Gersdorf combines local history with art, brewery culture and hiking. The town lies at the foot of the Ore Mountains and developed in the Hegebach valley as a typical Waldhufendorf, a type of forest-strip village. This gives visitors several areas to explore when planning a trip: a church with a distinctive organ, an art museum in a historic mill, mining-related trails and the Glückauf Brewery.
Church, Art and Mill History
St. Mary’s Church was built in Gersdorf between 1862 and 1865 and contains a valuable Jehmlich organ. The Tetzner Museum is devoted to the life and work of Gersdorf painter and graphic artist Heinz Tetzner, who is considered an Expressionist artist. The permanent exhibition presents a cross-section of his work, including oil paintings, watercolours and prints. The church’s architectural history and an artistic body of work in different media thus stand side by side as distinct cultural themes.
The museum’s location also tells the story of an earlier use: the Hessenmühle complex is said to have originated around 1450 as a sheep farm and water mill. The museum is housed in the former mill wing. Mill history and the presentation of art meet here in one place, while their distinct historical contexts remain separate.
Hiking Trails with Different Highlights
The Gersdorf Mining Educational Trail includes a viewpoint with far-reaching views towards Oelsnitz. The 18-kilometre, signposted regional circular route, the Steinkohlenweg, offers a different kind of outing. It runs through Oelsnitz/Erzgebirge, Hohndorf, Gersdorf and Lugau. The details provide different points of reference for choosing a route: the viewpoint towards Oelsnitz is a specific landmark on the mining trail, while the Steinkohlenweg is defined by its signposted circular route and length.
Brewery Culture in Gersdorf
You can experience the Glückauf Brewery in two different ways. The Braustübchen is located in the converted old brewhouse; the original interior has been preserved, and seating is available inside the old brewing kettle. The shop stocks the brewery’s full range as well as beer-related gifts, bock beer truffles and beer-brand pralines. One offers a distinctive setting, while the other features a selection of souvenirs and brewery products. The shop’s selection may change, so check before visiting.
Getting There and the Summer Swimming Pool
Gersdorf has no rail connection, but there is a regular bus service from Hohenstein-Ernstthal. Bus services can change, so check current connections before travelling. By car, Gersdorf is connected to the A4 and A72 motorways via the B180; the distance is given as approximately seven kilometres.
An important detail for planning is the status of the summer swimming pool. Its facilities include a 50-metre competition pool, a diving tower, a water slide, a beach volleyball court and a separate children’s pool. However, following the 2022 landslide, the pool remains closed until it is rebuilt.
Discover more destinations: Callenberg, Hohenstein-Ernstthal, Lichtentanne, Zwickau, Remse, Zwickau, Reinsdorf, Wildenfels.
Go to the main travel overview: Zwickau District.
