Mühlbach: Scythe-making, music and trails

Mühlbach is a district of Kiefersfelden. Its history of scythe-making and the scythe-makers’ band offer two cultural perspectives; in addition, hiking and cycling routes pass through Mühlbach in different ways. When planning a stay, it is worth distinguishing the district’s attractions from other destinations in the wider Kiefersfelden area. The Blaahaus Industrial Museum is a regional attraction in its own right.

Scythe-making and musical tradition

Over time, scythe-making in Mühlbach developed into a thriving industry, and its products were exported around the world. The Mühlbach Scythe-Makers’ Band was founded in 1902 as the works band of the Bavarian and Tyrolean Scythe Union. To this day, it performs at events and concerts in Mühlbach and neighbouring municipalities, including Oberaudorf and Kiefersfelden. The history of scythe-making and the band’s performances show different facets of cultural life in the district.

The Blaahaus in the wider Kiefersfelden area

In the wider destination of Kiefersfelden, the Blaahaus Industrial Museum covers the region’s history of coal, iron, scythes, marble and cement, as well as folk theatre, musical tradition and community life. Historical original objects and other exhibition areas are presented across around 450 m²; the tour is also translated into English. Visitors can explore the company history of the “Bayerische & Tiroler Sensen-Union AG” and learn more about the complex craft of scythe-making. Those wishing to put Mühlbach’s scythe-making in context will also find here the broader story of other regional industries and community life. Another route in Kiefersfelden leads from the town centre along the Kieferbach, past Bavaria’s largest waterwheel and through the Gießenbach Gorge to the Schopperalm; the gorge is closed seasonally.

Hiking trails through Mühlbach

Stage 5 of the Grenzenlos Hiking Trail passes through the district of Mühlbach on its way to Kiefersfelden. After a short stretch on a cycle path running alongside the road, it continues peacefully through woodland and meadows. The stage therefore includes both a section along the cycle path and the subsequent route through woodland and meadows.

The Marienwege M5 pilgrimage route passes through Mühlbach between Oberaudorf and Kiefersfelden. Kiefersfelden Mühlbach is also part of the designated route of the EUREGIO Marien-Weg M1. The route descriptions provide different points of reference: for the M5, the two towns and the route through Mühlbach are specified; for the M1, Kiefersfelden Mühlbach is part of the designated route.

Cycling routes linked to Mühlbach

The cycling tour around Oberaudorf heads towards Mühlbach and then climbs a short hill from the Mühlbach fire station up to Oberaudorf. The Kiefersfelden cycling loop runs from Kiefersfelden towards Mühlbach and returns along the Inn embankment. The descriptions highlight different details: the Oberaudorf tour specifies the short climb from the fire station, while the Kiefersfelden loop specifies the return along the Inn embankment.

For the wider travel overview: Kiefersfelden.