Discover Weißwasser/O.L.

Weißwasser/O.L. brings together themes that connect the city’s history and leisure: Lusatian glass production, the Muskau Forest Railway and the ice arena. The geologically shaped Muskau Arch around Bad Muskau is another highlight. This gives you a mix of cultural and technological history, landscapes and leisure activities to plan your trip around. The search for accommodation can also be guided by which of these you want to shape your stay.

Glassmaking history in Weißwasser

The permanent exhibition at the Weißwasser Glass Museum showcases 150 years of Lusatian glassmaking. It links the development of glass production in Upper Lusatia with the history of the city of Weißwasser. Glass production is therefore not only a subject in its own right, but also part of the city’s development.

The museum building is also part of its history: it is housed in a former manufacturer’s villa built in 1924. The history of the glass industry also includes Bauhaus student Wilhelm Wagenfeld, who served as artistic director of Vereinigte Lausitzer Glaswerke in Weißwasser from 1935 to 1947. Eleven glassworks were built in Weißwasser between 1872 and 1903. These key dates offer different perspectives on local history—from the construction of the glassworks to Wagenfeld’s later leadership role.

The forest railway and a look at technology

The Muskau Forest Railway is a 600 mm narrow-gauge railway connecting the park landscapes of Kromlau and Bad Muskau. In Weißwasser, Saxony, it is one of the highlights of the Muskau Arch UNESCO Global Geopark. Connecting the two park landscapes makes the railway a distinct attraction alongside the city’s glassmaking history.

The Forest Railway Museum adds technical detail to this picture. It explains features such as the diamond-shaped chimney of its steam locomotive. The museum and visitor information centre are a two-minute walk from Weißwasser-Teichstraße station; you can also reach them by train. There is also a Muskau Forest Railway terrace restaurant at Teichstraße station in Weißwasser. Check the timetable in advance for specific journeys, as operating schedules may change.

Geology and trails in the Muskau Arch

The Muskau Arch around Bad Muskau is a glacial moraine landscape and, at the same time, a post-mining landscape with lakes. Ten themed cycling and hiking trails provide access to the Muskau Arch UNESCO Global Geopark. This offers two different ways to explore the region: connecting the park landscapes by narrow-gauge railway, or discovering them along themed cycling or hiking trails.

The ice arena and seasonal experiences

The Weißwasser ice arena offers recreational skating with music, including for people who do not play ice hockey. During the ice-free season, it hosts events intended for local residents and visitors alike. The offerings therefore vary with the time of year: check the latest opening times for skating sessions and the dates of individual events. Verify this information before making plans.

Choose accommodation to suit your travel plans

First, consider which themes you want your stay to focus on: the permanent exhibition and the history of the glassworks, the forest railway and its connection between Kromlau and Bad Muskau, or the leisure facilities at the ice arena. This will help you tailor your search for accommodation in Weißwasser/O.L. to your interests.

More destinations

Discover more destinations: Oderwitz, Neißeaue, Hähnichen, Mittelherwigsdorf, Jonsdorf, Bertsdorf-Hörnitz, Bernstadt Auf Dem Eigen, Oppach.

Back to the main travel overview: Görlitz.