Upper Palatinate, Germany Travel Guide

Discover Upper Palatinate: A Bavarian treasure trove of medieval charm, natural beauty, and vibrant cultural festivities.

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Upper Palatinate

Nestled in the heart of Bavaria, Upper Palatinate is a region brimming with historical charm, natural beauty, and cultural richness. This hidden gem offers a delightful blend of medieval towns, serene landscapes, and vibrant festivals, making it a perfect destination for travelers seeking both relaxation and adventure. Start your journey in Regensburg, a UNESCO World Heritage city, known for its well-preserved medieval architecture and the stunning Regensburg Cathedral. Wander through narrow cobblestone streets, visit ancient Roman structures, and enjoy the lively atmosphere at one of the many traditional beer gardens. Nature enthusiasts will find solace in the Bavarian Forest, where hiking trails and scenic vistas abound. The crystal-clear lakes and dense woodlands provide an ideal setting for outdoor activities such as cycling, fishing, and bird watching. Don't miss the chance to explore the Upper Palatinate Forest Nature Park, home to rare wildlife and picturesque landscapes. Cultural aficionados will appreciate the region's rich heritage showcased in numerous museums and castles. Visit the Walhalla memorial, an impressive hall of fame honoring notable German figures, and the Falkenstein Castle, offering panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. Throughout the year, Upper Palatinate hosts a variety of festivals celebrating local traditions, music, and cuisine, providing a unique glimpse into Bavarian culture.

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Upper Palatinate.

Visit Regensburg Cathedral early in the morning to avoid crowds and enjoy a peaceful experience.
Bring comfortable walking shoes for exploring the cobblestone streets and hiking trails.
Try the local specialty, 'Oberpfälzer Karpfen' (carp), at a traditional beer garden.
Check the festival calendar in advance to experience local events and celebrations.
Consider renting a bike to explore the scenic routes in the Bavarian Forest.

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Explore Upper Palatinate: Things to Do, Places to Eat, Hotels & More

Handpicked recommendations for top attractions, local dining, accommodations, and more

Top Attractions & Sightseeing in Upper Palatinate

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Devil's Cave

Explore the enchanting Devil's Cave in Pottenstein, a natural marvel filled with stunning formations and captivating legends.

4.6

Wild- und Freizeitpark Höllohe

Discover the enchanting Wild- und Freizeitpark Höllohe, where wildlife adventures and family fun await in the heart of Teublitz.

4.7

Wild Park Waldhaus Mehlmeisel

Discover the beauty of nature at Wild Park Waldhaus Mehlmeisel, where wildlife thrives and adventure awaits in stunning surroundings.

4.5

Wildpark Hufeisen

Explore the captivating wildlife and scenic trails at Wildpark Hufeisen, a family-friendly destination in beautiful Bavaria.

4.7

Best landmarks in Upper Palatinate

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Neuschwanstein Castle

Experience the magic of Neuschwanstein Castle, a breathtaking fairytale fortress surrounded by the stunning Bavarian Alps, perfect for every traveler.

4.6

Imperial Castle of Nuremberg

Explore the majestic Imperial Castle of Nuremberg, a UNESCO-listed fortress that unveils the grandeur of medieval Germany and its imperial history.

4.6

Deutsches Eck

Immerse yourself in the beauty and history of Deutsches Eck, the iconic monument at the confluence of the Rhine and Moselle rivers in Koblenz.

4.6

Hohenschwangau Castle

Experience the fairy-tale charm of Hohenschwangau Castle, a historical gem nestled in the Bavarian Alps, perfect for history enthusiasts and nature lovers alike.

4.6

Best restaurants in Upper Palatinate

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Arberseehaus

Discover Arberseehaus: A serene restaurant and beer garden nestled in Bavaria’s breathtaking landscapes, perfect for nature lovers and food enthusiasts.

4.5

Schinderhannes

Discover authentic Bavarian flavors at Schinderhannes in Rothenstadt - where tradition meets taste.

4.4

Schloderer Bräu

Discover authentic Bavarian cuisine and local brews at Schloderer Bräu - your perfect dining spot in Amberg.

4.4

BräuWirt - Brauereigaststätte

Discover authentic Bavarian cuisine and craft beers at BräuWirt in Weiden – a perfect blend of tradition and taste.

4.3

Best bars in Upper Palatinate

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Schwellhäusl

Experience the heart of Bavarian culture at Schwellhäusl, a charming beer garden offering local brews and traditional cuisine amidst stunning natural scenery.

4.7

Serways Raststätte Oberpfälzer Alb Nord

Discover comfort and delicious cuisine at Serways Raststätte Oberpfälzer Alb Nord, your ideal rest stop along BAB6 in Germany.

4.1

Serways Raststätte Oberpfälzer Alb Süd

Discover the perfect stopover at Serways Raststätte Oberpfälzer Alb Süd, where comfort meets culinary delights on your journey through Bavaria.

4.1

Kuhalm Bodenmais

Kuhalm Bodenmais: Experience authentic Bavarian flavors in a stunning natural setting, perfect for dining and hiking enthusiasts.

