Großröhrsdorf lies on the Große Röder river and combines a long history of ribbon weaving with museums, an outdoor pool in the forest and various trails. During your stay, you can focus on textile industrial history, other local crafts, swimming, or tours on foot and by bike.
Ribbon Weaving and Local History
Ribbon weaving has a more than 320-year tradition in Großröhrsdorf; it dates back to 1680. By the mid-19th century, there were 32 ribbon factories and more than 1,000 looms here. The F.A. Schurig ribbon-weaving company also has a long history: it was founded in 1863 as a small business where homeworkers worked. Großröhrsdorf is regarded as the center of historic ribbon weaving in the Röder valley.
The former ribbon-weaving factory Kulturfabrik stands in the town center and now houses the Technical Museum of Ribbon Weaving. Historical looms can be seen there; many are still operational and demonstrated during guided tours. As a town in Westlausitz, Großröhrsdorf is part of the Industrial Heritage Route. The route traces industrial development in Westlausitz and the Bautzen Highlands, both of which are part of the Upper Lusatia tourism region.
The local history museum offers a different perspective on the town’s past. It is located in Großröhrsdorf’s oldest surviving half-timbered house with a surrounding structure, built in 1798. Weavers’ and farmers’ rooms, as well as a historic shop, illustrate the lives of the first ribbon weavers. Local crafts on display include shoemaking, cigar making, furriery and blacksmithing. The black kitchen also contains Lusatia’s last surviving smoke chimney.
The town hall also has a clearly dated construction history: its foundation stone was laid on 27 May 1908, and the building was inaugurated the following year. Stops on Großröhrsdorf’s Industrial Heritage Route include the Technical Museum of Ribbon Weaving, Villa Familie C.G. Großmann and the J.G. Schöne ribbon and belt-weaving company. The route’s starting point is listed as Schulstraße 2, 01900 Großröhrsdorf; check the starting point before setting out. The audio stories of Industrial Heritage Upper Lusatia are available directly on its website; headphones are recommended.
Massenei Outdoor Pool and Trails
The Massenei outdoor pool is located in the Massenei Forest and offers a place to swim and enjoy leisure time in the woods. Its water area covers more than 2,400 square meters; the stainless-steel pools are heated using solar energy. Facilities include four 50-meter competition lanes, a diving pool and diving platforms at heights of 1, 3 and 5 meters. Two large slides are 61 and 66 meters long, and there is also a wide water slide. Sunbathing lawns, a children’s playground and a separate parent-and-child area round out the facilities.
For a tour through the Massenei, the 7.6-kilometer Sagenpfad (Legend Trail) has seating and ten information boards. It is suitable for hiking and cycling. The approximately 13-kilometer Massenei Circular Trail connects urban and natural areas of Großröhrsdorf. The two trails therefore differ in more than just length: the Sagenpfad focuses on the boards and seating along the way, while the circular trail connects urban and natural areas.
Further hiking options lead through individual districts and over named hills. The Kleinröhrsdorf Circular Hiking Trail is a relaxed day trip in the Kleinröhrsdorf district. The Hauswalde Circular Trail crosses the Krohnenberg, Kesselberg and Thunigsberg hills, and connects with the Rammenau hiking trail network and the Buschmühle natural swimming area.
There are also cycling routes of varying lengths. The Westlausitz section of the Röder Cycle Route is approximately 30 kilometers long and is considered easy, with no significant climbs. Check current route conditions before setting out. The 62-kilometer Produktroute (Product Route) passes the Technical Museum of Ribbon Weaving and connects craft businesses and demonstration workshops with regional products. It offers the opportunity to visit direct sellers and outlets for regional goods; check in advance whether individual businesses can be visited.
Discover more destinations: Crostwitz, Bischofswerda, Göda, Großnaundorf, Laußnitz, Kamenz, Neschwitz, Burkau.
Go to the main travel overview: Bautzen District.
