The Glass Route is a relatively new tourist route. It has a stunning backdrop, a sea of spruce, Scots pine and beech trees interspersed with wild flowers in the largest contiguous area of mountainous woodland in central Europe. The process of producing glass - a mystical, magical material - involves fire and glowing heat, a potent contrast with the cool and tranquil beauty of the landscape. Visitor tours are available at numerous glassworks, workshops and art glass manufacturers. There are also sumptuous displays of glass in museums and galleries along the route. Many glass-decoration workshops have large showrooms where visitors can admire and purchase a wide range of glassware. To mention just a couple of examples, between Weiden, Oberviechtach and Rötz, the route leads through what was once the "land of the mirror cutters". And the most magnificent crystal chandeliers are produced in Arnbruck. Music festivals on the theme of glass and glassmaking festivals take place all along the route. Glass is a fascinating material - transparent, sparkly and endlessly versatile. But it is also more than that. Glass is also about fantasy, art, technology, history and the modern era.
The world of glassmakers and gallery owners who specialise in glass is as colourful and complex as glass itself, with its myriad shapes and colours and infinite variety. This "glass forest" offers attractions not only for lovers of the fine arts but also for walkers, cyclists and winter sports enthusiasts. There is always something interesting to do. Bavaria's famous cuisine means a wonderful choice of culinary treats all along the route. The Glass Route combines the "glass forest" and the Bavarian Forest, a walker's paradise with lots of fresh, healthy air. Now it's your turn - you can only fully appreciate the Glass Route if you come and experience it for yourself.
