Bikepacking in the Upper Palatinate Forest

Sometimes, you find hidden treasures in unexpected places. During the Cold War, when the border between East and West was still strictly guarded, the forbidden border ridge between the Fichtel Mountains and the Bavarian Forest lay forgotten. No one thought that the Upper Palatine Forest would be re-discovered by mountain bikers years later.

Today, bunkers and border fences no longer dominate the landscape. Instead, you will find deep valleys, ancient castles and ruins, extensive forests and romantic villages. Here, you can exhaust yourself on flowing trails and crisp climbs by day, and tuck into a hearty meal at the local ‘Zoigl’ by night. In this Collection, I have put together an adventure through the Upper Palatinate Forest to help you get to know this true jewel in eastern Germany with your bike and backpack.

The route starts between Fichtelgebirge and Oberpfälzer Wald in the beautiful Marktredwitz. From here, you will first ride south through the Vorderen Oberpfälzer Wald until you reach the turning point of the route at Vohenstrauß. The way back directly follows the border between Germany and the Czech Republic most of the way, returning to the starting point in the north. You will cross the Upper Palatinate Forest twice, getting to know the area in-depth.

Mountain biking in the Upper Palatinate Forest makes your muscles work. The trails are rarely flat, leading up and down over the landscape. You’re therefore guaranteed variety, as well as burning calves.

For this reason, I have kept the stages short. You’ll have enough time for a break or two and you can make the most of the spectacular views along the trail. The Upper Palatinate Forest has a lot to offer in terms of landscape and also culturally. If you prefer to sit on your bike all day long, the 221 kilometres (137 miles) of this Collection can, of course, also be ridden in fewer stages.

At each of the stage destinations, there is at least one nice and very down-to-earth overnight accommodation. I have mostly included campsites, but many also offer comfortable camping pods or holiday apartments. It’s up to you how much luxury you want to include in your trip; from a cozy holiday to a bikepacking experience close to nature.

You can easily reach the start of your adventure, and return home, by train. Marktredwitz is well-connected by rail and has connections across Germany and Europe, meaning you can leave your car at home stress-free