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Main imagea: Aerial view of Passau, the ending point of the Crystal Road. Photo: Passau Tourismus e.V Below: ‘Glaeserne Gaerten’ (glass gardens) in Frauenau. Photo: Stephan Moder, TVO (left) One of the leading glass production companies at the Crystal Road in Bodenmais: ‘Joska Kristall’. Photo: Stephan Moder, TVO (middle) Waldnaab, the headstream of the River Naab in the Upper Palatinate. Photo: Stefan Gruber (right)

The Crystal Road 250 kilometres of diversity Located on the Bavarian-Czech border, the Crystal Road in Eastern Bavaria is one of the most beautiful and diverse holiday routes in Germany. 250 kilometres lead across the impressive landscapes of the Bavarian and Upper Palatine Forests, where the 700-year-old tradition of glass-making and glass art is still alive today. TEXT: NANE STEINHOFF

Visitors are always fascinated by the sheer diversity, the delicate material has to offer. As they visit the many manufacturers and cabins along the glass route and watch the artesians at work, they can follow glass from its creation until its refinement and finishing touch. The larger factories offer exciting guided tours through their facilities, shopping is sure to turn into a special experience and every glass production facility along the route has its own character. Often referred to as “the city of lead crystal”, Neustadt an der Waldnaab is the start-

ing point of the Crystal Road. From there, the trail leads across wooded mountain ranges, through towns and municipalities rich in tradition with numerous glass huts and glass refinement factories on the way. Join a glassblower while artistically and skilfully creating the most beautiful and incredible shapes out of glowing gooey molten glass and try to produce your own crystal ball under professional guidance with a blowpipe. Or visit the Bayerischer Wald museum village, which sheds a light on the life of the past with its 150 regional

buildings from 1580 to 1850 alongside a glass exhibition. Find a bargain at a local industrial outlet or opt for impressive glass productions based on antique role models. The glass enthusiast will find everything from fine drinking glasses, traditional Art Nouveau style glass creations, sparkling chandeliers, highly imaginative glass lampshades to unique works of art from internationally significant glass artists as well as experimental unconventional glass masterpieces from young artists. At the geographical centre of the Crystal Route, which distinguishes itself by combining art, culture and impressive landscapes, lies the Upper Bavarian Forest Nature Park with its appealing landscapes. The ending point lies Passau, the famous “city of three rivers”at the border of Austria. Don’t forget to visit the local glass museum, which is home to the worldwide biggest collection of “Boehmisches”Glass. www.dieglasstrasse.de www.ostbayern-tourismus.de

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