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Germany
Bavaria
Upper Palatinate
Landkreis Neustadt an der Waldnaab

Schirmitz

Top 20 Natural Monuments around Schirmitz

Best natural monuments around Schirmitz are situated in the scenic Oberpfalz region, within the district of Neustadt an der Waldnaab, Germany. This area features a diverse natural landscape of fields, forests, and meadows. The region offers opportunities for outdoor activities through its extensive network of hiking trails, which traverse varied terrain. These natural areas provide a varied and engaging natural backdrop for outdoor enthusiasts.

Best natural monuments around Schirmitz

  • The most popular natural monuments is Devil's Butter Churn, a…

Last updated: May 11, 2026

Lerau Valley

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The wild Lerau valley is not quite as crowded as the Waldnaab valley. Always invites you to hike and walk

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Doost Granite Boulder Field

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The Dost Nature Reserve is a sea of boulders. Due to its idyllic location and the mighty boulders along the Girnitz stream and on the flat valley slopes, it is a popular destination for nature lovers and hikers.

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Mantel bathing pond

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The Manteler bathing pond is very idyllic, has a beautiful, also shady lawn and is free of charge.

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Girnitz Stream in the Doost Nature Reserve

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A large number of large, rounded granite boulders lie along the Girnitz stream in the flat valley. It represents an impressive example of the effect of eroding forces on a granite rock body.

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Doost Boulder Field on the Girnitz Stream

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The Doost (also: Dost) is a relatively small but very impressive nature reserve near Weiden i. d. Upper Palatinate. His countless roundish granite blocks were probably not transported by a …

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Cathrin
May 1, 2024, Girnitz Stream and Granite Boulders in Doost Nature Reserve

It's amazing what nature has come up with here. You have to take a look if you're in the area 👍. For the children it's pure adventure. At the beginning and at the end the children can play in the shallow water and come up with something with sand and fine gravel 😉.

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It's amazing what nature has come up with here. A must-see if you're in the area 👍. It's pure adventure for the kids. At the beginning and end, the kids can play in the shallow water and come up with new ideas with the sand and fine gravel 😉.

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A large number of large, rounded granite boulders lie along the Girnitz stream in the flat valley. It represents an impressive example of the effect of eroding forces on a granite rock body.

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The Doost nature reserve has become a worthwhile destination for - not just geological - excursions, the fauna and flora can also inspire here. The "Doost" was placed under protection very early on, on October 14, 1937 - making it the oldest nature reserve in the Upper Palatinate.

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Round granite blocks lie impressively on top of and next to each other in the Doost. The water of the Girnitzbach rushes beneath them. Popular belief interprets them as the work of giants, and the devil is also brought into play in the legends. In fact, the Doost goes back to a long geological process that began millions of years ago.

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A large number of large, rounded granite boulders lie along the Girnitz stream in the flat valley. It represents an impressive example of the effect of eroding forces on a granite rock body.

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Took a cool bath today. Out of the cycling shorts and into the swimming trunks. 😜 The ice cream man stopped by too 😋

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The somewhat hidden Doost nature reserve was placed under protection as early as 1937, making it the oldest protected area in the Upper Palatinate. The word "Doost" is probably derived from the word "tosen" of the Girnitz, the numerous moss-covered granite balls and Pressack granite blocks were washed round by the water and are stacked on top of and next to each other over a length of around 500 meters. Many legends and myths are entwined around this area, the stories can be read on some well-made bronze plaques. The Doost is definitely worth a visit and is second to none!

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Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of natural landscapes can I expect around Schirmitz?

The area around Schirmitz, located in the scenic Oberpfalz region, offers a diverse natural landscape of fields, forests, and meadows. You'll find extensive networks of hiking trails traversing varied terrain, including wooded areas, quiet streams, and open landscapes, providing a rich natural backdrop for outdoor enthusiasts.

Are there any unique geological formations or natural phenomena to explore?

