On the Zoigl cycle path through the Upper Palatinate
Zoigl beer is a culinary speciality of the Upper Palatinate Forest whose origins date back to the Middle Ages. Zoigl brewing rights are granted in the five municipalities of Neuhaus, Windischeschenbach, Falkenberg, Mitterteich and Eslarn. The bottom-fermented, unfiltered Zoigl is brewed there by private individuals in the local community brewery. When it is a brewer's turn, he indicates this by hanging a pole with a Zoigl star or brushwood broom out of the gable window of his house and entertaining guests.
In private, rustic beer parlours, Zoigl is usually accompanied by a hearty snack with sausages and smoked meats. There are also pubs that serve Zoigl beer. However, these have nothing in common with the original Zoigl tradition, as they are open all year round and Zoigl is only served as part of the actual programme.
The Zoigl cycle route follows the traces of this brewing tradition on quiet country roads and forest paths for more than 100 kilometres from Mitterteich to Falkenberg, continuing through the idyllic Waldnaabtal valley to Neuhaus and Windischeschenbach - both are strongholds of Zoigl with 16 Zoiglstuben. The final destination is Eslarn, not far from the Czech border. The Upper Palatinate Tourism Centre also organises guided weekend tours on the Zoigl cycle route.
The GPX track for retracing the Zoigl cycle route is available free of charge on the MYBIKE tour portal:
Journey
The route starts in Eslarn or Mitterteich. Cycle buses and cycle taxis run between Weiden and Eslarn in summer.
Tour combinations
The Zoigl tour can be easily combined with the Bockl cycle path.
Refreshment tips
The Zoigl dates in the five Zoigl towns can be found on www.zoiglbier.de
Bike-friendly accommodation
Gasthof zum Waldnaabtal in Windischeschenbach, www.waldnaabtal-hotel.de
Literature / Maps
Compass map set no. 186 "Upper Palatinate Forest" 1:50,000
More info
www.oberpfaelzerwald.de,
www.zoiglinfo.de,
www.zoiglbier.de
The tour planner "Genussrouten" with the Zoigl cycle path in the Upper Palatinate and other pleasure tours for autumn was published in MYBIKE issue 5/2018.
You can view the output in the MYBIKE app (iTunes and Google Play) or in the DK-Shop order.
