In Rabenstein, a raised bog, quartz mining and traces of glassmaking each offer a different perspective for a stay. Chapels and a museum also provide points of interest for those interested in local history and sacred art.
Raised Bog, Quartz Quarry and Trails
Kiesau is a high-altitude transitional bog between Rabenstein and Bodenmais. It includes bog-edge woodlands and a historic quartz quarry with adits. In 1993, an area of ten hectares was designated a nature reserve. Kiesau thus brings together a natural habitat and traces of quartz mining.
The Kaisersteig-Loipe car park in Rabenstein is the starting point for the quartz quarry on Hennenkobel and the Kiesau raised bog. The Rabensteig trail begins at the Kaisersteig car park in Rabenstein. Its water-related features include the MĂĽhlbach stream and the Ă–koteich pond.
Another route description follows the Gläserner Steig from the old quartz quarry near Kiesau down to Rabenstein along an easy forest road. The Gläserner Kreuzweg begins at the Kaisersteig car park and leads through quiet mountain woodland to Hennenkobel, at an elevation of 950 metres. At 14 stations, the Passion of Jesus is depicted artistically in sandblasted engravings on special glass. The two routes therefore offer different experiences: the Gläserner Steig descends from the quarry to Rabenstein, while the stations of the Way of the Cross lead to Hennenkobel.
In winter, Rabenstein offers a network of groomed cross-country ski trails, including the Kaisersteigloipe. Conditions may vary; check them before setting out on a specific tour.
Chapels and Glassmaking History
The first glassworks near Rabenstein was mentioned in a document dating from 1421. The GlashĂĽttensteig leads from Rabenstein Castle to several former glassworks sites and passes five historic locations. Informative, vividly designed panels tell the story of local glassmaking there. Those interested in the development of glassmaking can find information about the historic sites along the way, as well as enjoy the trail itself.
St George’s Castle Chapel was built in 1816 by Kajetan Wolfgang von Kiesling, the owner of the Rabenstein glassworks at the time. It is the oldest village chapel in the Zwiesel cadastral area. Above the chapel, an information garden with the Stormberger Fountain offers a place to rest. Stained-glass windows by Bernhard Schagemann can be seen in St John Nepomuk Church.
The forest chapel on Ochsenbergweg also has a story of its own: the first forest chapel in Rabenstein was built in 1933 by Rabenstein woodcutter Wolfgang Frisch. The chapel also houses a bell from the former glassworks tower at the Theresienthal glassworks. Together, the chapels reflect different aspects of local history: their construction, glass art and ties to the former glassmaking industry.
The Stormberger Museum is located in Rabenstein’s community centre. It displays original documents, historic manuscripts and striking illustrations relating to Stormberger’s traditional prophecies. Tours of the museum can be booked through the Waldmuseum Zwiesel: by telephone only, Monday to Friday, and at least three days in advance.
Planning Your Trip
The Rabenstein bus route serves Klautzenbach and Rabenstein. On weekdays, the route runs almost every two hours during peak business hours. Check the current timetable before travelling. This makes it easy to plan your stay around your interests—for example, Kiesau and the quartz quarry, glassmaking history, or the trails on Hennenkobel.
For the main travel overview: Zwiesel.
