4.6
(3272)
14,822
hikers
176
hikes
Hiking trails around Hirschau are set within the Hirschwald Nature Park, characterized by rolling hills and dense forests. The region is notable for its unique geological features, including Monte Kaolino, a 120-meter high sand mountain, and its location within the Geopark Bayern-Böhmen. Hikers can explore diverse terrain, from riverside paths along the River Vils to trails leading to observation towers and historical mining sites.
Last updated: May 15, 2026
4.9
(20)
71
hikers
16.7km
04:38
310m
310m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.5
(11)
48
hikers
12.8km
03:36
260m
270m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

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4.4
(11)
43
hikers
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.4
(10)
33
hikers
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.5
(11)
51
hikers
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Simply wonderful... there's something for everyone. But the sand skiing was pretty cool 😎
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Self-explanatory ☺️
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On the way to the observation tower there are several benches with panoramic views.
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Good views and intersection point of several hiking routes.
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Summer toboggan run In September 2008, an Alpine Coaster track was put into operation under the name Monte Coaster. This overcomes a height difference of 120 m over a distance of around 800 m with an average gradient of 8 to 9 degrees (max. 24 degrees). The track is equipped with 42 rail-guided coaster sleds. The operator of the facility is the SC Monte Kaolino Hirschau. Source: Wikipedia
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The Monte Kaolino (jokingly made up of Monte, Italian for 'mountain', and kaolin) is a slag heap in the urban area of Hirschau in Upper Palatinate in Bavaria, just under two kilometers southeast of the city center. The slag heap is mostly located in the Hirschau district, and to the east it is also partly in the Scharhof district. It rises 120 meters above the surrounding area and consists of around 35 million tons of quartz sand from the neighboring kaolin mines. The old outdoor pool, built in 1959, was demolished in 2007 and replaced by a new one. The new, so-called dune pool, includes a 50-meter-long water slide, a 70-m² children's pool and an adventure pool with bubblers and jets. A new 25-meter swimming pool with a diving area was also built. The outdoor pool is heated. Source: Wikipedia
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Many leisure activities are located in the immediate vicinity of the large campsite.
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Hirschau offers a wide variety of hiking opportunities, with over 170 trails available. These routes cater to different preferences, ranging from easy strolls to more challenging excursions through the region's diverse landscapes.
Hiking in Hirschau means exploring the unique terrain of the Hirschwald Nature Park, characterized by rolling hills and dense forests. You'll encounter distinctive geological features, including the impressive Monte Kaolino, and picturesque riverside paths along the River Vils. The area is also part of the Geopark Bayern-Böhmen, showcasing a rich geological history.
The most pleasant times for hiking in Hirschau are during spring and autumn. The weather is typically mild, and the natural scenery is particularly vibrant, with blooming flowers in spring and colorful foliage in autumn. These seasons offer ideal conditions for enjoying the trails.
Absolutely. One of Hirschau's most striking natural features is Monte Kaolino, a colossal sand mountain formed from kaolin mining. You can also explore the geological wonders of the Geopark Bayern-Böhmen, which highlights the region's ancient geological history. Many trails also follow the scenic River Vils, offering beautiful riparian views.
Yes, the Rödlas Observation Tower is a prominent feature on several trails. Standing 32 meters high, it offers extensive panoramic views over Franconian Switzerland, the Czech Republic, and even Monte Kaolino. A great route to experience this is the Bridge over the Ehenbach – Rödlas Observation Tower loop from Hirschau.
Yes, Hirschau's history is intertwined with its industrial past. The Industriepfad Schnaittenbach (Industrial Trail) is a circular path that combines nature, history, and the centuries-old kaolin mining industry. You can also find historical quarry sites like the Millstone Cliff at Mühlberg and the Hahnenberg Millstone Quarry, which are integrated into local hiking loops.
Hirschau offers several routes suitable for families. The 'Adventure Trail' is specifically designed for children, featuring play stations along the route. Many of the easy-rated trails, such as the Millstone Cliff at Mühlberg – Hahnenberg Millstone Quarry loop from Massenricht, are also great for families looking for shorter, less strenuous walks.
The trails in Hirschau are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.6 stars from over 300 reviews. Hikers often praise the diverse terrain, from dense forests to unique sand mountains like Monte Kaolino, and the well-maintained paths that offer options for various ability levels.
Yes, many of Hirschau's trails are designed as circular routes, allowing you to start and end at the same point. Examples include the Fensterbach Spring – Monte Kaolino loop from Hirschau, which takes you past the iconic sand mountain, and the 'Hirschrunde' through old beech forests.
While specific cafes or pubs directly on every trail are not detailed, the region does have several huts and cabins that can serve as resting points. For example, the Rödlas Mountain Hut is located near the Rödlas Observation Tower, offering a place to pause during your hike.
Monte Kaolino is a unique 120-meter high sand mountain, a remnant of kaolin mining. Beyond its visual appeal, it serves as a leisure park. Visitors can take a lift to the summit for panoramic views, and it even offers opportunities for sandboarding and sand skiing. The surrounding area also features an alpine slide, a rope course, and a summer toboggan run.
Yes, Hirschau has over 100 easy-rated trails perfect for beginners or those seeking a relaxed walk. Routes like the Rödlas Observation Tower – Hahnenberg Millstone Quarry loop from Massenricht are shorter and have minimal elevation gain, making them very accessible.


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