Things To Do
in Selb

Selb is a small Bavarian town in the Fichtelgebirge known for its porcelain heritage and crafts. Nestled among forested hills, it sits near the Ohře river valley, making it a comfortable base for outdoor adventures and culture. The town's compact center preserves a traditional Franconian atmosphere with craft studios, museums, and family-run eateries.

Visitors can explore porcelain history, enjoy local beers, and venture into nearby natural landscapes for hiking and cycling.

Day Trips

Spend a day exploring around

day 1
Exploring Historic Center
morning
:

Start your day with a delicious breakfast at a local café in the heart of Selb, where you can savor fresh pastries and coffee. After breakfast, take a leisurely stroll through the historic center, admiring the beautiful architecture and quaint shops. Don't forget to stop by the Selb Museum to learn about the town's rich history and porcelain craftsmanship.

afternoon
:

In the afternoon, visit the renowned Rosenthal Porcelain Factory, where you can take a guided tour to see the intricate production process. Enjoy lunch at the factory's restaurant, which serves dishes inspired by local ingredients. Afterward, explore the surrounding gardens and relax in the serene atmosphere.

evening
:

As evening approaches, head to a traditional German restaurant to indulge in authentic local cuisine. Try the famous schnitzel paired with a refreshing local beer, while soaking in the cozy ambiance. To end your day, take a leisurely walk through the town, enjoying the illuminated buildings and peaceful streets.

day 2
Nature and Scenic Walks
morning
:

Begin your day with a refreshing breakfast at your accommodation or a nearby bakery, enjoying some fresh bread and local jams. Afterward, venture to the nearby Fichtelgebirge Nature Park, where you can embark on a scenic hike through lush forests and picturesque landscapes. Breathe in the fresh air and take in the stunning views of the surrounding mountains.

afternoon
:

Pack a picnic lunch to enjoy amidst nature, perhaps by a peaceful lake or on a scenic hilltop. After lunch, continue exploring the trails, keeping an eye out for the diverse wildlife and unique flora of the region. You could also stop at a viewpoint for some fantastic photo opportunities.

evening
:

Return to Selb in the evening and unwind at a local beer garden, where you can taste various regional beers. Enjoy the vibrant atmosphere and mingle with locals as you share stories about your day's adventures. As night falls, take a leisurely stroll back to your accommodation under the starry sky.

Cost Guide

Prices

ItemPrice
🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant$12-18
🥗Lunch at a mid-range restaurant$20-35
🏨Hotel/ Accommodation per night$60-120
Coffee in a cafe$3-5
🧺Groceries for a week$25-60

Strengths and Weaknesses

  • Excellent porcelain heritage and crafts
  • Scenic nature and easy access to hiking and cycling
  • Small-town amenities can be limited
  • Limited nightlife and shopping options compared to larger cities
  • "Guten Tag" - Good day / Hello
  • "Danke" - Thank you
  • "Bitte" - Please / You're welcome
  • "Sprechen Sie Englisch?" - Do you speak English?
  • "Wo ist der Bahnhof?" - Where is the train station?
  • "Ich möchte zahlen" - I would like to pay
  • "Wie viel kostet das?" - How much does this cost?

Places to Visit in Selb

Visit one of these nice places.

Marktplatz and Rathaus

The historic town square with the old Rathaus and stone facades offers classic Franconian architecture and vibrant morning light.

Porzellanmuseum Selb exterior and showrooms

The porcelain heritage buildings and showroom exteriors provide a clean, elegant backdrop for product photography.

Forest viewpoints on the edge of the Fichtelgebirge

Ridgelines and tree-lined trails offer golden-hour silhouettes over rolling hills.

Local workshop storefronts

Photograph artisans at work in genuine craft studios for a hands-on, authentic feel.

Culinary Guide

Food in Selb

Selb's cuisine reflects Upper Franconia's hearty, meat-and-potatoes traditions, with fresh breads, seasonal produce, and local beer as everyday staples.

Selb Famous Food

Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food

Schäufele (roasted pork shoulder)

Classic Franconian favorite served with dumplings and sauerkraut or red cabbage.

Must-Try!

Bratwurst with sauerkraut

Grilled sausages paired with tangy kraut and crusty bread.

