Weitersglashütte: Hiking and Glassworks History

Weitersglashütte is a starting point for hiking, cycling and ski tours, as well as a place with its own glassworks history. The trails range from an 8.8-kilometre loop around the Carlsfeld Reservoir to longer tours along the Ore Mountains ridge and across the Saxon-Bohemian border. In winter, the Kammloipe cross-country ski trail is another option. When choosing a hotel, your travel dates and the type of tour you have planned can therefore be useful guides.

Glassworks History Along the Ore Mountains Ridge

The glassworks was founded in 1624; Weitersglashütte developed as a settlement built solely around the glassworks. It produced simple windowpanes, as well as beer, wine, laboratory and pharmacy glassware. Operations ceased in 1907. Glassmaking is therefore part of the town’s origins and offers a historical perspective alongside today’s tours. Another point of interest is the 9.6-kilometre Carlsfeld / Weitersglashütte Mining Educational Trail.

Hiking Between the Reservoir and the Border Pass

The “Höhenwanderung am Erzgebirgskamm” is an 8.8-kilometre circular hike around the Carlsfeld Reservoir, starting in Weitersglashütte. Another option is the “Waldpfade und Wasserblicke in Carlsfeld” route: it also starts in the village, follows the ridge trail and woodland paths to the reservoir, then returns. This route is not signposted locally and requires digital route data. Keep this in mind when preparing and check the route conditions before setting out.

For a longer high-altitude hike, “Am Kamm entlang nach Böhmen” runs via Henneberg to Hirschenstand / Jelení (CZ) and back to Weitersglashütte; the route is 18.3 kilometres long. The 15.5-kilometre Saxon-Bohemian Border Pass Loop also starts here and reaches the Bohemian side via a historic mountain pass trail. The different route lengths can help you plan your day. Most of the Border Pass Loop passes through a nature reserve: you must stay on the trails there.

Tours in Summer and Winter

Weitersglashütte is a starting point for hiking, cycling and ski tours in both summer and winter. The Kammloipe cross-country ski trail passes directly through the village and is used by cross-country skiers in winter. The Kammloipe Tour No. 7 is another option: this seven-kilometre circular ski tour runs from Carlsfeld-Weitersglashütte over the reservoir dam and back to Weitersglashütte. Since seasonal trail conditions can vary, check them before setting out. This helps you consider the hiking trails and the designated ski loop as different options depending on your travel dates.

Raised Bog and Practical Information

Weiters Glashütte is one of the well-known sites in Saxony where living raised bogs are found; these are protected in nature reserves. The ridge trail also takes in this landscape: Stage 12 runs from Weitersglashütte towards Carlsfeld, passing the Weitersglashütte Raised Bog Nature Reserve. For your journey, the designated P1 car park is right in Weitersglashütte; check local information before you travel.

Discover more destinations: Carlsfeld, Wildenthal.

Go to the main travel overview: Eibenstock.