Discover Gräfenroda: Nature and Craftsmanship

Alte Lache: Outdoor Activity and Relaxation

On the outskirts of Gräfenroda, near Geschwenda, beside the Wilde Gera and at the foot of the Weiße Stein, lies the “Alte Lache” local recreation area. It includes a sports park, boating ponds, a festival site and a biker guesthouse. The area is a starting point for easy and challenging hikes, as well as trips on foot, by bicycle or by motorcycle. This lets you tailor your stay to the activities you want, without committing to just one way of getting around.

The large boating pond is now used by the local angling club and is also a popular place for walks and relaxation. The “Alte Lache” forest playground has double swings, a climbing net, a climbing web, slides, a trampoline, a climbing course and other play equipment. Playground facilities may change; if you have specific equipment in mind, check what is currently available before your visit.

Nature Trail and Scenic Viewpoints

You can reach the nature trail at Burglehne from Lindenplatz in the town centre via “Zum Wolfstal” street and the “Hölle” farm track in a little over ten minutes. Actual walking time may vary depending on conditions and your pace. At the start of the trail, above St. Laurentius Church, an information board describes flowering plants that can be seen in the nature reserve at different times of year. The notice highlights the changing seasons: what is in bloom depends on when you visit.

Kammberg-Glöckchen can be reached on foot from several directions and lies on the boundary between Gräfenroda and Geschwenda. From the “Kellner-Blick” viewpoint, walkers can see Gräfenroda and the Wilde Gera valley. The two spots therefore offer different perspectives on the surrounding area: Kammberg-Glöckchen is described as a destination accessible from several directions, while Kellner-Blick looks out over the town and valley.

Craftsmanship and Local History

At the Zwergstatt, you can watch the craftspeople at work. If you want to make sure this is part of your visit, check in advance on current visitor arrangements. The Zwergstatt manufactory museum traces the origins and development of the craft across eight rooms and displays more than 400 selected exhibits. The exhibition thus combines an overview of the craft’s development with an extensive selection of objects.

If you would like to make something yourself, you can create your own garden gnome at the Zwörgshop using brushes and paints, with guidance from the staff. Check in advance on current participation and booking arrangements. When it comes to craftsmanship, you can choose between watching the work and trying your hand at making something yourself.

Haus Grevenrot focuses on local history: its ten themed rooms trace 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. Unlike the manufactory museum, which explores the development of craftsmanship, Haus Grevenrot takes you through the town’s history and preserves a piece of its former tower clockmaking tradition.

Choose the Right Focus for Your Stay

The Zwergstatt museum is not accessible to visitors with disabilities. If step-free access is important for your plans, discuss your specific needs with the operator before visiting. When choosing a holiday apartment in Gräfenroda, it can also help to first consider what you want your days away to be like: would you like to focus on outdoor activity, or are you especially interested in craftsmanship and local history? This way, you can search for an apartment based on the experiences you want to prioritise during your stay.

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