4.5

Best nightclubs in Upper Palatinate

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Pearls Lounge und Discothek

Discover the lively Pearls Lounge und Discothek in Nabburg, where nightlife comes alive with a perfect blend of bar, lounge, and disco experiences.

3.7

Revolution

Discover the heart of Geiersthal's nightlife at Revolution, where dance, music, and great food come together for an unforgettable experience.

4.2

World of Nightlife - Nürnberg

Unleash the energy of Nürnberg's nightlife at World of Nightlife, the ultimate destination for partying until dawn.

3.2

Avangio - Fürth

Discover the vibrant nightlife at Avangio - Fürth's premier night club where unforgettable memories are waiting to be made.

3.5

Best shops in Upper Palatinate

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Centro Oberhausen

Discover the ultimate shopping and entertainment experience at Centro Oberhausen, a vibrant destination for tourists in Germany.

4.4

OUTLETCITY Metzingen

Discover unbeatable deals and a wide selection of designer brands at OUTLETCITY Metzingen, Germany's largest outlet shopping destination.

4.4

Designer Outlet Neumünster

Discover unbeatable deals on your favorite brands at Designer Outlet Neumünster, a premier shopping destination for fashion lovers in Germany.

4.2

Olympia Shopping Center

Discover the ultimate shopping experience at Olympia Shopping Center, Munich's vibrant retail oasis with diverse shops and delightful dining options.

4.3

Explore Upper Palatinate on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots in Upper Palatinate, mapped for you.

Upper Palatinate Essentials

Upper Palatinate (Oberpfalz) is accessible via several major airports. The nearest international airports are Munich Airport (MUC) and Nuremberg Airport (NUE), both of which offer numerous international and domestic flights. From these airports, you can take a train or rent a car to reach various towns within Upper Palatinate. The Deutsche Bahn (DB) railway network provides efficient and frequent services connecting major cities to smaller towns in the region.
Public transportation in Upper Palatinate is well-developed. The regional train network (DB Regio) connects most towns and cities. Buses operated by Oberpfalzbahn and other local companies provide comprehensive coverage for areas not served by trains. Renting a car is also a popular option for exploring the scenic countryside at your own pace. For those who prefer cycling, the region boasts numerous well-marked bike paths.
The official currency is the Euro (EUR). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and larger shops. However, it is advisable to carry some cash, especially when visiting smaller villages or local markets. ATMs are readily available in towns and cities. Contactless payment methods are also increasingly accepted.
Upper Palatinate is generally a safe region for tourists. However, it is wise to take standard precautions, such as safeguarding your belongings and avoiding poorly lit areas at night. Crime rates targeting tourists are low, but it is recommended to stay vigilant in crowded places and tourist hotspots. As always, keep your valuables secure and be aware of your surroundings.
In case of an emergency, dial 112 for immediate assistance. This number connects you to emergency services for police, fire, and medical emergencies. Hospitals and clinics are available in major towns and cities, and pharmacies ('Apotheken') are also widely available. It is advisable to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies.
Fashion: Do dress comfortably and appropriately for the weather. When visiting religious sites, wear modest clothing. Religion: Do respect local religious customs, especially in churches. Public Transport: Do validate your ticket before boarding trains or buses. Don't be loud or disruptive. Greetings: Do greet people with a friendly 'Hallo' or 'Guten Tag'. A handshake is common in formal settings. Eating & Drinking: Do try local specialties like sausages and beers. Don't forget to say 'Prost' (cheers) when clinking glasses.
To experience Upper Palatinate like a local, visit the regional markets where you can buy fresh produce and traditional goods. Engage with locals; they are usually friendly and eager to share stories about their culture and history. Don't miss visiting historical sites such as Regensburg's Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site. For a unique experience, explore the natural beauty of the Bavarian Forest National Park.

When is the best time to visit Upper Palatinate?

With Eve

Useful Local Phrases for Upper Palatinate

You don't need to speak the language perfectly. Even learning a few simple words can make conversations warmer—and locals usually appreciate the effort.

— Eve

6 phrase groups English + pronunciation

Here are the phrases I use most often in Upper Palatinate. Try a few—you'll be surprised how far they go! 😊
❤️

