Glashütte: Glass History and St. Joseph’s Chapel

Glashütte has two distinct historical points of interest: St. Joseph’s Chapel in the town center and the history of glass production, around which the settlement developed. This gives travelers interested in cultural history a local focus. The wider Wald destination adds its own trails and art themes. If you are looking for a hotel in Glashütte, you can first decide whether your trip will focus mainly on local history or also include the attractions in Wald.

The Chapel and the History of the Glassworks

St. Joseph’s Chapel is located in the center of Glashütte. Its furnishings include a painted wooden tabernacle and an 18th-century crucifix. These historical details add a distinct religious point of interest to the town’s industrial history.

A glassworks was established in Glashütte in 1701 with the approval of the Hohenzollern prince and Wald Abbey. It operated until 1881; the buildings were dismantled in 1887. The settlement grew around the works as workers settled nearby. The use of the forest is also part of the village’s historical character. The town’s history thus links glass production with the development of the settlement.

For further reading, Wolfgang Wiese published the book “Glashütte - from factory settlement to farming village” in 2001. It is available from the municipal administration; check its availability before your trip. The title brings together the area’s industrial character and its development into a farming village.

Trails and Art in the Wider Wald Destination

In the wider Wald destination, the five-kilometer Weiherwanderweg connects several historic monastery ponds in the municipality. This is a different focus from Glashütte’s local history: here, the emphasis is on the connection between several ponds. When planning your time in the region, you can distinguish between Glashütte’s historical points of interest and a route in the wider Wald destination.

Another route in the wider Wald destination is Rund um Wald (Nordroute), which passes through Forstwald and Schonwald Riedle. It is marked W1 on the free Northern Lake Constance Holiday Region cycling and hiking map; this designation may change. So check the current map before setting out. The two routes also differ in their stated points of interest: the Weiherwanderweg connects monastery ponds, while the North Route passes through two named woodland areas.

Art is another distinct attraction in the wider Wald destination. Since 2017, the KunstKonvent gallery has been based at the “Neue Kunst am Ried” site, where it presents changing exhibitions as well as a large sculpture that is permanently on display. The exhibitions change, while the sculpture remains on permanent display. Wald is also on the western route of the Upper Swabian Baroque Route.

A Hotel in Glashütte with a Historical Focus

The answer gives your search a thematic focus. When choosing, check the specific details of each hotel offer.

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