Furth im Wald, Medieval town center in Cham, Germany
Furth im Wald is a town in the Cham district of Upper Palatinate Bavaria, situated at about 407 meters (1,335 feet) elevation near the Czech Republic border. The town features a traditional town center and serves as an administrative hub for the region.
The settlement began as a medieval forest fort and grew into an important administrative center along historic trade routes. The town's long history reflects its role as a border location between Bavaria and the Bohemian lands.
The Drachenstich festival showcases Germany's oldest folk play, featuring a mechanical dragon and performed by local actors. This annual tradition remains central to the town's identity and draws visitors from far and wide.
The town is easy to explore on foot, with main sights and services concentrated in the central area. The best time to visit is during the Drachenstich festival in summer, when the whole community comes alive.
The town is home to a 16-meter-long mechanical dragon weighing 11 tons, considered the world's largest walking robot dragon. This technical marvel was designed specifically for the folk festival performances and can be viewed in a museum outside of show season.
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