Drachselsried can be explored through two specific themes: hiking and glass. The area has a network of destination and circular hiking trails, a gallery featuring an extensive private collection, and a glass studio where you can watch animal figures being made. There is also the Kirwa, held during a set period on the last weekend in August. When planning your trip, first consider whether your stay will be shaped more by hiking trails, glass or an event date.
Hiking Trails with Specific Destinations
The Drachselsried hiking trail network comprises 17 destination trails and 21 circular trails. One trail with a specific destination is the blue-marked Dr 1 (Goldsteig access trail): it starts at the Drachselsried Tourist Information Office and climbs to the Schareben forest clearing, at an elevation of 1,000 metres.
The Goldsteig section along the municipalities of Arnbruck and Drachselsried in the Zellertal valley runs between the Kaitersberg massif and the GroĂźer Arber. A challenging Goldsteig hike in the surrounding area is about 16 kilometres long. Its described features include narrow paths, scenic ridges and quiet springs; in good conditions, the views extend to the Alps.
Drachselsried has five marked winter snowshoe routes. Two of them lead from Schareben to Enzian and Schwarzeck, respectively. Check seasonal conditions before setting out on a specific winter hike.
Glass Art and Demonstrations
The Herrmann Glass Gallery presents 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 nations. Admission and guided tours of the collection are free. The studio glass from the 1970s and the international selection offer different perspectives on glass art.
At the Fuchs Glass Studio, colourful glass rods are shaped into animal figures over an open flame. Visitors can watch the process. Demonstrations take place Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Wednesday from 10 a.m. to 12 noon. Wednesday morning is therefore the shorter time slot; check the stated times before your visit.
The Kirwa and Trails in the Zellertal
The Drachselsried Kirwa is a four-day church fair held each year on the last weekend in August. Traditionally, it begins on Friday evening with a concert on the village square. If you are travelling for the festival, plan your dates for that weekend and check the programme for the relevant year.
The Zellertal Church and Chapel Trail runs around Arnbruck and Drachselsried, following religious routes that take in a total of 30 churches and chapels. The route therefore includes both municipalities. Rather than connecting the towns with just one place of worship, it passes a wide variety of churches and chapels.
A Detour to Schareben Mountain Hut
A detour to Schareben Mountain Hut is recommended along the Goldsteig. The inn lies about 1.5 kilometres below the Reischflecksattel and serves hearty meals as well as cakes and gateaux. This makes it a specific food stop to include in a day of hiking the Goldsteig.
Choose Your Travel Dates by Occasion
The annual Kirwa, the days when glass demonstrations take place, and the winter snowshoe routes offer different ways to choose when to visit. If you want to experience the church fair, plan around the last weekend in August; if you want to watch glass being made, take the demonstration hours into account. For a winter hike, check the current seasonal conditions.
Discover more destinations: Grafenried, Zwiesel, Kirchberg Im Wald, Arnbruck, Lindberg, Bischofsmais, Kirchdorf Im Wald, Frauenau
See the main travel overview: Regen.
