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Hirschau
ℹ️Practical info — Hirschau
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🌤 Weather — 5 days
📍 Nearby
Sights nearby
💡 Tips
- Monte Kaolino is the only sand mountain in the world with a lift; try sandboarding or sand skiing.
- Visit the heated dune pool at the foot of Monte Kaolino for a cool down after the climb.
- The historic market square with its Gothic town hall is very atmospheric, especially in the early evening.
- There are numerous cycle paths in the area connecting Hirschau with neighboring towns like Amberg.
- Festivals take place regularly at Monte Kaolino in summer; check the local events calendar.
🍽 Food
Hirschau has a long brewing tradition; try the local beers in the beer gardens around the market square.
Order a hearty platter with local cheese and sausages in one of the traditional inns.
Fresh dishes from regional hunting are often found on the seasonal menus of local restaurants.
🛍 Shopping · 🧘 Quiet spots
Look for small artworks or products related to the region's famous white quartz sand.
Well-suited for buying original Bavarian sausage specialties to take home.
A quiet lake on the outskirts of town, handy for a relaxed walk or fishing.
Discover the restored areas of the former mining sites for quiet nature experiences.
A well-kept green area in the center for a short break away from the hustle and bustle.
Water temperature…
Hirschau is located in the heart of the Upper Palatinate and is inextricably linked to the industrial history of kaolin mining. The town developed through the extraction of white clay, which is primarily used in porcelain manufacturing worldwide. Its most striking landmark is Monte Kaolino, a hill over 120 meters high made of the finest quartz sand, which was created as a byproduct of the kaolin extraction process. Today, this hill serves as a unique leisure center where visitors can go skiing or sandboarding in the middle of summer. Hirschau's historical old town, with its Gothic town hall and Baroque townhouses, has a welcoming contrast to the industrial surroundings. The town is also an important hub for hikers and cyclists exploring the Upper Palatinate Forest. The local economy is still significantly shaped by the kaolin works, which remain one of the region's largest employers and a key player in the global minerals market.
- Location: Bavaria, Germany
- Top sights: Monte Kaolino · Hirschau Pflegschloss · Fourteen Holy Helpers Church
- Nearby: Vilseck (13 km)
- Population: ~5.666
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | -2 | -1 | 3 | 8 | 13 | 17 | 19 | 19 | 14 | 9 | 3 | -1 |
| Rain mm | 58 | 44 | 47 | 40 | 75 | 72 | 77 | 75 | 55 | 52 | 56 | 60 |
Geography
Facts
- Monte Kaolino consists of approx. 35 million tons of quartz sand.
- The town hall dates back to the 15th century.
- Hirschau is situated at an elevation of 411 m.
- Town rights were granted in the year 1317.
- The municipal area covers 44.95 square kilometers.
- The postal code is 92242.
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Sights in the town Hirschau (6)
Frequently asked questions
What is special about Monte Kaolino?
Is there an outdoor pool in Hirschau?
Do I need my own equipment for sand skiing?
Is the campsite at Monte Kaolino open year-round?
What other attractions are available there?
Hirschau: where is it located?
Hirschau: what is there to see?
Hirschau: when is the best time to visit?
Hirschau: why is it worth visiting?
Nearby cities
