Discover Rottau: Moorland, Narrow-Gauge Railway and History
Accommodation in Rottau
Rottau can be explored through a range of themes: the historic narrow-gauge railway, traces of industrial history, and paths through moorland and other landscapes. For planning your trip, there are different time frames and activities to choose from—from a guided museum visit with a narrow-gauge railway ride to a hike lasting several hours.
Narrow-Gauge Railway and Industrial History
The Torfbahnhof Museum offers rides on the historic narrow-gauge railway: the Molly locomotive travels across the former industrial site. For 2026, visitor information gives an approximate duration of 90 minutes for a guided museum tour combined with a narrow-gauge railway ride; check this duration with the museum before your arrival. Check the museum’s information before your arrival. Rottau Torfbahnhof is a former peat works and an industrial monument dating from 1920. It is home to Europe’s only functioning peat-bale press, dating from 1933.
Church and Salz & Moor Museum
St. Michael’s Church in Rottau is documented in historical records as early as 1195. The Salz & Moor Museum houses the original Reichenbach water-column machine, which was in operation for 150 years. The cultural highlights therefore include both a church building documented from an early date and a technical artifact with a long operating history.
In Grassau, the Salz & Moor Museum displays information panels, models, films and simulations explaining how the historic brine pumping station worked. The moorland exhibition includes original exhibits, dioramas and interactive elements. These exhibition themes complement the technical history with a presentation of the moorland.
Walking Trails and Cycling Route
The 12-kilometer Grassau Terrain Therapy Trail runs through Grassau and Rottau. It is rated easy, and the walking time is 3 hours and 20 minutes. After passing the Rottau Kneipp pool and barefoot path, the route continues through Rottau alongside traditional farmhouses. It then follows a panoramic path by the Salz & Moor Museum before returning to Grassau. The distance, difficulty rating and estimated time give you a concrete basis for comparing this hike with shorter walks or a cycling tour.
The Achental Cycle Route runs along the edge of the KendlmĂĽhlfilzen to the historic Rottau Torfbahnhof. The Moorland Circular Trail passes through the heart of the KendlmĂĽhlfilzen and includes an observation tower. The routes therefore have different focuses: the cycle route includes the connection to the Torfbahnhof, while the moorland landscape and observation tower are among the features of the circular trail.
Alpine Pasture Tour and Themed Trails
The Grassau & Rottau Alpine Pasture Tour leads to the Rottauer Moieralm. There you can stop for refreshments and enjoy views of the Kampenwand. At the Hefteralm on this route, snacks and fresh drinks are available, including cheese, bread, cake, Kaiserschmarrn and buttermilk made on site.
The Rottau Bee Trail is a short themed trail for the whole family. Information panels and a bee observation hive with its own colony make bees the trail’s central focus. The Kendlmühlfilzen Moor Adventure Trail is a short circular route through the nature reserve, with little surprises and puzzles for children and adults. Alongside hiking and cycling routes, there are also short themed trails with different focuses to choose from.
Reifinger See and Leisure Activities in Grassau
Reifinger See in Grassau is a bathing lake with a water surface area of 20,000 square meters. Its listed facilities include sunbathing lawns, a jetty, a non-swimmer area and a bathing area for small children. There is also a “mud bridge” for small children, a playground, a beach volleyball court and a small raft.
For the overall travel overview: Grassau.
