Železná Ruda

Železná Ruda (literally "iron ore", Czech pronunciation: [ˈʒɛlɛznaː ˈruda], German: Markt Eisenstein) is a town in the Pilsen Region of the Czech Republic. It is located in the Šumava Mountains, close to the border with Bavaria and the German town Bayerisch Eisenstein. It is one of the important sports and tourism centres of the Šumava Mountains. The German name of the town comes from The Middle Ages, when it was a market town.

Places of interest

Natural

The town is surrounded by forests and green mountains. There are many popular tourist sites, such as the lakes Černé jezero and Čertovo jezero and Špičák peak (1,202 m).

Historical

Historical sites include the Church of Panna Maria Pomocná z Hvězdy (with an Eastern-style cupola), the Chapel of St. Barbora (saint of mineworkers) and the Way of the Cross. The local museum and information centre are located in a house, which was the home to a well-known family of glassmakers in the past. There is an exhibition of traditional glass, documents and photographs concerning history available all year round.