Winterwanderweg Gibacht

The circular route from Berghaus Gibacht is a classic among the winter hiking trails. The first few meters lead winter hikers, cross-country skiers and snowshoe hikers approx. 400 meters uphill to the start of the signposted routes. There, hikers follow the blue winter hiking trail sign, which points out the two sights "Glaskreuz" and "Leuchtturm" and leads slightly uphill to the right. It goes up a small path, then downhill where there is an old small "Bretterhüttn" on the left, which used to be used as a starting hut for the local ski races. 100 meters further on you come to a crossroads where snowshoe hikers and winter hikers can walk various routes. Keep right and after approx. 400 meters turn right again along a new small hiking trail. Now it's a gentle uphill walk along the "Goldsteig" award-winning hiking trail to the "Glaskreuz", where hikers can enjoy a sensational panorama with views of the Arber, Osser and Hohenbogen. Incidentally, this cross was erected on April 2, 2005 as a joint project by the "Arbeitsgemeinschaft Wanderwege Furth im Wald" and the "Klub Tschechischer Touristen, Sektion Domazlice / Taus", the first glass summit cross in the Bavarian Forest, in view of the long glass tradition on the mountain slopes of Gibacht and Cerchov. The cross has since become a magnet for hiking tourists from Bavaria and the Czech Republic. Our tour continues downhill to the foot of the Tannenriegel, where we cross a cross-country ski trail and then walk uphill to the "Lighthouse of Humanity". This unique nature project was built in the fall of 2007 as part of a "by people - for people" campaign. Thanks to the great efforts of many volunteers and sponsors, this structure could be realized on the Tannenriegel, based on an idea by Ralph Wenzel, the Gibacht innkeeper. Around 10 tons of stones were painstakingly laid, some of which came from different regions and countries around the world. Four hand-cast glass elements, which light up at night using solar technology, were installed facing west. In addition to a world disk, a Christian cross, an Islamic crescent and a Star of David send light signals into the world to call for more peace and understanding among people. A wonderful view of the Waldmünchen vacation region rewards the hiker for the short climb. After a short stop, the winter hiking trail leads us through a small idyllic winter forest before heading downhill to Berghaus Gibacht. After approx. 1 ½ hours, the hike comes to an end with a small snack at the Gibacht inn. As the winter hiking trail runs along small paths, it is not rolled or cleared in winter. Please do not walk on the trails!