Oeslau: History, Glass and Routes to the Reservoir

The Historic Oeslau Estate: History of the Name, Ducal Use, the 1848 Fire and Water Castle

The historic Oeslau Estate was first mentioned in 1162 under the name “Ozzelen”. In 1600, it became a ducal estate. The estate acquired its present appearance after a fire destroyed the predecessor building in 1848. This predecessor building was a water castle.

St. John’s in Oeslau: Castle Chapel, Court Church, Duke Johann Casimir and Chancel

The parish church of St. John’s in Oeslau was probably built in 1517 on the foundations of an older castle chapel. Originally, St. John’s Church was the court church of Duke Johann Casimir. The chancel of St. John’s Church contains a net-cell vault with a painted herbarium.

Rosenau Palace in Rödental: Neo-Gothic Style, Wall Paintings, Living and Reception Rooms

Rosenau Palace in Rödental was remodelled in the Neo-Gothic style between 1808 and 1817. Strongly coloured Neo-Gothic wall paintings define the interiors of the living and reception rooms. They also contain original black-stained and polished Viennese Biedermeier furniture. Rosenau Palace is assigned to Rödental; the estate and St. John’s, by contrast, are located in Oeslau.

European Museum of Modern Glass: Studio Glass, Ceramic Study Collection and Lampwork Studio

In the surrounding area, the European Museum of Modern Glass presents the development of studio glass from the 1960s to the present day in its permanent exhibition. The museum also includes a Ceramic Study Collection with more than 500 exhibits by over 250 international ceramic artists. In addition, the European Museum of Modern Glass has a lampwork studio with five workstations.

City Bus Routes 1481 and 1482: Train Station, Town Centre, Oeslau and Rosenau

Rödental city bus route 1481 runs via the town centre, train station, Spittelstein, Blumenrod, Thierach, Kipfendorf, Mönchröden, Waldsachsen, Einberg and Oeslau. City bus route 1482 connects the train station, Froschgrund, town centre, Oeslau, Rosenau and Einberg. Both routes run via Oeslau, the train station and the town centre; their other stops differ.

Events with Music: Autumn Festival and “Church in the Evening”

The 2026 Autumn Festival in Oeslau includes live music by the Schlosskapelle Erlach in the festival tent on 19 September. The St. John’s parish organises “Church in the Evening” at 6 p.m. on the last Sunday of every month, featuring special musical arrangements. Music is therefore present both in the festival tent and in the church setting.

Cycling and Hiking Trails to and Around the Reservoir

In the surrounding area, cycling and hiking trails lead to and around a reservoir. The reservoir can be either the destination or part of a loop.

Geographical Orientation Between Oeslau, Rödental and the Surrounding Area

The Oeslau Estate and the parish church of St. John’s are located in Oeslau. Rosenau Palace is located in Rödental. The European Museum of Modern Glass is situated in the surrounding area. City bus route 1482 also connects Oeslau with Rosenau.

To the main travel overview: Rödental.