In Rietschen, historic attractions meet a diverse network of cycling routes. Erlichthof is a starting point for culture and cycling tours: nine circular routes begin there, while museums, exhibitions and traditional events offer more to discover. When planning your trip, you can make culture and outdoor activity separate priorities.
Erlichthof: Historic Houses and Culture
The Erlichthof settlement was established in the early 1990s, when historic timber houses were relocated from the area ahead of the lignite open-pit mine. Today, it comprises a historic ensemble of timber houses and a farm museum. The settlement’s history gives the houses a special context: they represent not only a style of building, but also the changes associated with the area ahead of the mine.
Visitor attractions at the Erlichthof settlement include a wolf museum, exhibitions and guided tours. Traditional workshops are also active there. The Wolf Barn at Erlichthof focuses on the European grey wolf, with nature films, an exhibition and a themed outdoor area. Visitors interested in history, crafts or wolves will find a range of subjects in one place.
Traditional events held throughout the year include a pottery market, a wood and forest day, a nature and fishing festival, and the Wichtel Festival. Dates may change, so check before your trip whether an event coincides with your visit.
Another historic attraction is the Rietschen Fire Brigade Museum. It covers the history of the volunteer fire brigade from 1945 to 1989 and displays historic rescue equipment, protective clothing and an original Robur Garant K30 fire engine. Visitors must book by telephone in advance.
Cycling Tours and Destinations Along the Wolfsradweg
Nine circular routes start at Erlichthof and pass through the Upper Lusatian Heath and Pond Landscape. They range from 26 to 65 kilometres in length. This makes it possible to choose a planned distance in kilometres; route information may be updated, so it is advisable to check the latest route description.
The 45-kilometre Wolfsradweg is another route to consider. It crosses the municipality of Rietschen between the Spreeradweg and the NeiĂźeradweg. Forest Village Ranch is located on the Wolfsradweg and is a destination for short excursions. It features a Western-style setting, a wooden playground and a herd of bison. The route thus offers both cycling and a themed attraction.
The activities on offer in Rietschen also include carriage rides, trail rides, a trail-riding operation and riding lessons. Since providers and availability may change, it is worth checking directly in advance whether your chosen activity is available. If you would rather spend time by the water, Schenkteich, a small lake in the Hammerstadt recreation area, is used for swimming by locals and visitors. Swimming conditions may change.
Getting There and Planning the Right Trip
Rietschen is on federal highway 115 between Cottbus and Görlitz. The railway station is in the town centre on the Berlin–Görlitz railway line; free parking is available at the station, and local buses run regularly. When choosing accommodation, take your planned arrival and a location suited to your excursions into account. Timetables and transport services may change, so check connections before setting off.
For a stay focused on Erlichthof, the historic houses, museums and events provide a cultural starting point. Those mainly interested in cycling can include the nine circular routes, choosing by their stated lengths, or the Wolfsradweg, which runs through Rietschen. Depending on your interests, add a riding activity or a visit to Schenkteich. This makes for a stay with clear priorities without forcing every activity into a fixed itinerary.
Discover more destinations: Schönau-Berzdorf Auf Dem Eigen, Bad Muskau, Görlitz, Rosenbach, Beiersdorf, Waldhufen, Niesky, Leutersdorf.
Go to the main travel overview: Görlitz.
