Discover Gelenau

Gelenau combines nature experiences, activity, water and local history within a compact thematic area. Anyone looking for a holiday apartment for a varied trip will find different options for planning each day: A wildlife enclosure and nature trail appeal to nature enthusiasts, while the Alpine Coaster track, observation tower and adventure outdoor pool provide additional highlights. The town's history can also be discovered on walks and through special exhibitions.

Wildlife Enclosure and Nature Trail for Discovering Nature

Next to the outdoor pool, Gelenau is home to a 4-hectare wildlife enclosure with fallow deer. A hiking trail leads around the enclosure; several seating areas and a bridge offering a view across the entire area complete the grounds. This makes it possible to combine the visit with a leisurely circuit, allowing you to take your time and enjoy the surroundings.

The nature trail begins at the hiking and cycling station and focuses on local history and regional studies. Several information boards along the nature trail also present the native flora and fauna as well as the local birdlife. If, during a trip, you want not only to be out and about but also to learn more about the landscape and the town, you can incorporate these stations into a walk.

Active Experiences and Panoramic Views

The hiking and cycling station in Gelenau is the starting point and destination for hikes and bicycle tours. Numerous cycling and hiking trails lead through Gelenau and the surrounding area.

The Alpine Coaster track offers a special experience. It is 580 m long and reaches speeds of up to 40 km/h. The observation tower in Gelenau is 27.5 m high and can be reached via 136 steps. The exact number of steps is therefore a specific point to consider when planning your day before visiting the tower.

The adventure outdoor pool features a 42 m long large water slide, a children's paddling pool and a playground. Families travelling with children can combine this activity with other things to do in town. This means that, alongside hiking and cycling tours, water and play can also be central to planning your trip.

Discover Gelenau's History on Walks

A 6 km walk through Gelenau offers the opportunity to discover historic sites and attractions while enjoying the landscape and nature. The moving wheel known as the “Wheel of History” provides an additional insight into the town's history. It depicts twelve scenes from Gelenau's past and present. The town's founders are shown in the centre; an electric motor moves the wheel, which has a diameter of 2.20 m, on two rollers.

The woodcarving exhibition also focuses on illustrative special features. It includes functioning carousels and a mechanical Karl Stülpner mountain. In addition, Gelenau developed into a textile industry centre in the 19th and 20th centuries, with spinning mills and knitting factories. Thus, alongside nature and leisure activities, the town also offers points of interest for visitors who would like to learn about regional development and craftsmanship.

Choose Accommodation to Match Your Daily Plans

When looking for a holiday apartment in Gelenau, you can first consider which experiences you want to make the focus of your stay. Nature, cycling and hiking trails, water, rides or local history lead to different daily itineraries. Accommodation in Gelenau is particularly suitable as a starting point if you want to combine several of these themes and explore the town at your own pace.

Discover More Destinations

If you would also like to view other local pages for your travel planning, you can find Scheibenberg, Wolkenstein, Grünhain-Beierfeld, Bärenstein, Lauter/Saxony, Burkhardtsdorf, Elterlein and Lugau here.

For the higher-level travel overview: Erzgebirgskreis.