The Regen River springs on the southern slopes of Pancíř mountain and flows through the town proper to the German border.

The Úhlava River springs on the western slopes of the same mountain and flows across the northern half of the municipal territory.

The local economy is very dependent on tourism because Železná Ruda is one of the most popular skiing centres of the Bohemian Forest, as well as a starting point for many hiking trips.

[8] Železná Ruda is located on the railway line from Prague via Plzeň and Klatovy, which ends here.

[9] The station building of Železná Ruda-Alžbětín/Bayerisch Eisenstein is divided by the national border between the Czech Republic and Germany.

[11] Other historical sights include the Chapel of Saints Anthony of Padua and Barbara, and the Stations of the Cross.

The local museum and information centre are located in a house from 1877, which was once the home of a well-known family of glassmakers.