Zwiebelkuchen (onion cake)

Savory onion tart often enjoyed with local beer.

Käsebrot (bread with cheese)

Simple, satisfying snack made with regional cheese.

Food Markets

Explore local food markets

Marktplatz Saturday Market

Local stalls offering sausages, breads, cheese, honey, and seasonal produce.

Pretzels and baked goods from local bakeries

Freshly baked pretzels, pastries, and regional specialties.

Climate Guide

Weather

Selb has a temperate climate with warm summers, cold winters, and moderate precipitation year-round. The nearby Fichtelgebirge can create microclimates with higher wind exposure and snowfall in winter.

How to Behave

Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior

Greetings

Greet with Guten Tag or Hallo; address strangers formally as Sie until invited to use du.

Punctuality and queues

Be punctual and queue politely; small-town etiquette values courtesy.

Tipping and dining manners

Cash tips at the table; avoid loud behavior in public spaces.

Safety Guide

Safety

Selb is generally safe; standard travel safety applies. Keep an eye on belongings in busy tourist areas, especially at markets, and use well-lit paths at night.

Tipping in Selb

Ensure a smooth experience

Tipping Etiquette

A tip of 5-10% for good service is common; rounding up the bill is also fine.

Payment Methods

Euro cash is widely accepted, as are debit/credit cards and contactless payments.

Best Time to Visit

And what to expect in different seasons...

Spring

Mild weather, blooming forests; great for outdoor walks and photography as the light improves.

Summer

Warm days, frequent showers, and long daylight hours; ideal for hikes and market visits.

Autumn

Changing leaves and harvest markets; perfect for landscapes and cozy brewery evenings.

Winter

Cold with possible snow; Christmas markets in nearby towns; warm interiors welcome visitors.

Nightlife Guide

Selb at Night

Selb's nightlife is low-key, centered on small pubs and beer gardens in the town center. Expect casual spots with regional beers and simple snacks; live music is rare but occasional events occur at community venues.

Hiking in Selb

Immerse in an unforgettable hike.

Ochsenkopf (Goßmannsreuth-Ochsenkopf)

Popular peak in the Fichtelgebirge with panoramic views and well-marked trails.

Kösseine

Ridge trail with forests and viewpoints; suitable for day hikes.

Großer Waldstein

Historic crags and forest trails offering scenic overlooks.

Airports

How to reach Selb by plane.

Nuremberg Airport (NUE)

Major international airport about 120-150 km from Selb; connected by road and rail to the region.

Karlovy Vary International Airport (KLV)

Nearby Czech airport about 90-120 km away; good option for low-cost flights.

Munich Airport (MUC)

Large international hub about 250-300 km away; multiple flight options.

Getting Around

Walkability

Selb is compact and walkable in the town center; most attractions and amenities are within a short stroll of the Marktplatz, with good pedestrian paths and manageable hills in surrounding areas.

Demographics

Explore demographics in this area.

Families and retirees

A typical mix of working-age families and aging residents in a rural town.

Tourists and craft enthusiasts

Visitors attracted by porcelain heritage and nature nearby.

Popular Sports

Explore popular sports in region.

Football (soccer)

Popular local and regional leagues; typical weekend matches.

Hiking and mountaineering

Common activities in the Fichtelgebirge for all ages.

Cycling

Scenic bike routes along the Ohře valley and forest trails.

Transportation

Traffic

In Selb, private cars are common; there are local bus connections to surrounding towns. Regional trains serve nearby stations in Wunsiedel or Marktredwitz with connections to larger networks; traffic is usually light outside peak hours.

Accomodations

Find the best place to stay when visiting Selb.

Dietary Restrictions

Tips for restricted diets.

Vegetarian

Many places offer meat-free dishes like Käsebrot, salads, grilled vegetables, and dairy options; ask for seasonal vegetable sides and dairy options.

Health & Medical

Healthcare

Healthcare is high quality in Germany; in Selb there are local general practitioners and pharmacies, with hospitals and specialist services available in nearby towns such as Marktredwitz or Hof for more extensive care.

Discover Germany

Read more in our Germany 2025 Travel Guide.

Germany Travel Guide