You know that saying about never forgetting how to ride a bike? Well, my friends, even if it’s been years — you’d best try to remember how to ride, because it’s probably the best way to see the Upper Palatinate town of Bernhardswald; especially if you’re gonna try to see all 91 districts of it.
I bring up biking in Bernhardswald, because it lies along the Falkensteinradweg, a scenic route through the Bavarian Forest, which meets up with the Way of St. James at some point. Better bring protective gear (and a whole lot of bike riding practice), as the Falkensteinradweg can be unpaved at times.
Don’t let that deter you — or you might prefer to use your own two feet to take in sites like the Schloss Kürm, a graceful yellow castle from the 1820s. The original medieval castle might be gone, but its original walls from the 12th century are still around.
Schloss Kürm isn’t to be confused with Schloss Bernhardswald, another castle in town from the 19th century, and in yellow too. This one too was rebuilt after it was destroyed by fire.
When you’ve got old castles, you’re going to have old churches, too. The Pfarrkirche St. Lambert has been the site of many a sermon since the 14th century — even though it doesn’t look that old. And the St. Leonhard Church in the village of Parleithen has been tending to spiritual needs since 1525.
This is all fine and dandy, but it is Bernhardswald’s many festivals and cultural events that’ll really stand out in your mind. You’ll find everything from community hiking events to a super fun Oktoberfest, that’s held in October — believe it, or not.
The Summer Festival in July is a good one to attend, as is the Fischerfest at the end of July; and June’s good for the Summer Night Festival.
You just better be careful while you’re out here bike riding — you want to attend all this in perfect health. ;-)
