Attractions and Places To See around Gleißenberg - Top 20
Best attractions and places to see around Gleißenberg include a variety of natural and historical sites within the Bavarian Forest. This municipality is situated near the German-Czech border, offering a landscape characterized by mountains and forests. The region provides opportunities to explore significant viewpoints and cultural landmarks.
Best attractions and places to see around Gleißenberg
- The most popular attractions is Kreuzfelsen Summit (Gibacht), a summit that features a monumental Jesus cross. It provides an excellent vantage point over the Bavarian Forest after a short, rope-secured climb.
- Another must-see spot is Čerchov Observation Tower and Former Military Site, a viewpoint and historical site. This is the highest mountain in the Upper Palatinate Forest at 1042 meters above sea level, offering panoramic views.
- Visitors also love Lighthouse of Humanity at Tannenriegel, a man-made monument and viewpoint. This unique peace symbol is constructed from 10 tons of stones from various regions and features four glass elements that glow at night.
- Gleißenberg is known for summits, historical sites, and natural monuments. These offer diverse experiences, from panoramic views to cultural insights.
- The attractions around Gleißenberg are appreciated by the komoot community, with over 900 upvotes and more than 2300 photos shared.
Last updated: May 9, 2026
Čerchov Observation Tower and Former Military Site
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Kreuzfelsen Summit (Gibacht)
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Three Coats of Arms
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Lighthouse of Humanity at Tannenriegel
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The lighthouse of humanity has been on this summit since 2007. A symbol of peace: around 10 tons of stones were walled up for this purpose - from different regions and countries.
Particularly beautiful, four individually manufactured glass elements glow at night:
A world disc, a Christian cross, an Islamic crescent and a star of David send light signals into the world to call us to more peace and understanding among one another.
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Dragon Lake
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Čerchov, whose German name is "Schwarzkopf", is the highest mountain in the Bohemian Forest. There are two towers and a row of barracks on the summit. One tower is an observation tower built in 1904. The other tower, peppered with listening devices, was used as a reconnaissance post by the Soviets and the Stasi until the fall of the Berlin Wall and later by the Czech army until after 1990. For this reason, it was not permitted to climb to the top of the mountain for a long time. The reconnaissance station is part of a chain of similar listening posts along the German border and continues northwards over Velký Zvon (859 metres), Havran (894 metres) and Dyleň (939 metres).
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Leisure time - relaxation - pure nature. The lake with its four zones - leisure zone, ecological regeneration zone, nature experience and environmental education zone as well as operational and safety zone - has a lot to offer for families and children as well as for athletes and nature lovers! [bayerischer-wald.de]
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The Drachensee can be circumnavigated in about 10 kilometers. In the summer months, the round can be shortened to about 5 kilometers by crossing a bridge (lake crossing).
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On the state border between Bavaria and Bohemia At the state border and the shelter hut at the Drei-Wappen-Felsen (901 m) are in the rocks from the left the coats of arms of the Electorate of Bavaria (CB), the Kingdom of Bohemia (KB) and the Duchy of Palatinate (HP) with the year 1766 chiselled and remind of the former demarcation of the border between Bavaria and Bohemia. The basis for this was the border treaty of March 3, 1764, with which the Austrian Empress Maria Theresa (who was also the Bohemian Queen at the time and acted as such) and the Bavarian Elector Max III. Joseph ended the centuries-long disputes about the exact course of the border without bloodshed.
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The Čerchov (German Schwarzkopf) is 1042 m n.m. the highest mountain in the Upper Palatinate Forest (Český les) and the northern peak of the Bohemian Forest. It is about 2 km from the German-Czech border in the Czech Republic, roughly in the middle of a triangle formed by the towns of Waldmünchen, Furth im Wald and Domažlice.
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After being used by the Wehrmacht in World War II, the summit was used intensively as a reconnaissance station until the 1990s and was no longer open to the public. In addition to the Kurz-Turm (named after its builder), which was built in 1904 as an observation tower, a second, larger tower was built by the Czechoslovak army in 1987, which is now used for air traffic control purposes and is not accessible. The corresponding NATO communications station was on the Hoher Bogen about 20 km to the south-east; other reconnaissance posts were u. a. on the Velký Zvon (Plattenberg, with a tower built in 1978 in a very similar way, with visual contact to the Čerchov plant) and the Dyleň. In addition to the Soviet Army, Main Department III of the East German Ministry for State Security also used the position on the Čerchov as a listening post (code name "RUBIN"). In the course of the opening of the border and reunification, the listening posts were given up and the Kurz-Turm has been accessible again since July 2000. The mountain offers a panoramic view of the Bavarian Forest and the Czech plain, in good weather conditions the view extends to the Alps. There is also an amateur radio relay on the mountain. The Domažlice Tourist Club renovated the lookout tower and built an extension to the so-called short tower, which houses a small bistro. Climbing the tower costs €1.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What natural features can I explore around Gleißenberg?
