The Nurtschweg, a long distance trail along the German-Czech border, promises to be a great hiking adventure. On seven stages, you walk through sparsely populated areas in the Upper Palatinate Forest, enjoying only the essentials of life. Carrying everything you need on your shoulders, including food, you can feel what is really important in life. In the endless forests, you can rediscover yourself in nature.

The tranquil villages along the 140-kilometre (86-mile) trail reveal the border region’s interesting culture. Although you only hike on German soil, the Czech Republic is often only a few metres away.

Along the way, you discover enchanted castle ruins, magnificent sacral architecture, and plenty of traditional beer from the region. Several viewpoints afford spectacular views over the surrounding landscape too. The trail is named after Johann Baptist Nurtsch, who was a postman in Weiden around 1900. He marked the route for the first time in the colours yellow-red-yellow, which you can still follow today.

The stages are neither short nor long, and you never have to overcome many metres in altitude. This makes the trail an ideal long-distance hike for beginners and families. The routes are designed for gentle walking, allowing plenty of time to stop for breaks and visit places en route. The rippling streams, moss-covered rocks and forest create a mysterious atmosphere. Look up and watch the tree tops swaying in the breeze and keep your eyes peeled for inhabitants of the forest.

In this Collection, the trail runs from from north to south, but you can walk in either direction. The Nurtschweg is most beautiful during the warm months: from spring when nature slowly awakens again, to summer when the plants bloom in their splendour, and autumn when the Upper Palatinate Forest comes alive with colour. The individual stages are also wonderfully suited as day hikes.

It is best to book your overnight stays in advance. Sometimes, accommodation isn’t available directly at the end of the stage, but you will find a bed close by. Hosts in the region are helpful and often happy to pick you up at the end on request. They can also prepare takeaway meals and snacks. The stages often run through remote areas so make sure you bring enough food and drink with you. You’ll spot regional bakeries and butchers to purchase a treat for your hike. Bring cash as you may not be able to everywhere by card.

Take the train to Marktredwitz and Wiesau. From there, you can take the BAXI bus to the starting point in Kappl. You can find more information, here: fahrmit-tirschenreuth.de/baxi. There’s a station in Waldmünchen, where you finish the hike, too.