Lovers of porcelain might have heard of Arzberg before. What they might not know is that Arzberg is a real place, a town in Bavaria, found in Upper Franconia in the Fichtelgebirge, between Marktredwitz and the Czech border.
The geography of Arzberg, in my humble opinion, is a muse to the beautiful colors found on this famous porcelain. And with over sixty kilometers of ski trails, you’re bound to be inspired yourself. The other great part of skiing here in Arzberg? You don’t have to do it just in winter — there are grass ski trails, too.
These ski trails aren’t the only ones in Arzberg, either. If you follow the Alexander von Humboldt Rundwanderweg, you’ll be learning all about mining in the region, spread out with mining station information boards.
And over by the Feisnitz Stausee, there’s an easy enough circular hiking route. It’s always nice to stop for leisurely fishing, as well. Just don’t forget to get a fishing license beforehand, OK?
To learn more about other wildlife in Arzberg, the Romantisches G’steinigt along the Röslau River is one of the best nature areas around. And if you’re truly ambitious, hike out to the observation tower known as the Zuckerhut (Sugar Loaf). From this high up you can see clearly to the Czech Republic; a few kilometers to the east.
FYI, every Whit Monday the Zuckerhut hosts a really fun Sugar Festival.
So, while you might be able to see the Czech Republic, there’s no need to leave until you’ve see Arzberg’s old fortified church, or its Pulverturm (Powder Tower) from the 14th century. It’ll take you a little while to see the exhibits at the Ethnography Museum, open everyday but Monday.
Arzberg isn’t without its cultural events, too. Five times a year the town holds it “Markets”; and come October, it’s time for the annual music competition known as the Arzberger Bergkristall.
Between the fancy porcelain, beautiful countryside, historical architecture, and outdoor recreation — it’s surprising that more people don’t know about this.
That is, until now. ;-)
