Discover Rottau through a range of themes: the history of the narrow-gauge railway, St. Michael’s Church, and various trails and tours. If you are looking for a hotel in Rottau, you can first consider whether culture, outdoor activities or a stop for refreshments is especially important to your stay. The activities also vary in the time they require: a guided visit with a ride on the narrow-gauge railway takes about 90 minutes, while the Grassau Terrain Health Trail is a much longer hike.
Narrow-Gauge Railway History and Local Culture
The Torfbahnhof Museum offers rides on the historic narrow-gauge railway, hauled by the locomotive Molly, across the former industrial site. The 2026 visitor information states that the guided museum tour with a ride on the narrow-gauge railway takes about 90 minutes. Check the information with the museum before you travel.
Rottau Peat Railway Station is a former peat works and an industrial heritage site dating from 1920. It includes Europe’s only working peat-bale press, built in 1933. St. Michael’s Church also offers a link to the past: it is documented as early as 1195. The Salz & Moor Museum also houses the original Reichenbach water-column machine, which was in operation for 150 years.
Walking and Cycling Trails
The Rottau Bee Trail is a short themed trail for the whole family. Information boards and a viewing hive with its own bee colony give the trail its theme. If you would rather take a loop through the nature reserve, the KendlmĂĽhlfilzen Moor Experience Trail has little surprises and puzzles for children and adults. The Moor Loop Trail also leads through the heart of the KendlmĂĽhlfilzen; there is an observation tower along the way.
For a longer hike, the 12-kilometre Grassau Terrain Health Trail, classified as easy, passes through Grassau and Rottau. It goes past the Rottau Kneipp pool and barefoot trail, then through Rottau along traditional farmhouses and back to Grassau via a panoramic trail at the Salz & Moor Museum. The walking time is 3 hours and 20 minutes. This makes it quite different from the explicitly short Moor Experience Trail: the Terrain Health Trail’s distance and time required are stated precisely.
There is also a cycling route to the historic peat railway station: the Achental Cycle Route runs along the edge of the KendlmĂĽhlfilzen to Rottau Peat Railway Station. Alongside the walking trails, this offers a distinct option on the cycling network, with the moorland landscape and narrow-gauge railway history both featured in the route description.
Alpine Pasture Tour and Refreshments
The Grassau & Rottau Alpine Pasture Tour leads to the Rottauer Moieralm, where you can stop for refreshments and enjoy views of the Kampenwand. At the Hefteralm along the route, snacks and fresh drinks are available. These include cheese, bread, cake, Kaiserschmarrn and buttermilk, all made in-house. This makes the tour appealing to guests who would like to combine a hike with the possibility of stopping for regional produce.
For the wider travel overview: Grassau.