Yes, the region is known for its unique geological features. A prominent example is the Doost Granite Boulder Field, where impressive round granite blocks lie on top of and next to each other. Another fascinating spot is the Devil's Butter Churn, a wild and romantic valley featuring many polished granite rocks and associated with local legends.

Which natural monuments are suitable for families with children?

Several natural monuments are family-friendly. The Doost Granite Boulder Field is a popular destination for nature lovers and hikers, offering an engaging landscape for exploration. The Mantel bathing pond is also very idyllic and provides a beautiful, shady lawn, perfect for a relaxing family day out.

What outdoor activities can I do near these natural monuments?

The region around Schirmitz offers a variety of outdoor activities. You can explore numerous hiking trails, such as the Teich – Waldkapelle Rundweg or the GenussSchmiede Pirk Rundweg. For more specific routes, you can find options for gravel biking, running, and mountain biking, with routes like the 'Fish Ladder at the Flood Canal loop from Schirmitz' for runners or the 'Barrage – Ludwig-Wolker-Weg loop from Schirmitz' for MTB enthusiasts.

Are there any specific hiking trails that lead through or connect natural monuments?

Yes, many trails in the area allow you to experience the natural monuments. For instance, the Girnitz Stream in the Doost Nature Reserve is part of a wooded ravine with piled-up granite blocks, offering an impressive example of natural erosion. The broader network of trails, like the Teich – Waldkapelle Rundweg, often traverses varied natural terrain, including ponds and forests, providing a tranquil experience.

Can I swim in any of the natural water bodies?

Yes, the Mantel bathing pond is a popular and free spot for swimming. It's described as very idyllic, offering a beautiful, shady lawn, making it a great place to cool off and relax.

What do visitors enjoy most about the natural monuments around Schirmitz?

Visitors frequently praise the wild and romantic nature of the valleys, such as the Lerau Valley, which is noted for its tranquility and natural beauty. The unique geological formations like the Doost Granite Boulder Field and the legends surrounding the Devil's Butter Churn also captivate many, offering both natural wonder and cultural intrigue.

Are there any gorges or ravines to explore?

Yes, the region features several gorges and ravines. The Lerau Valley is a wild and romantic gorge, ideal for hiking. Additionally, the Girnitz Stream in the Doost Nature Reserve flows through a wooded ravine, offering an impressive landscape with large, rounded granite boulders.

Is the area around Schirmitz suitable for wildlife observation?

The diverse natural landscape of fields, forests, and meadows, particularly in protected areas like the Doost nature reserve, provides habitats for various flora and fauna. While specific wildlife sightings are not guaranteed, the tranquil natural environment offers opportunities for observing local wildlife, especially along the quiet streams and in dense forests.

What is the best time of year to visit the natural monuments around Schirmitz?

The region's natural beauty can be enjoyed throughout the year. Spring and autumn offer pleasant temperatures for hiking and exploring the forests and valleys. Summer is ideal for activities like swimming at the Mantel bathing pond. Even winter provides opportunities for peaceful walks through the snow-covered landscapes, offering a different kind of charm.

Are there any natural viewpoints offering scenic panoramas?

Many of the natural monuments, such as the Devil's Butter Churn, are situated in areas that offer scenic views of the surrounding wild and romantic valleys. The varied terrain of the Oberpfalz region often provides elevated spots and clearings from which to appreciate the diverse natural landscape of forests, fields, and streams.

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Extend your search for the best caves by checking out these guides of the top ones around Schirmitz:

KirchenthumbachPüchersreuthGrafenwöhrFloßWaldthurnKirchendemenreuthPleysteinGeorgenbergWindischeschenbachFlossenbürgVohenstraußStörnsteinPressathTheisseilPirkWaidhausAltenstadt an der WaldnaabIrchenriethTrabitzBechtsriethSchlammersdorfLuhe-WildenauMoosbachEschenbach in der OberpfalzSpeinsharter ForstEslarnTännesbergVorbachNeustadt am KulmSpeinshartLeuchtenbergParksteinMantelEtzenrichtSchwarzenbach bei PressathWeiherhammer

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