Upper Palatinate historians research ancient road networks

Local historian Alfred Wolfsteiner has spent 15 years researching historical ancient roads in the Upper Palatinate (Oberpfalz) region of Germany. His research focuses on identifying the traces of past transportation networks, such as the Amber Road and the Flint Road, which once made the area a significant transport hub.

A primary indicator of these ancient routes is the presence of hollow ways (Hohlwege). These paths were formed over centuries as heavily loaded wagons, often using iron brake shoes, repeatedly traveled down slopes, gradually carving deep grooves into the earth.

While Wolfsteiner notes that determining the exact age and frequency of use for these roads is difficult, regional historical knowledge allows researchers to draw conclusions about their likely periods of activity. One notable route studied connects Regensburg to the northern Upper Palatinate.