Discover Wald: Pfaffenstein, hiking and cycling trails
Accommodation in Wald
Wald brings together a striking natural monument and several hiking and cycling trails. The Pfaffenstein, routes of varying lengths and connections towards the Regental provide practical starting points for planning your trip. The history of the parish and seasonal activities also form part of the picture of the town.
The Pfaffenstein natural monument and local history
The Pfaffenstein natural monument is a collection of rocks piled on top of one another in a forest clearing. The round “stone sphere” with its summit cross is particularly striking. If you enjoy spending time outdoors during your stay, you will find several hiking options around this distinctive destination. A varied circular hiking trail to the Pfaffenstein starts at the hiking car park in Kolmberg, a district of the municipality of Wald.
The history of the parish is also documented from an early date: the parish of Wald was first mentioned in 1135. This means nature and local history sit side by side in Wald, without the need for a long list of sights.
Choose hikes by distance and destination
The Wd02, the Pfaffenstein circular trail, is 8.3 km long. From the centre of Wald, it runs via Kolmberg, Wilder Mann, Wasserstein, the Pfaffenstein natural monument and Spannberg, before returning to the centre of Wald. The Steinewanderung – Kolmberg also takes in the Pfaffenstein: it leads from Wald via Kolmberg to the Pfaffenstein and then back to Wald via Kolmberg.
Two more routes are described for longer hikes. The valley and mountain hike starts at Wald Town Hall, follows hiking trails No. 146 and 154, is 12.5 km long and takes about four hours. The monastery tour starts at the parish church of St. Laurentius in Wald, follows trails No. 153 and 47, and partly follows the Goldsteig trail. It covers 15.8 km and takes about five hours. The monastery tour is 3.3 km longer; the approximate times differ by around one hour.
The monastery tour also includes destinations outside Wald: it passes the former Benedictine Abbey of Reichenbach and the former Cistercian monastery of Walderbach, with its orchard learning garden and district museum. Hiking trails maintained by the Vorderer Bayerischer Wald Nature Park Association lead from Wald as far as the Regental valley, to Walderbach and Reichenbach. Wald’s well-maintained hiking trails are also suitable for Nordic walking. Guided hikes are offered regularly; check the current dates in advance.
Cycling trails and seasonal activities
The former railway line from Falkenstein to Regensburg passes directly by Wald and has been converted into a walking and cycling trail. A 5.75 km cycling connection to the Regental Cycle Route branches off near the old railway bridge on Wutzeldorfer Straße. It passes the children’s playground, runs through the “Am hohen Stein” development and follows Nahenfürster Straße to Nahenfürst. Check local trail conditions before setting out.
In winter, a cross-country ski trail is groomed along the former railway line, depending on winter conditions and local operations. Ice stock sport is also possible on almost all of Wald’s ponds, provided the ice is sufficiently thick to bear weight. These seasonal activities therefore differ considerably from the trails described as available year-round: their use depends on the conditions on site.
Bus services to Wald
RVV route 34 is listed as a bus connection from Regensburg towards Roding via Wald. Route 221, operated by Kellermeier, is listed as a connection from Roding towards Nittenau via Wald. Rodinger Verkehrsbetriebe lists route 220 from Roding to Wald and route 219 from Cham towards Roding via Wald. Check current connections and timetable details before travelling.
Discover more destinations: Waffenbrunn, Rettenbach, Chamerau, Rötz, Neukirchen Heiligblut, Bad Kötzting, Arnschwang
Return to the main travel overview: Cham.
