Železná Ruda (meaning "ironstone market") is located at 820 m altitude, just approx. 3 km from Bayerisch Eisenstein on the German border and is one of the central points for sport and tourism in Bohemian Forest. The name of the town stems from when it was founded, on a trading route close to an iron ore mine between Bohemia and Bavaria. As the area is very rich in raw materials, since the Middle Ages there have been many iron and glass workshops, which up until the middle of the 20th century provided work for lots of the residents. However today tourism plays a much greater role. In summer the region invites you on hikes and bike rides around the lakes and mountain peaks, whilst in winter it bustles with sport-lovers on the extensive cross-country trails and in the family-friendly ski areas. Should the weather keep you from enjoying the nature, you can learn about the history or the special features of the region in the diverse museums (e.g. the brewery museum or the motorcycle exhibition).