Things To Do
in Nittenau

Nittenau is a quaint Bavarian town in the Upper Palatinate, set along the scenic Regen river with a history dating back centuries. Its compact center features traditional half-timbered buildings, a welcoming market square, and a calm, village-like atmosphere. The town serves as a peaceful base for exploring nearby forests, hills, and the longer routes of the Bavarian countryside.

Visitors will find a friendly, family-oriented vibe and plenty of easygoing activities suited to a relaxed Bavarian getaway.

Day Trips

Spend a day exploring around

day 1
Exploring Historic Center
morning
:

Begin your day with a leisurely stroll through the charming streets of Nittenau’s historic center, where you can admire the well-preserved architecture. Stop by the local bakery for a traditional Bavarian breakfast of pretzels and white sausage, paired with sweet mustard. Visit the St. John’s Church to marvel at its stunning Gothic design and intricate stained glass windows.

afternoon
:

In the afternoon, continue your exploration by visiting the Nittenau Museum, which showcases the rich history and culture of the region. Take a break at a local café, enjoying a slice of Sachertorte while people-watching in the town square. Afterward, stroll along the banks of the Regen River, soaking in the serene views and fresh air.

evening
:

As evening falls, head to a local restaurant to savor traditional Bavarian cuisine, such as Schweinshaxe (pork knuckle) and dumplings. After dinner, enjoy a leisurely walk through the illuminated streets, taking in the cozy atmosphere of the town. Finish your night with a local craft beer at a nearby brewery, where you can mingle with friendly locals.

day 2
Nature Hike in the Bavarian Forest
morning
:

Start your day early with a hearty breakfast at your accommodation before setting out to the Bavarian Forest National Park, just a short drive from Nittenau. Lace up your hiking boots and embark on a scenic trail that offers breathtaking views of the lush landscape and unique wildlife. Keep your camera ready for the picturesque moments along the way, including streams and ancient trees.

afternoon
:

After your invigorating hike, enjoy a packed lunch in a tranquil spot surrounded by nature, listening to the sounds of chirping birds and rustling leaves. Spend the afternoon exploring more trails or visiting the park’s visitor center to learn about the area's ecological significance. If time permits, take a guided tour to uncover hidden gems within the forest.

evening
:

Return to Nittenau in the evening, where you can relax with a casual dinner at a local tavern. Indulge in some traditional Bavarian dishes while sharing stories of your day's adventure. Conclude your day with a peaceful stroll by the river, reflecting on the beauty of the Bavarian landscape.

Cost Guide

Prices

ItemPrice
🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant$12-18
Coffee/tea$3-6
🥗Basic lunch$10-15
🚌Local transit ticket$3-6
🍺Beer at a pub$4-7

Strengths and Weaknesses

  • Charming Bavarian town with a relaxed pace
  • Access to forests, rivers, and nature trails
  • Friendly locals and authentic regional cuisine
  • Compact center ideal for walking and cycling
  • Limited nightlife and larger-scale entertainment
  • Some services may have limited hours outside peak season
  • Public transport is good regionally but sparse within very small hamlets
  • "Grüß Gott" - Hello (greeting)
  • "Danke schön" - Thank you
  • "Bitte" - Please / You're welcome
  • "Sprechen Sie Englisch?" - Do you speak English?
  • "Wie viel kostet das?" - How much does this cost?
  • "Wo ist der Bahnhof?" - Where is the train station?

Places to Visit in Nittenau

Visit one of these nice places.

Market Square (Marktplatz)

Historic half-timbered facades and the town hall create an atmospheric, postcard-perfect scene, especially in the morning light.

Regen River Promenade

A tranquil riverside path with reflections of trees and bridges, ideal for landscape and reflection shots.

Old Town Gate and Streets

Narrow lanes and traditional architecture provide charming street photography opportunities at any hour.

Culinary Guide

Food in Nittenau

Bavarian cuisine in this region emphasizes hearty, comforting dishes, seasonal produce, and locally brewed beer. Expect simple, flavorful meals with generous portions and a focus on meat, potatoes, dumplings, and cabbage specialties. You’ll also find vegetarian options, regional cheeses, and fresh bakery items to complement your days of exploration.

Nittenau Famous Food

Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food

Schäuferla with Kloß (pork shoulder with dumplings)

Tender roasted pork served with bread dumplings and gravy; a staple of Bavarian taverns.

Must-Try!

Kässpätzle (cheese noodles)

A rich, cheesy noodle bake often topped with crispy onions; a popular comfort dish.

Blaue Zipfel (sausages with onions and sauce)

Smoked sausages simmered with onions, usually served with bread and mustard.

