|
Bodenmais in the Bayerischer WaldJoska Crystal, Silberberg Mines, & Großer Arber Mountain & Lakes, GermanyBodenmais is the most popular town in the Bayerischer Wald (Bavarian Forest), Germany with Joska Crystal, the Silberberg Mines, and Grosßer Arber mountain and lakes.
Bodenmais has a population of only 4,000 but with close to a million overnight guests is the most popular town in the region. The town’s wealth was original based on mining but since the second half of the 20th century, tourism has played an increasing important role. Bodenmais is a very pleasant town with a beautiful location but without cultural historic sights. The main reason to visit is its good infrastructure and easy access to outdoor activity areas.
Bodenmais Tourist Office Bodenmais Tourismus, Bahnhofstraße 56, 94249 Bodenmais, tel 09924-778-135.
Joska Kristallwelt (Crystal World), Bodenmais Bodenmais is home of Joska Crystal, the largest glass producer in Bavaria. It recently opened Joska Kristallwelt (Crystal World), tel 09924-7790, a huge display of its products, glass production and art, children’s play areas, and restaurants. Parts of the factory, one of the most modern in the world, may also be visited. It naturally has a gift shop as well as an outlet shop for end-of-the-line and below-standards products. Villeroy & Boch, Swarovski, and Swatch products are also produced by Joska in addition to its own brand. Joska Kristallwalt is open year round, weekdays from 9:15 am to 6 pm and Saturday from 9:15 am to 5 pm. From May to mid-October it is also open on Sunday from 10 am to 4 pm. Admission is free.
Silberberg (Silver Mountain) with Historical Visitors’ Mine The Silberberg (Silver Mountain) just to the north of Bodenmais has been the town’s main source of income for centuries. The Silberberg mines were in operation from 1313 up to 1962. Despite the name, the amount of silver mined was relatively small with sulphur and magnetic rock the main produce. In total, more than 60 kinds of minerals were found in various quantities in the mountain. It is a 2-km/1.2-mile walk from Bodenmais to the bottom station of the cable car, which transports visitors to the top of the 955-m/3,133-ft mountain for fantastic views. Hiking to the top takes less than an hour. From the halfway station, it is possible to return to the valley along a 600-m/1,968-ft summer tobogganing course (Rödelbahn). A petting zoo and children’s play area entertain smaller children. At the halfway station is the entrance to the Historische Besucherbergwerk (Historical Visitor’s Mine), Barbarastraße 1, tel 09924-304. As the air in the mine is completely free of pollen and other allergens, it also has a treatment center for sufferers of asthma and other respiratory illnesses. The mine is open daily from end March to October from 10 am to 4 pm, in July and August from 9 am to 4:45 pm. From January to end March, it is open on Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday from noon to 2 pm. Admission is €5.50 and includes a 45-minute tour.
Großer Arber – Highest Mountain Peak in the Bavarian Forest
Slightly further north is Großer Arber, at 1,457 m/4,800 ft the highest mountain in the Bavarian Forest. It is a popular hiking destination and offers reliable snow in winter. A cable car goes to near the top. (See Winter Sports in the Bavarian Forest for details.) Alternatively, it is a less than two-hour hike to the peak. The views from here are the best in the region. At the bottom of the Arber are two lakes: the Großer and Kleiner Abersee. Hiking trails are available around the lakes and in the forests. Frequent buses from Bodenmais take around 20 minutes. Next:
23 February 2008
|
