Gehren Between Castle History and Walking Trails

Gehren combines a varied local history with practical opportunities to get outdoors and be active. Johann Michael Bach’s work, the hunting lodge ruins and the castle park provide cultural highlights; Heideteich adds recreational facilities and playgrounds. Well-marked cycling and walking trails, as well as named routes, round out the picture. When looking for a holiday apartment, it may therefore be important to consider whether you want your days away to focus more on local history, family time at Heideteich or excursions.

Johann Michael Bach and the Castle’s History

Johann Michael Bach worked as an organist, composer, musical instrument maker and town clerk in the predecessor building of today’s St. Michael’s Church. The combination of music, craftsmanship and civic duties makes his role in Gehren a multifaceted one. Those interested in cultural history will find several ways to explore Bach’s work here, rather than just a single musical connection.

The history of the buildings also goes back a long way. A church where Bach worked was probably built before 1475; it was decided that a new church would be built on its site. The early date therefore remains an assumption when looking back at this history.

The ruins of the later hunting lodge of the Princes of Schwarzburg are now a tourist attraction. The castle served as a residence for the princes, and the grounds include a castle park. In contrast to the history of the town church, the focus here is on princely use and the later hunting lodge. Gehren thus brings different historical themes together: Bach’s activities and the church’s history on the one hand, and the castle’s history on the other.

Heideteich and Trails for Active Days

The Heideteich recreation area is particularly suited to families with children; the municipal grounds include several purpose-built playgrounds. This adds a distinct leisure and family dimension to the historical themes. If you are planning a trip with children, you can make Heideteich a particular focus when choosing what you want to do on your holiday.

Gehren has well-marked cycling and walking trails, with notable destinations for hikers. One cycling route described in more detail is the Ilm-Rennsteig Cycle Route: it passes through Gehren by the castle ruins and follows a former railway line that has been converted into a cycle route, climbing towards the Rennsteig. The route thus passes a historic site as it heads towards the Rennsteig. Check local conditions before setting out.

Another option is the fourth stage of the Northern Forest Edge Route, from Ilmenau to Saalfeld, which passes through Gehren. While the Ilm-Rennsteig Cycle Route passes the castle ruins and climbs towards the Rennsteig, this stage places Gehren on a route between Ilmenau and Saalfeld. The locally signposted trails, the cycle route towards the Rennsteig and the Forest Edge Route stage can therefore be considered as different points of reference when planning your trip.

In the Wider Ilmenau Destination

The wider Ilmenau destination also offers its own landscape and activity highlights. Kickelhahn, Ilmenau’s local mountain, is 861 metres high; its 21-metre observation tower is one of the city’s landmarks. The 20-kilometre Goethe Hiking Trail links places associated with Goethe, from Ilmenau to Stützerbach. At Trailpark Lindenberg, three different trails are open to mountain bikers. Check current local information about the trail park before setting out.

Discover more destinations: Arnstadt, Stützerbach, Ichtershausen, Wachsenburggemeinde, Frauenwald, Plaue, Frankenhain, Geschwenda

Go to the wider travel overview: Ilm-Kreis.