Rabenstein: Moorland and Glassmaking Tradition

Rabenstein combines nature experiences with traces of its glassmaking history: the Kiesau raised bog, historic quartz quarries, glassworks trails and chapels each offer something different. When planning a stay, visitors can choose between moorland and woodland, cross-country skiing in winter and cultural sites.

Moorland and trails around Rabenstein

Between Rabenstein and Bodenmais lies the high-altitude Kiesau transitional bog, with its moor-edge woodlands and a historic quartz quarry with a tunnel. An area of ten hectares was placed under nature protection in 1993. Kiesau thus brings together moorland and traces of former quartz mining.

The Kaisersteig cross-country skiing car park is the starting point for the quartz quarry on Hennenkobel and the Kiesau raised bog. The Rabensteig trail also begins there. Along the Rabensteig, the Mühlbach stream and the ecological pond are features associated with water. The Glass Trail follows an easy forest road from the old quartz quarry near Kiesau down to Rabenstein.

Another route combines landscape with religious art: the Glass Stations of the Cross lead from the Kaisersteig car park through a quiet mountain forest to Hennenkobel, at an elevation of 950 metres. Fourteen stations depict the Passion of Jesus in sandblasted engraving on special glass. In winter, a network of groomed cross-country ski trails is part of what Rabenstein has to offer, including the Kaisersteig trail. Trail conditions can vary, and it is best to check current route conditions before setting out.

Glassmaking history, chapels and museum

The Glassworks Trail passes five historic glassworks sites. Clearly presented information panels explain the local history of glassmaking. The trail leads from Rabenstein Castle to several former glassworks sites. The first glassworks near Rabenstein was mentioned in a historical document in 1421—a early record of the area's long association with glassmaking.

The chapels also preserve distinctive details. St. John of Nepomuk Church has colourful stained-glass windows by Bernhard Schagemann. St. George's Castle Chapel was built in 1816 by Kajetan Wolfgang von Kiesling, then owner of the Rabenstein glassworks. It is considered the oldest village chapel in the Zwiesel district. Above the chapel, an information garden with the Stormberger Fountain invites visitors to take a break.

The first forest chapel on the Ochsenbergweg in Rabenstein was built in 1933 by Rabenstein woodcutter Wolfgang Frisch. A bell from the former glassworks turret of the Theresienthal glassworks hangs in the forest chapel. The Stormberger Museum in Rabenstein's community centre displays original documents, historical manuscripts and graphics relating to Stormberger's traditional prophecies. Tours can be booked through the Zwiesel Forest Museum: by telephone only, Monday to Friday, and at least three days in advance.

Zwiesel as the wider travel destination

The wider travel destination of Zwiesel offers additional cultural and nature-related attractions. The Zwiesel Glass Night takes place annually in mid-August, featuring glassmaking demonstrations, exhibitions and stands devoted to glass. Dates and programmes may vary. Another notable glass creation is the Glass Pyramid: it is made of 93,665 machine-blown Tritan crystal glasses from the “Neckar” wine goblet collection. The glasses are stacked loosely, without adhesive, in 65 tiers.

The Zwiesel Sculpture Trail can be explored on foot and in stages; most of the artworks are in the town centre. More than 40 works by local artists enhance the trail. Some are on loan, and the collection may change. Zwiesel also offers a well-marked network of hiking trails with a total length of more than 150 kilometres; this published length may also change. In times of danger and hardship, Zwiesel's system of tunnels helped people survive by providing escape routes, hiding places and storerooms.

Planning and finding accommodation

The Rabenstein bus route serves Klautzenbach and Rabenstein. On weekdays, it runs almost every two hours during peak shopping hours. Check the current timetable before travelling.

For the wider travel overview: Zwiesel.