Kartoffelknödel and Rotkraut (potato dumplings with red cabbage)

Classic side dish combinations that accompany many Bavarian mains.

Dampfnudel (steamed dumpling dessert)

Light, fluffy dumplings often served with vanilla sauce or fruit compote.

Food Markets

Explore local food markets

Nittenau Wochenmarkt (local market)

Weekly market on the market square offering fresh produce, cheeses, meats, and regional specialties.

Bratwurst and pretzel stalls

Street-food stands around the market area offering quick bites and traditional snacks to pair with a beer.

Climate Guide

Weather

The area experiences a temperate Central European climate with warm summers, cold winters, and rainfall spread throughout the year. Snow is common in winter, while summer highs typically reach into the 20s Celsius. Spring and autumn are mild with variable weather.

How to Behave

Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior

Greetings

Greet with 'Grüß Gott' or a simple 'Hallo'; use 'Sie' with strangers unless invited to use 'du'.

Politeness

Be punctual for meetings, say 'Bitte' and 'Danke,' and keep a moderate tone in public spaces.

Safety Guide

Safety

Generally very safe for travelers; usual small-town safety norms apply. Keep an eye on belongings in busy areas, lock bicycles, and be cautious when walking at night in poorly lit areas. In emergencies, dial 112 for immediate assistance.

Tipping in Nittenau

Ensure a smooth experience

Tipping Etiquette

In Germany, rounding up or leaving 5-10% for good service is common; you can leave cash on the table or add to the bill.

Payment Methods

Cash is still widely accepted, but debit and credit cards are common in shops and many restaurants; contactless payments are growing in popularity.

Best Time to Visit

And what to expect in different seasons...

Summer

Warm days with occasional showers; great for outdoor markets, river walks, and long evenings in beer gardens. Bring sun protection and a light jacket for cooler nights.

Autumn

Pleasant with colorful foliage and harvest events; ideal for countryside walks and photography with autumnal tones.

Winter

Cold, with festive lights and potential snow; expect cozy cafés, hot drinks, and smaller crowds; plan for shorter daylight hours.

Spring

Mild and blooming; perfect for garden visits and longer walks along the river as landscapes come back to life.

Nightlife Guide

Nittenau at Night

Nittenau offers a low-key nightlife with cozy beer gardens, traditional pubs, and occasional local live music or cultural events. The scene centers on social dining, conversations, and enjoying regional beers and specialties rather than large clubs.

Hiking in Nittenau

Immerse in an unforgettable hike.

Regen Riverside Loop

Easy riverside loop with meadow views and shade, suitable for all ages.

Forest Trail to a Panoramic View

Moderate forest hike ending at a lookout over the countryside and town.

Rural Countryside Walk

Flat to gently rolling paths through farmland and small woodland edges, excellent for relaxed days outdoors.

Airports

How to reach Nittenau by plane.

Nuremberg Airport (NUE)

Relatively close international airport with domestic and European flights; accessible by train or car

Munich Airport (MUC)

Major international hub about a couple of hours by car or rail; many connections and services

Getting Around

Walkability

Nittenau is highly walkable in the town center, with compact streets, short distances between sights, cafés, and shops. Pedestrian paths and gentle river promenades make for easy exploration on foot or by bike.

Demographics

Explore demographics in this area.

Families

Many families live in the town, contributing to a safe, community-focused atmosphere.

Retirees

A sizable portion of residents appreciate the calm, scenic surroundings and slower pace of life.

Students/Young Adults

Some residents commute to nearby universities or towns for study and work.

Popular Sports

Explore popular sports in region.

Fußball (Soccer)

Popular sport across the region with local clubs and youth programs.

Handball

Common in community centers and regional leagues; family-friendly participation.

Cycling

Loved for road rides and easy trail cycling along the Regen and surrounding countryside.

Transportation

Traffic

Traffic is typically light to moderate, with good regional rail connections to Regensburg and Schwandorf. In town, streets are narrow but well maintained; parking is available around the market area, and a car is convenient for day trips to surrounding villages.

Accomodations

Find the best place to stay when visiting Nittenau.

Dietary Restrictions

Tips for restricted diets.

Vegetarian

Many taverns offer vegetable dishes, seasonal salads, and cheese dumplings; ask for vegetable sides or a Kässpätzle variation.

Health & Medical

Healthcare

Basic healthcare services are available in the town with local doctors and pharmacies; for major hospital facilities, Regensburg or Schwandorf stations offer larger medical centers and specialists. Emergency numbers: 112.

Discover Germany

Read more in our Germany 2025 Travel Guide.

Germany Travel Guide