- HelloGrüß Gott
  [Grewss Got]
- GoodbyeAuf Wiedersehen
  [Owf Veederzehn]
- YesJa
  [Yah]
- NoNein
  [Nine]
- Please/You're welcomeBitte
  [Bittuh]
- Thank youDanke
  [Dahn-kuh]
- Excuse me/SorryEntschuldigung
  [Ent-shool-dee-goong]
- How are you?Wie geht's?
  [Vee gates?]
- Fine. And you?Gut. Und dir?
  [Goot. Oond deer?]
- Do you speak English?Sprechen Sie Englisch?
  [Shpreck-en Zee Eng-lish?]
- I don't understandIch verstehe nicht
  [Ish fer-shteh-nisht]
- I'd like to see the menu, pleaseIch hätte gerne die Speisekarte, bitte
  [Ish hettuh gearnuh dee Shpyze-kahrtuh, bittuh]
- I don't eat meatIch esse kein Fleisch
  [Ish ess-uh kine Flysh]
- Cheers!Prost!
  [Prohst!]
- I would like to pay, pleaseIch möchte bezahlen, bitte
  [Ish merkh-tuh beh-tsah-len, bittuh]
- Help!Hilfe!
  [Hil-fuh!]
- Go away!Geh weg!
  [Gay veg!]
- Call the Police!Rufen Sie die Polizei!
  [Roofen Zee dee Poli-tsai!]
- Call a doctor!Rufen Sie einen Arzt!
  [Roofen Zee eye-nen Artzt!]
- I'm lostIch habe mich verlaufen
  [Ish hah-buh mikh fer-lau-fen]
- I'm illIch bin krank
  [Ish bin krank]
- I'd like to buy...Ich möchte kaufen...
  [Ish merkh-tuh kow-fen...]
- I'm just lookingIch schaue nur
  [Ish shau-eh noor]
- How much is it?Wie viel kostet es?
  [Vee feel kostet es?]
- That's too expensiveDas ist zu teuer
  [Dahs ist tsu toy-er]
- Can you lower the price?Können Sie den Preis senken?
  [Kern-en Zee den Price zen-ken?]
- What time is it?Wie spät ist es?
  [Vee shpate ist es?]
- It's one o'clockEs ist ein Uhr
  [Es ist ine Oor]
- Half past (10)Halb (10)
  [Hahlb (10)]
- MorningMorgen
  [Mor-gen]
- AfternoonNachmittag
  [Nah-chmit-tahg]
- EveningAbend
  [Ah-bent]
- YesterdayGestern
  [Geh-stern]
- TodayHeute
  [Hoy-tuh]
- TomorrowMorgen
  [Mor-gen]
- 1Eins
  [Eins]
- 2Zwei
  [Tsvy]
- 3Drei
  [Dry]
- 4Vier
  [Feer]
- 5Fünf
  [Foonf]
- 6Sechs
  [Zex]
- 7Sieben
  [Zee-ben]
- 8Acht
  [Ahkht]
- 9Neun
  [Noyn]
- 10Zehn
  [Tsayn]
- Where's a/the...?Wo ist ein/das ...?
  [Vo ist ine/dahs ...?]
- What's the address?Wie ist die Adresse?
  [Vee ist dee Ah-dress-uh?]
- Can you show me (on the map)?Können Sie mir zeigen (auf der Karte)?
  [Kern-en Zee meer tsigh-en (owf dare Kahr-tuh)?]
- When's the next (bus)?Wann kommt der nächste (Bus)?
  [Vahn kommt dare nex-teh (Boos)?]
- A ticket (to ....)Ein Ticket (nach ....)
  [Ine Tick-et (nahkh ....)]

History of Upper Palatinate

Upper Palatinate, known as Oberpfalz in German, traces its roots back to the early Middle Ages. The region was originally part of the Duchy of Bavaria and later became a significant part of the Holy Roman Empire. The city of Regensburg, one of the oldest cities in Germany, served as a major political and religious center during this period. Its cathedral, St. Peter's, is a prime example of Gothic architecture and was a focal point for medieval ecclesiastical power.
The Thirty Years' War (1618-1648) had a profound impact on Upper Palatinate. The region, which was part of the Electoral Palatinate, saw extensive military campaigns and destruction. The conflict began as a religious war between Protestant and Catholic states in the Holy Roman Empire but escalated into a broader European war. The Peace of Westphalia in 1648 eventually brought an end to the conflict, but not before leaving the region economically and socially devastated.
In the early 19th century, as a result of the Napoleonic Wars and the subsequent reorganization of German territories, Upper Palatinate was incorporated into the Kingdom of Bavaria. This integration brought about significant administrative and economic changes. The construction of new infrastructure, such as roads and railways, helped to modernize the region and integrate it more closely with the rest of Bavaria.
The late 19th and early 20th centuries were marked by rapid industrialization in Upper Palatinate. The region's abundant natural resources, particularly iron ore and coal, facilitated the growth of a robust industrial sector. Cities like Amberg and Weiden became centers for manufacturing and trade. This period also saw a significant rise in population and urbanization, transforming the region's socio-economic landscape.
World War II brought significant hardship to Upper Palatinate, with many of its towns and cities suffering from bombings and military operations. In the post-war period, the region became part of the American occupation zone in Germany. The Marshall Plan and other reconstruction efforts helped to rebuild the economy. The region also experienced an influx of refugees and displaced persons, which had a lasting impact on its demographic and cultural composition.
In recent decades, Upper Palatinate has experienced a cultural renaissance, with a renewed focus on preserving and promoting its rich heritage. The region is home to numerous festivals, museums, and historical sites that celebrate its medieval and industrial past. The annual Dult festival in Regensburg, for example, attracts visitors from all over the world and showcases traditional Bavarian culture, crafts, and cuisine.