Over time, scythe making developed into a thriving industry in Mühlbach; scythes were exported from here all over the world. Mühlbach is a district of Kiefersfelden. If you are planning a stay around cultural and trail-related themes, this history and the named routes offer concrete starting points for planning your trip.
Scythe Making and Musical Tradition
The Sensenschmied-Musikkapelle Mühlbach was founded in 1902 as the works band of the Bayerische und Tiroler Sensen-Union. It still performs at events and concerts in Mühlbach and neighbouring communities, including Oberaudorf and Kiefersfelden. Thus, two distinct aspects of the town’s history sit side by side in Mühlbach: the development of scythe making into a major industry and a band whose founding was connected with the Sensen-Union.
Hiking and Cycling Around Mühlbach
Stage 5 of the Grenzenlos Wanderweg passes through the district of Mühlbach on its way to Kiefersfelden. A short stretch along a roadside cycle path is followed by a quiet route through woods and meadows. Those interested in named pilgrimage routes can also distinguish between two different routes: Kiefersfelden Mühlbach is part of the EUREGIO Marien-Weg M1. The Marienwege M5 pilgrimage route passes through Mühlbach between Oberaudorf and Kiefersfelden.
The route descriptions also differ in the locations they mention. The cycling tour around Oberaudorf heads towards Mühlbach and then climbs a small hill from the Mühlbach fire station up to Oberaudorf. The Kiefersfelden cycling loop runs from Kiefersfelden towards Mühlbach and returns along the Inn embankment. The tours therefore refer to different starting points and directions; their respective descriptions can help you choose the right route for your plans.
Kiefersfelden as a Wider Travel Destination
In Kiefersfelden, the Blaahaus Industrial Museum covers the region’s history of coal, iron, scythes, marble and cement, as well as folk theatre, musical tradition and community life. Historical originals and other exhibition areas are presented across approximately 450 m². The tour is also translated into English. Visitors can delve into the company history of the “Bayerische & Tiroler Sensen-Union AG” and learn more about the complex craft of scythe making.
There are other trail destinations in Kiefersfelden, too. The Kiefersfelden–Gießenbachklamm–Schopperalm hiking trail leads from the centre of town along the Kieferbach, past Bavaria’s largest waterwheel and through the Gießenbachklamm gorge to the Schopperalm. When planning your visit, bear in mind that the gorge closes seasonally; check current access arrangements before you go.
The blue section of the Kieferer Energiewanderweg features Kiefersfelden’s smallest, largest and oldest hydroelectric power stations. Each of the three power stations uses a different technology. Along the trail, you can also discover energy snails, hidden channels, power station turbines, weirs, a surge tank, a water playground, Bavaria’s largest waterwheel and the Gießenbachklamm gorge. The described stops are suitable for adults and children.
In Kiefersfelden, the Inn ferry connects the town with Ebbs/Eichelwang in Tyrol. Built from larch wood using traditional craftsmanship, the ferry is 11 m long and 2.80 m wide; it has room for 12 passengers as well as bicycles. If you would like to include the ferry in your plans, check in advance whether it will be available on your chosen date.
Location Details When Looking for Accommodation
When looking for a holiday apartment, it is worth distinguishing between Mühlbach and Kiefersfelden as location details: Mühlbach is a district of Kiefersfelden, while the Blaahaus and the Inn ferry are in Kiefersfelden. Tailor your search to your preferred focus and, when making specific plans, take into account the seasonal closure of the Gießenbachklamm gorge or the ferry’s availability.
For the wider travel overview: Kiefersfelden.
