden in the pine forest. Passing a quarry, it then descends into the valley of the Schwarzen Regen, where you can already see Weißenstein Castle. In the valley, it is worth making a detour to the district town…
- Intermediate04:3710.1 mi2.2 mph1,400 ft725 ftIntermediate Hiking Tour. Good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.
After a night in Rinchnach, the Pandurensteig leads you to Zimmerau. There you pass the Mühle inn and then follow the Rinchnach stream through a beautiful forest. The path gradually becomes steeper and takes you to the ridge of the Wagensonnriegel, which is formed by rugged rock formations. At the end…
- Expert08:0717.6 mi2.2 mph1,975 ft2,700 ftExpert Hiking Tour. Very good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.
During the sixth stage, you train your calves properly over almost 30 kilometers and some ascents and descents. You start in Spiegelau and from there it goes straight down into the wild and romantic Steinklamm. Rushing and cooling, the Great Ohe leads you further and further south. After nine kilometers…
- Intermediate04:009.14 mi2.3 mph450 ft975 ftIntermediate Hiking Tour. Good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.
The seventh stage starts at the beautiful market square Perlesreut, from where you hike via Ellersdorf into the Ilz valley. Before you reach the riverbank, you can enjoy beautiful views of the hilly landscape around Haus im Wald and the high Bayerwald range. The Ilztal is one of the last wild river landscapes…
- Intermediate04:4113.3 mi2.8 mph1,000 ft1,025 ftIntermediate Hiking Tour. Good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.
The last stage of the Pandurensteig begins at Fürsteneck Castle. At first you go back to the banks of the Ilz, which also shows you the way today. You hike past rest benches and gnarled trees to Kalteneck, where you cross the river. On the other bank, continue south to the Fischhaus bathing area, which…
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Collection Stats
- Tours8
- Distance112 mi
- Duration49:31 h
- Elevation11,900 ft12,275 ft
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