Pullenreuth: Glass History at Steinwald

Pullenreuth lies on the sunny side of Steinwald Nature Park and on the southern slope of the Fichtelgebirge. At the same time, glassworking, forest history and geology shape the cultural character of the village. These topics are at the heart of the Glasschleif Information Centre and the Schleiferer Trail; historical traces range from the use of water to the extraction of whetstones. You can therefore plan your stay around the landscape, culture or active exploration.

Glass History and Forest Topics

The Glasschleif Information Centre in Pullenreuth focuses on grinding and polishing glass, forest history and the geology of the Steinwald. The Schleiferer Trail also starts at the Glasschleif. Its ten information panels cover the same topics. The main difference is the format: the Information Centre brings the topics together, while they are spread across ten panels along the trail.

The Schützweiher, a man-made pond on the Schleiferer Trail, contains moor water from the Steinwald, which was used to operate water wheels. The whetstone quarry, where whetstones were extracted, is also on the trail. The stops highlight different aspects of the past: at the pond, water as a source of power; at the quarry, the extraction of whetstones.

Church: A Detail from Around 1505

The medieval church in Pullenreuth is believed to have been rebuilt in 1505. The oldest surviving piece of its furnishings is a Late Gothic statue of the Virgin Mary dating from around 1505. Thus, a presumed phase of construction and a surviving work of church furnishings from approximately the same period stand side by side.

Cycle Route, Hiking Route and Location

The Steinwald Cycle Route passes by Pullenreuth. A 6.2 km hiking route starts at the church and leads via the Glasschleif to the Waldhaus. The two routes offer different points of reference: for the cycle route, the section passing Pullenreuth is the key reference, while the hiking route specifies a distance, starting point and sequence of places along the way.

There is a car park close to the Glasschleif. Check current parking options before your arrival. When looking for accommodation, it is worth first deciding what you would like to focus on: glass and forest topics, the hiking route or the Steinwald Cycle Route. The location by Steinwald Nature Park and on the southern slope of the Fichtelgebirge adds to the range of options.

Cultural Highlights in Tirschenreuth

The MuseumsQuartier in Tirschenreuth brings together the Upper Palatinate Fisheries Museum and six other specialised exhibitions in a former monastery. At the Fisheries Museum, visitors can explore nearly 1,000 years of fishing and fish farming history and see local fish in four large aquariums. The MuseumsQuartier’s regular programme includes special exhibitions, talks, readings and concerts. As individual events may change, check the event dates before visiting.

The historic Fischhof Bridge and the Fischhof, which houses the district court, are at the centre of Fischhof Park in Tirschenreuth. The district of Tirschenreuth is also known for Zoigl, the cult beer of the Upper Palatinate Forest, and for carp from the pond landscapes of the “Land of 1,000 Ponds”.

Discover More Destinations

Discover more destinations: Friedenfels, Mitterteich, Wiesau, Kulmain, Kemnath, Neusorg, Waldsassen, Plößberg.

Back to the main travel guide: Tirschenreuth.