The best traffic-free bike rides around Bad Brambach

The mineral spring (Kyselka Dolní Paseky) was already mentioned in the 12th century, and since the 16th century, the healing properties of the "Niederreuther Säuerling" have been highlighted. The spring is attributed with positive effects on potency and longevity. Locals who drank the water are said to have reached a very old age. The water from the spring, located about one and a half kilometers west of the Bohemian-Saxon border, is highly mineralized and contains Glauber's salt; its composition is similar to the healing water of Franzensbad (Františkovy Lázně). It is recommended for rheumatism and metabolic problems. In 1870, the businessman Gustav Geipel from Aš had the mineral water analyzed and a wooden pavilion built above the spring, which was converted into an Art Deco-style brick building in 1930. In 2015 and 2017, the spring temporarily dried up, presumably due to a damaged collection pipe that had been improperly repaired with brittle concrete in previous years. In 2018, the town of Aš renovated the collection pipe, the pavilion, and the immediate surroundings. A new bridge was built over the stream Bílý Halštrov (Weiße Elster). Near the spring, there are benches, and the facility is currently maintained by residents and holiday home owners.

The castle is sadly falling into ruin. It belonged to the von und zu Zwernitz family, who were expelled from the Sudetenland after the Second World War. After the fall of the Iron Curtain, there was still a restaurant here. Now, some of the windows are missing. Nevertheless, the grounds are under video surveillance.

For example, if you're using komoot, you can also hike a few hundred meters through the Czech Republic. (A path in the wilderness)

At night, the building is beautifully staged thanks to the lighting.

St. Elisabeth Church was consecrated in 1913. ----------------------------- As the "Mother of the Poor," Elisabeth of Thuringia was known for her helpfulness and charity. Born in Hungary in 1207, the bright princess was at the center of political interest. At just four years old, she was betrothed to the 14-year-old heir to the throne of the Landgrave of Thuringia, Ludwig, and grew up at Wartburg Castle. After their marriage in 1221, Elisabeth gave birth to three children. The stark contrasts between life in the castle and that in the village, between wealth and poverty, contradicted Elisabeth's Christian sensibilities. Based on her faith, she tried to live out her love of God and neighbor in a very concrete way. She wore simple clothes, attended church services without jewelry, fasted and performed daily penances, cared for the poor and sick, nursed lepers, and took in orphans. She was a truly revolutionary figure who also became a bone of contention in court circles.

St. Michael's Church in Bad Brambach was consecrated in 1846. It was built in the Neo-Classical style and, with its 36-meter-high tower, dominates the town center. Many parts of the interior are older than the church's exterior; for example, the crucifix in the central aisle dates back to the previous church, which was destroyed in a fire in 1842. The altar and pulpit were purchased from the church in Marieney. The altar is a work by the Grüner woodcarver Simon Zeitler, dating from 1751. The three bronze bells from the Perner bell foundry in Passau, in contrast, are very new; they were consecrated in 2005. The old bells had to be taken out of service; they are now displayed on the south wall of the church and can be viewed there. The church houses a slider-chest organ with two manuals and a pedalboard with 21 reeds.

A very nice corner

a small place, but a big church. Worth a look