Exploring Windischeschenbach: Home to the World’s Deepest Open Borehole
WINDISCHESCHENBACH, 06 February 2026 — Nestled in the Upper Palatinate region of Bavaria, the town of Windischeschenbach continues to draw international attention not just for its traditional Zoigl beer culture, but as a site of monumental scientific achievement. As of this Friday, the town remains a focal point for geological research and regional tourism, anchored by the legacy of the German Continental Deep Drilling Programme (KTB).
The KTB Project: A Journey 9,101 Metres Deep
Windischeschenbach is globally recognised for the Kontinentales Tiefbohrprogramm der Bundesrepublik Deutschland (KTB), a major geoscientific project conducted between 1987 and 1995. Scientists drilled a staggering 9,101 metres into the Earth’s crust to study the properties of hard crystalline rock. To this day, it remains the deepest open borehole in the world, providing a unique “window” into the planet’s interior.
The GEO-Zentrum at the KTB
Today, the site has been transformed into the GEO-Zentrum, a modern environmental education centre and popular excursion destination. Visitors to the facility can experience geology first-hand through various interactive exhibits:
- The Drilling Rig: Climbing the massive 83-metre-high drilling tower, which remains a landmark of the Oberpfalz skyline.
- Earthquake Simulations: Experiencing the power of seismic shifts in a controlled environment.
- Mineral Experiments: Hands-on laboratories where students and tourists can test the properties of various rocks and minerals.
Current Events and Regional News
While the town is steeped in scientific history, recent days have seen Windischeschenbach and the surrounding Neustadt an der Waldnaab district active in the headlines. As the carnival season reaches its peak, the region is bidding a bittersweet farewell to a local cultural icon.
The Final Performance of Altneihauser Feierwehrkapell’n
Today, Friday 06 February 2026, marks a significant moment in Bavarian cultural history. The Altneihauser Feierwehrkapell’n, the famous brass band from Windischeschenbach led by Norbert Neugirg, is scheduled to give its final performance at the “Prunksitzung” in Veitshöchheim. Known for their sharp wit and satirical insults, the group has been a staple of the “Fastnacht in Franken” television broadcast for years.
Regional Transport and Weather
Commuters in the region faced minor disruptions yesterday when a Regional Express train on the Hof-Munich line came to a standstill near Altenstadt/WN due to a technical defect in the locomotive. Local authorities managed the situation within hours.
The weather in Windischeschenbach today remains chilly, with temperatures hovering around 1 degree Celsius under overcast skies. Local forecasts suggest a continuation of typical February conditions for the upcoming weekend, with limited sunshine expected.
Windischeschenbach at a Glance
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| State | Bavaria (Bayern) |
| District | Neustadt an der Waldnaab |
| KTB Drilling Depth | 9,101 Metres |
| Key Landmark | GEO-Zentrum Drilling Tower |
| Cultural Specialty | Zoigl Beer & Altneihauser Feierwehrkapell’n |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is the KTB borehole still used for research?
Yes, while the active drilling ended in 1995, the borehole serves as a deep-earth laboratory for long-term studies, including temperature measurements and seismic monitoring, due to its unique “open” state.
Can you visit the drilling tower?
Yes, the GEO-Zentrum at the KTB is open to the public. It offers guided tours where visitors can learn about the technical challenges of drilling into crystalline rock and the geological findings of the project.
What is Windischeschenbach famous for besides drilling?
The town is a capital of “Zoigl” culture. Zoigl is a traditional bottom-fermented beer brewed in a communal brewhouse, a tradition that has been preserved in the Upper Palatinate for centuries.
Where is Windischeschenbach located?
It is located in the Upper Palatinate (Oberpfalz) region of Bavaria, situated near the Steinwald Nature Park and approximately 20 kilometres north of Weiden in der Oberpfalz.