Our favourite sights around Frauenau

The Glass Museum takes you on a journey through the fascinating world of glass, from its origins around 1000 BC to contemporary glass art. You’ll discover how glassmakers in the Bavarian Forest have been working for centuries in one of Europe’s most traditional glass-making regions. Outside, the Glass Gardens with their sculptures await – a unique attraction and particularly impressive at sunset.

Distance: 400m

The Eisch family has been blowing glass in Frauenau since the 17th century and enjoys a reputation that extends far beyond the Bavarian Forest. At the GlaSensium, you can experience the entire process of creating a glass product, from the molten glass to the artistic finishing touches. You’ll then be able to find your favourite item in the factory outlet, which spans over 400m². Right next door, the Eisch Gallery at the museum hosts changing exhibitions by international studio glass artists.

Distance: 900m

Bavaria’s largest drinking water reservoir is right on our doorstep. A popular hiking destination with an impressive dam and panoramic views – perfect for an afternoon stroll before heading back to the hotel.

Distance: 5.5km

1,453m. One of the highest peaks in the national park. And our pride and joy. Mt Grosser Rachel is situated in the heart of the Bavarian Forest National Park, which, together with the Šumava National Park in the Czech Republic, forms one of the largest contiguous forest reserves in Central Europe. Once you reach the top, treat yourself to a visit to Rachel Chapel, which overlooks Lake Rachel – a moment that makes every step worthwhile. Along the way, you’ll encounter primeval forests that have been left to develop freely for decades, raised bogs, tranquil forest lakes, and a natural world that lets you experience what primitive truly means. At the foot of the mountain there’s a 22-hectare wildlife reserve with a nature trail – perfect for families.

Distance: 8.7km

You’ve already seen the Bavarian Forest from below. On the tree-top walk in Neuschönau, you can experience it from above. The path winds gently its way through beech, spruce, and fir trees at a height of up to 25 metres. At the top, the 44-metre-high tree tower awaits, with its spiral staircase and a view stretching all the way to the Bohemian Forest. The path is accessible, suitable for pushchairs, and an adventure for children too: along the way, learning and adventure stations invite you to climb, balance, and discover.

Distance: 25.7km

At 1,465 metres, the highest mountain in the Bavarian Forest is one of those destinations you simply have to see at least once – and then you’ll want to go back again and again. At the top, you’ll be treated to a panoramic view that stretches as far as the Alps on a clear day. In summer, hiking trails wind through raised bogs and past the legendary Arber Lakes; in winter, ski slopes and cross-country trails beckon right at the summit. The Arber cable car takes you up in comfort – for anyone who’d rather marvel than work up a sweat.

Distance: 29.5km

At the foot of Mt Grosser Arber lies the only zoo in the Upper Palatinate and one of the most beautiful family-friendly destinations in the Bavarian Forest. Over 400 native animals representing around 100 species live here in species-appropriate enclosures that blend seamlessly into the mature woodland. Watch wolves, spot lynx, marvel at moose, and make the little ones beam with joy at the petting zoo: the circular route is easy to walk, even with a pushchair.

Distance: 40.2km

In Eging am See, about 45 minutes from Frauenau, lies Bavaria’s answer to the Wild West. Pullman City is a lively Wild West town offering a variety of shows, stunt shows, horse-riding adventures, and gold panning for children. The little ones can’t stop marvelling at it, and the grown-ups find themselves wishing they could hop on a horse themselves. Country music, Western-style cuisine, and an atmosphere that transports you to another world for a day.

Distance: 46.2km