More than 20 ponds surround the Groß Schacksdorf area. The landscape, architectural history and local culture offer a range of highlights for a stay in Groß Schacksdorf-Simmersdorf.

Ponds and Paths

The local flora and fauna are considered species-rich. The Groß Schacksdorf-Simmersdorf area has paths for walking, cycling and horse riding, offering several outdoor activities to choose from.

Village Church and Castle

The village church in Groß Schacksdorf dates from the 14th century. After being destroyed during the Thirty Years’ War, it was rebuilt on the old foundations between 1719 and 1721. It is a solid, plastered hexagonal building made of mixed masonry, including brick, fieldstone and bog iron. Its architectural history therefore encompasses medieval origins, destruction during the war and reconstruction on the old foundations.

The Baroque manor house Schloss Schacksdorf was built around 1725 on the walls of a former moated castle. It is considered one of the oldest surviving manor houses in the region. Many original details have been preserved; the large hall and historic staircase are among its notable features. The church and castle represent different architectural histories: after the church was destroyed, it was rebuilt on its old foundations, while the manor house was built on the walls of a moated castle. Schloss Schacksdorf has been a venue for cultural events for years. Visits are only possible as part of the programmes on offer; check in advance which programme items are scheduled during your stay.

Local History Room and Everyday Life

The Groß Schacksdorf local history room is located in rooms in the school building, which was inaugurated in 1907. It presents the local history of the school as well as the area’s flora and fauna, and documents local culture and ways of life from the 19th to the 20th century. This period complements the older architectural histories with a look at school, nature and everyday life. Themed tours for travel groups and guests attending family celebrations are available by prior arrangement or on request; please arrange such a tour in advance.

The Former Manor House in Simmersdorf

The former manor house in Simmersdorf retains Baroque vaults, stucco ceilings and remnants of illusionistic architectural painting. It is considered an example of rural Saxon Baroque architecture. While Schloss Schacksdorf is defined by its construction on the walls of a moated castle, the focus at the manor house in Simmersdorf is on its surviving vaults, ceilings and painted remnants. Simmersdorf thus offers another perspective on rural Baroque architecture.

Regional Highlights in Spree-Neiße

The wider Spree-Neiße destination offers a regional perspective on nature and culture. The East German Rose Garden in Forst (Lausitz) is a 17-hectare park where visitors can admire tens of thousands of roses in almost 1,000 varieties. The Spree Cycle Route also runs through the Spree-Neiße region: for about 60 kilometres, it follows river dykes, mostly paved. At the regional level, garden culture and a cycling route therefore offer distinct themes alongside the local highlights.

Planning Your Stay

Simmersdorf is on the B115 between Forst (Lausitz) and Döbern. When looking for a holiday apartment, it helps to first decide what you would like to focus on during your stay: architectural history, the themes covered in the local history room or paths in the municipal area.

Discover more destinations: Spremberg, Burg, Welzow, Schenkendöbern, Turnow-Preilack, Hornow-Wadelsdorf, Peitz, Werben

Go to the wider travel overview: Spree-Neiße.