Leuchtenberger Tour Self-Guided: Stages, Accommodations & Map 2026
The Leuchtenberger Tour is a loop through the northern Oberpfalz, starting and finishing in Weiden i.d.OPf. On the circuit you ride via Mähring, Waldmünchen, Neualbenreuth, Waidhaus, Schirnding and Brand through the Oberpfälzer Wald, the Bayerischer Wald and the Fichtelgebirge.
The Leuchtenberger Tour is a 357.6 km loop: you start and finish in Weiden i.d.OPf. and ride a seven-stage circuit around the Oberpfälzer Wald right up to the Czech border. Along the way you follow sections like the Steinbachtalradweg and later the Falkensteiner Radweg, plus you’ll get stretches through the Bayerischer Wald and the Fichtelgebirge. What defines it is the mix of low mountain ranges, borderland riding, and the theme “Auf den Spuren der Leuchtenberger”, with castles and palaces along the way – including Ruine Leuchtenberg and Schloss Parkstein. Expect mostly surfaced paths (usually asphalt), but also gravel and farm tracks, plus around 4,500 metres of climbing in total; stages 4 and 6 are considered the steeper days. This one suits experienced tour riders and e-bike riders, less so beginners or young kids. Planning your own bike trip? Use the stage towns as your framework and build day distances that fit you.
Route Profile
| Distance | 357 km |
| Stages | 7 |
| Difficulty | Challenging |
| Best Season | Spring, Summer, Autumn |
| Signage | Well signposted |
| Suitable For | Experienced cyclists, Athletes, E-bike |
| Surface | Mixed |
Leuchtenberger Tour Stages
The official site splits the Leuchtenberger Tour into 7 stages that add up to around 357 km. That breakdown works well if you’re planning your own trip, because the start and finish towns are clearly defined and you can ride the order as a loop out of Weiden i.d.OPf.
Stage 1: Weiden i.d.OPf. → Mähring (52 km)
From Weiden you follow the Steinbachtalradweg towards Mähring. You ride through woodland and keep dropping alongside small streams.
Steinbachtalradweg, Mähring.
Stage 2: Mähring → Waldmünchen (54 km)
This stage takes you over the border into the Czech Republic and back again. In between, you’ve got rolling terrain to deal with.
Border crossing into the Czech Republic, Waldmünchen.
Stage 3: Waldmünchen → Neualbenreuth (50 km)
You ride through the Bayerischer Wald. The official description mentions passing moorland and forests.
Bayerischer Wald, Neualbenreuth.
Stage 4: Neualbenreuth → Waidhaus (52 km)
This stage racks up the climbing and, according to the description, brings you viewpoints close to the border. It’s one of the steeper parts of the tour.
Border region, Waidhaus.
Stage 5: Waidhaus → Schirnding (48 km)
You head towards the Fichtelgebirge and roll through valleys. Overall, it feels more like a transition into the next mountain area.
Fichtelgebirge, Schirnding.
Stage 6: Schirnding → Brand (51 km)
In the Fichtelgebirge the climbs start to stack up; officially this stage is flagged as tougher. Keep something in the tank before you roll into Brand.
Fichtelgebirge, Brand.
Stage 7: Brand → Weiden i.d.OPf. (50 km)
On the way back towards Weiden you use the Falkensteiner Radweg. At the end, you close the loop back in Weiden i.d.OPf.
Falkensteiner Radweg, Weiden i.d.OPf.
The Most Beautiful Section on the Leuchtenberger Tour
Stage 2 is where the “border riding” feeling hits hardest: between Mähring and Waldmünchen you cross into the Czech Republic and back again, with rolling terrain in between that keeps the day moving. Highlight: the combo of the border crossing and finishing in Waldmünchen – you get the route, the theme and clear reference points all in one day, without long linking miles.
Highlights on the Leuchtenberger Tour
- Ruine Leuchtenberg (theme route “Auf den Spuren der Leuchtenberger”).
- Schloss Parkstein (theme route focused on castles and palaces).
- Steinbachtalradweg on stage 1 (Weiden i.d.OPf. → Mähring).
- Border crossing into the Czech Republic on stage 2 (Mähring → Waldmünchen).
- Falkensteiner Radweg on stage 7 (Brand → Weiden i.d.OPf.).
- Sections through the Bayerischer Wald (stage 3) and the Fichtelgebirge (stages 5–6).
Accommodations on the Leuchtenberger Tour
Along the Leuchtenberger Tour you'll find numerous accommodation options – from hotels and guesthouses to campsites and small tent meadows.
Campsites & Tent Options
Along the Leuchtenberger Tour there are numerous places to camp – from large campsites to small tent meadows on farms. Campsites usually don't need to be booked in advance.
Hotels & Guesthouses
Numerous accommodations along the route – from hostels and guesthouses to hotels. Important for cycle tourists: secure bike storage and no minimum stay requirements.
BikeTouri Tip: BikeTouri shows you all accommodations along the route – with prices, amenities, and reviews from cycle tourists. Also available offline.
Planning Your Leuchtenberger Tour Trip
What should you book in advance?
During peak season (June-August), it's recommended to book accommodations in popular stops 1-2 days ahead. Outside peak season, spontaneous booking is usually possible.
What can you decide spontaneously?
Daily distances, rest stops, restaurant visits, and detours to attractions can all be decided on the day based on weather and how you're feeling.
Typical daily costs
Practical Information
Getting There & Away
The route is well connected by train at both start and end points. Most regional trains accept bicycles, though reservations may be required during peak season.
Shopping Along the Way
Supermarkets and grocery stores can be found in most towns along the route. Plan for longer stretches in rural areas where shops may be limited.
Bike Shops & Repairs
Bicycle repair shops are available in larger towns. Carry basic tools and a spare tube for emergencies between service points.
More Information
Conclusion
The Leuchtenberger Tour scores with clear waymarking, a tidy stage setup, and plenty of low-mountain riding between the Bayerischer Wald and the Fichtelgebirge. In return, you’ll need to be fine with gravel and farm-track sections and some proper climbs, especially on stages 4 and 6. If you like climbing – or you’re on an e-bike – you’ll get a varied loop out of Weiden i.d.OPf.
Why BikeTouri?
We don't just show the big campsites – but also small tent meadows, farms, and cyclist-friendly guesthouses. With prices, reviews from cycle tourists, and offline maps.