The network of hiking trails, the outdoor pool and St. Laurentius Church offer different starting points for planning a trip to Erlau: nature, swimming and local history. Erlau lies on the edge of the Vessertal UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and, according to available records, is the oldest district of the town of Schleusingen. It was first mentioned in 1144. Visitors can get to know the village through both its landscape and its clearly defined historical profile.
Hiking and Swimming in Erlau
Erlau has a well-developed network of hiking trails. Together with its location on the edge of the Vessertal UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, this offers a tangible starting point for anyone looking to include hikes in their stay. Trail conditions may vary, so take this into account when planning your route.
Erlau Outdoor Pool is a public swimming pool operated by the town of Schleusingen, located right in front of the campsite in Erlau. If you plan to visit the outdoor pool, check the current opening hours beforehand. Erlau swimming pool also has a children's playground with a slide, a carousel and a rocking horse. These facilities complement the swimming area with a dedicated play space.
The Church and the Village's History
The overall structure of St. Laurentius Church in Erlau was built mainly around 1500. Its large winged altarpiece also dates from around 1500: it features carved, colorful, partially gilded figures and twelve painted panels. The church's architecture and altarpiece provide a distinct cultural focus, separate from the village's natural and swimming attractions.
The history of local work can also be traced through specific changes. In earlier centuries, forestry, charcoal burning and agriculture were the main sources of livelihood in Erlau. Later, blacksmithing, woodworking, weaving and glassmaking were added.
Culture in the Wider Destination of Schleusingen
The wider destination of Schleusingen offers further, distinct cultural themes. Bertholdsburg Castle in Schleusingen is a Renaissance building with four flanking towers and magnificent portals. Until 1583, it was the seat of the Counts of Henneberg; today it houses the Natural History Museum. Three large exhibitions cover almost 2,000 square meters in the castle's east, north and west wings. Highlights include the five- to six-meter-long skeletons of dinosaurs from southern Thuringia. Since exhibitions may change and current visitor regulations should be checked before traveling, it is worth consulting the relevant information before your visit.
Another point of interest is the market square in the center of Schleusingen. Linden trees line the square, and its 1710 market fountain features a statue of Countess Elisabeth of Henneberg. The fountain is linked to the annual Abitaufe, held on the penultimate weekend before the summer holidays and one of the highlights of the town festival. The graduating students of Hennebergisches Gymnasium “Georg Ernst” are pulled through the town in brightly decorated handcarts and then ceremonially baptized after Countess Elisabeth's face on the market fountain has been veiled. As the date is tied to the summer holidays, it is advisable to check the festival dates when planning a trip.
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Schleusingen, Themar, Langenbach, Auengrund, Henfstädt, Sachsenbrunn, Schnett, Lichtenau
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