Drachselsried: Hiking, Glass and Kirwa

The options range from trails in the village to destinations in the surrounding area; cultural highlights include a glass collection, glassmaking demonstrations and a church fair.

Hiking in Drachselsried and the surrounding area

The Drachselsried hiking network comprises 17 destination trails and 21 circular trails. One specific route is the blue-marked Dr 1 hiking trail (Goldsteig connector): It starts at the Drachselsried Tourist Information Office and climbs to the Schareben forest clearing at an altitude of 1,000 m. The figures refer to the trail network as a whole; Dr 1, by contrast, has a specific starting point and destination.

A section of the Goldsteig along the municipalities of Arnbruck and Drachselsried in the Zellertal valley runs between the Kaitersberg massif and the Großer Arber. In the surrounding area, a challenging Goldsteig tour also runs between these two landscape features and covers about 16 km. Its character is defined by narrow paths, panoramic ridges, quiet springs and unspoiled nature. On a clear day, you can enjoy views of the Alps. The approximate distance and challenging rating help distinguish this tour from the information about the local hiking network.

Glass Art and the Drachselsrieder Kirwa

The Herrmann Glass Gallery in Drachselsried showcases a private collection of studio glass from the 1970s and international glass art. It comprises more than 1,000 objects by 150 artists from over 30 countries. Visits and guided tours of the collection are free. This makes the glass gallery a place to visit for its collection, while the Fuchs Glass Studio offers an insight into the glassmaking process.

At the Fuchs Glass Studio, animal figures are made from colorful glass rods over an open flame; visitors can watch them being made. Demonstrations take place on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays from 10 am to 5 pm, and on Wednesdays from 10 am to 12 pm. Check the schedule before your visit. The demonstration focuses on working with glass, while the gallery showcases a collection of objects and artworks.

The Drachselsrieder Kirwa is a four-day church fair held on the last weekend in August. Traditionally, it begins on Friday evening with a brass band concert in the village square. If you would like to plan your trip around the festival, check the date for your chosen year. The Kirwa complements the hiking and glass attractions described as available year-round with a recurring event.

More destinations nearby

The Zellertal Church and Chapel Hiking Trail runs around Arnbruck and Drachselsried, following religious routes that include a total of 30 churches and chapels. It takes in both municipalities and therefore has a different focus from a single route starting and ending in Drachselsried. For hikers who would like to include religious buildings along the way, this themed trail offers a distinct point of reference.

A detour to the Schareben mountain hut is recommended along the Goldsteig. The inn lies about 1.5 km below the Reischflecksattel and serves hearty dishes as well as cakes and gateaux. The surrounding area therefore offers both a hiking route with scenic features and a recommended place to stop for a meal.

Discover more destinations: Grafenried, Viechtach, Kollnburg, Kirchberg im Wald, Bodenmais, Bayerisch Eisenstein, Frauenau, Rinchnach.

For the wider travel overview: Regen.