An approximately 16-kilometre themed hiking trail and a local history dating back to 1006 give Göda two distinct focal points. The Schanzenwanderweg connects six Slavic hillfort sites within the municipality. Churches, Sorbian history and the area’s former educational and judicial systems add cultural highlights. If you are choosing between hiking and cultural history for your stay, Göda offers something to appeal to both interests.
Göda’s history of churches, schools and courts
Göda was first mentioned in 1006, when it appeared as Burgward Godobi. By 1076 at the latest, Göda had become the second-oldest parish in the Diocese of Meissen in Upper Lusatia, after Bautzen. In 1559, Göda came under Saxon electoral rule; afterwards, Elector August established a Latin school. It primarily served Sorbian pupils preparing to study theology. From the Middle Ages until the beginning of the 19th century, Göda was also home to the Wendish regional court. The parish, Latin school and court reflect the town’s distinct ecclesiastical, educational and legal roles.
Churches and Sorbian customs
The collegiate Church of St Peter and Paul features several phases of construction and interior design. Construction of the Gothic hall church began between 1505 and 1517. The striking Neo-Gothic twin-tower design, visible from far away, has defined its exterior since 1892. The interior includes altar and apostle works by Friedrich Press, as well as an Eule organ. The Gothic construction and Neo-Gothic exterior mark two clearly distinct building phases; Friedrich Press’s works and the organ add art and church music to the architectural picture.
The Catholic Church of the Sacred Heart in Storcha was built between 1882 and 1887. The Cyrill-Methodius-Verein helped make its construction a cause embraced by the Sorbian people. Storcha was historically significant as a settlement on the Hohen Straße. Sorbian customs in Storcha include the Bird Wedding, Easter riding, Corpus Christi processions, house blessings and traditional dress. The church and customs offer different perspectives on Storcha’s cultural history.
Hiking the Schanzenwanderweg
The Schanzenwanderweg is approximately 16 kilometres long and connects six Slavic hillfort sites within the municipality. You can hike it as one continuous route or split it into shorter sections. The trail is designed to showcase the scenic beauty of the Lusatian countryside, explain its cultural and historical features, and provide information about geology, flora and fauna. The hike therefore combines cultural and natural history, while the option to split the route lets you choose how far to walk. Check current trail conditions before setting out.
Mills, pottery and collection pieces
The Fehrmann Mill in Coblenz was built in 1626 and reconstructed after a fire in 1826. As an old, fully operational mill, it gives visitors an insight into the milling trade. At the Gagel pottery workshop, you can make pottery yourself and paint vessels using the traditional sponge technique. The two activities introduce you to craftsmanship in different ways: the mill offers an insight into milling, while the workshop invites you to work with clay yourself.
Discover more destinations: Königswartha, Großpostwitz/Oberlausitz, Schönteichen, Steina, Bernsdorf, Neukirch/Lausitz, Neschwitz, Crostau
For the broader travel overview: Bautzen District.