Gleißenberg is nestled at the foot of the Bavarian Forest, offering a variety of natural attractions. You can visit the Čerchov Observation Tower and Former Military Site, the highest mountain in the Upper Palatinate Forest, or the Kreuzfelsen Summit (Gibacht), which provides excellent views. The region also features the Dragon Lake, a beautifully designed reservoir with different areas for recreation and nature conservation.
Are there any historical or cultural sites to visit in Gleißenberg?
Yes, Gleißenberg offers several cultural and historical points of interest. The Čerchov Observation Tower and Former Military Site has a rich history, having been used as a reconnaissance station. You can also find the Three Coats of Arms monument, marking a historic border agreement. Additionally, the Heimat- und Kulturscheune (Homeland and Culture Barn) serves as a cultural center, and the Kath. Pfarrkirche St. Bartholomäus is a notable religious landmark.
What kind of hiking trails are available near Gleißenberg?
Gleißenberg boasts a well-developed network of approximately 100 km of hiking trails, catering to all levels. You can find routes ranging from gentle hills to steeper inclines. Popular options include trails leading up to the Gibacht massif, the Klammerfelssteig, and sections of the long-distance Goldsteig trail. For specific routes, explore the Hiking around Gleißenberg guide.
Are there family-friendly attractions in the Gleißenberg area?
Yes, the Gleißenberg area offers family-friendly options. The Dragon Lake is well-suited for families, with designated bathing and tent areas. The Meranpark in Gleißenberg also provides recreational activities, including children's playgrounds and climbing facilities. The Gibacht circular hiking trail, which includes the Three Coats of Arms, is also suitable for families with children.
Where can I find the best panoramic views around Gleißenberg?
For breathtaking panoramic views, head to the Čerchov Observation Tower and Former Military Site, the highest point in the Upper Palatinate Forest, offering extensive vistas of the Bavarian Forest and Czech plain. The Kreuzfelsen Summit (Gibacht) also provides a great view over the Bavarian Forest after a short climb. Additionally, the Lighthouse of Humanity at Tannenriegel offers a wonderful view over the 'Upper Palatinate hill country'.
Is the Čerchov Observation Tower accessible to visitors?
Yes, the Kurz-Turm, one of the observation towers on Čerchov, has been accessible to the public since July 2000. There is a small bistro housed in an extension to the tower, and climbing the tower costs a small fee. The mountain offers a panoramic view, extending to the Alps on clear days.
What is the 'Lighthouse of Humanity' and where is it located?
The Lighthouse of Humanity is a unique peace symbol located on the Tannenriegel, a western foothills of the Gibacht mountain. It was constructed from approximately 10 tons of stones from various regions and countries. It features four individually manufactured glass elements – a world disc, a Christian cross, an Islamic crescent, and a Star of David – which glow at night using solar technology, sending light signals into the world to promote peace and understanding.
Can I go cycling around Gleißenberg?
Absolutely! The Gleißenberg region is excellent for cycling. There are numerous routes for both road cycling and gravel biking. You can find detailed routes and guides for Gravel biking around Gleißenberg and Road Cycling Routes around Gleißenberg, offering various distances and difficulty levels.
What is special about the Dragon Lake near Gleißenberg?
The Dragon Lake (Drachensee) is a beautifully designed reservoir built in 2009. It is thoughtfully divided into different areas, including a bathing area, a tent space, a fishing area, and a dedicated nature conservation zone at the very back. This makes it a versatile spot for various recreational activities while also protecting the natural environment.
Are there any easy walking trails suitable for all fitness levels?
Yes, Gleißenberg offers easy walking trails. For example, the 'Memorial Plaques loop from Gleißenberg' and the 'Burgstall Summit Cross loop from Gleißenberg' are both rated as easy and are around 5-5.5 km in length. These are great options for a relaxed stroll. You can find more easy routes in the Hiking around Gleißenberg guide.
What is the significance of the 'Three Coats of Arms' monument?
The Three Coats of Arms monument is carved into a rock and features the coats of arms of the Kingdom of Bohemia, the Electorate of Bavaria, and the Duchy of Palatinate. It commemorates a border agreement reached in 1754 after decades of disputes. It's a historical marker that highlights the region's past as a borderland, which was once part of the 'Iron Curtain' between Germany and Czechoslovakia.
What do visitors enjoy most about the attractions around Gleißenberg?
Visitors particularly appreciate the diverse experiences offered by Gleißenberg's attractions. The panoramic views from summits like Čerchov and Kreuzfelsen are highly rated. The unique peace symbol of the Lighthouse of Humanity is also a beloved highlight. The community frequently shares photos and upvotes, indicating a strong appreciation for both the natural beauty and the cultural insights the region provides.
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