In Gräfenroda, experiences in nature meet traditional crafts and local history. You can choose from hikes and excursions by different modes of transport, a visit to the Zwergstatt and insights into the history of the town. You can plan your visit around different interests: outdoor activities, a hands-on creative activity, or exhibitions about crafts and Gräfenroda.
Nature and Outdoor Activities Around the Alte Lache
On the edge of Gräfenroda, near Geschwenda, beside the Wilde Gera and at the foot of the Weiße Stein, lies the “Alte Lache” recreation area. It includes a sports park, gondola ponds, a festival ground and a biker guesthouse. The area is a starting point for easy and challenging hikes, as well as excursions on foot, by bicycle or by motorcycle. This gives you different ways to enjoy the outdoors during your stay, without every activity having to be the same kind of experience.
The large gondola pond is now used by the local angling club and is also a popular place for walks and relaxation. Another place to visit is the “Alte Lache” forest playground. Its listed play equipment includes double swings, a climbing net, a climbing spider, slides, a trampoline and a climbing course. The equipment currently available may change.
Trails, Flowering Plants and Views
The nature trail at Burglehne can be reached in a little over ten minutes from Lindenplatz in the town centre, via “Zum Wolfstal” road and the “Hölle” field path. The actual walking time may vary depending on your pace and conditions. At the start of the trail, above St. Lawrence Church, an information board describes the flowering plants that can be seen in the nature reserve at different times of year. The trail thus combines specific directions for reaching it on foot with a seasonal theme whose appearance changes throughout the year.
For a different perspective on nature, the “Kellner-Blick” viewpoint offers walkers a view of Gräfenroda and the valley of the “Wilde Gera.” The Kammberg-Glöckchen, on the border between Gräfenroda and Geschwenda, can be reached on foot from various directions. If you prefer a named starting point to help you find your way, use Lindenplatz for the nature trail; for the Kammberg-Glöckchen, the key point is that it can be reached from different directions.
Zwergstatt: Get Creative and Discover Traditional Crafts
At the Zwergstatt, you can create your own garden gnome using brushes and paints, with guidance from the staff. If you would rather watch, you can see the artisans at work. Participation and registration arrangements for the activity may change, so check in advance what is currently available. You should also confirm the arrangements for watching beforehand.
The Zwergstatt manufactory museum traces the origins and development of the craft across eight rooms. It displays more than 400 selected exhibits. The museum offers a different experience from the hands-on activity: instead of working with brushes and paints yourself, you can explore the development of the craft and a wide-ranging selection of objects.
Gräfenroda at Haus Grevenrot
Haus Grevenrot dedicates ten themed rooms to the development of Gräfenroda, from its beginnings to modern times. The collection also includes church tower clocks from the former Kühn tower clock factory in Gräfenroda. The exhibitions thus connect the history of the town with a specific example of its former manufacturing industry. Together with the manufactory museum, they can be a focus of your visit if you are interested in local history and crafts.
Planning Information
The Zwergstatt museum is not wheelchair accessible. If accessibility is important for your plans, check your specific questions with the operator before travelling. For a stay that includes nature, crafts and local history, you can choose among the activities according to your interests: the nature trail and viewpoints offer a different focus from the workshop, the Zwergstatt exhibits or the themed rooms at Haus Grevenrot.
Discover more destinations: Behringen, Langewiesen, Elleben, Pennewitz, Herschdorf, Elxleben, Ichtershausen, Großliebringen.
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