Kretzschau: Lake, Wine Country and Cycling Routes

When planning a stay in Kretzschau, it helps to first distinguish between the lake, the wine country and the cycling routes. At Lake Kretzschau, water activities go hand in hand with accommodation options; the wine country along the White Elster and regional cycling links round out the choices. If you are looking for a hotel in Kretzschau, these different focal points can help you plan your stay: time at the lake, wine tastings or cycling routes.

Lake Kretzschau: Landscape and Water

Lake Kretzschau was formed by groundwater flowing into the former Groitzschen II open-cast mine. Today, it is fed by a stream and a groundwater spring. It covers 25 hectares and reaches a depth of about 45 metres at its deepest point. The figures for area and depth describe different measurements: the number of hectares refers to the lake as a whole, while the depth refers to its deepest point.

Activities and Accommodation by the Lake

At Lake Kretzschau, you can swim and play ball. These activities are seasonal; check the conditions before your arrival. Boat and bicycle rentals make it possible to enjoy activities on the water and around the lake. Check the availability of rentals in advance. The beach terrace serves refreshments and home-style meals; check the current food and drink options on site.

There are several types of accommodation to consider by the lake. A small campsite accepts seasonal campers and day visitors by prior reservation; check the current booking conditions in advance. Next to the lake are 13 bungalows belonging to a youth hostel, which accommodates larger groups. Ask about current availability before deciding.

Wine Country along the White Elster

You can explore the wine country along the White Elster in the municipality on foot or by bicycle. Wine tastings and wine purchases are available at the Salsitz wine shop. This offers a choice of ways to enjoy the area: take in the landscape on a walk or bike ride, and taste or buy wine at the wine shop.

A specific vineyard name is also part of the local wine connection: in Grana, within Kretzschau, the vineyards of the Hubertus Triebe winery are listed in the German vineyard register under the name Salsitzer Englischer Garten.

Cycling Routes and Getting Here

Kretzschau is connected to the regional cycling network via the Zuckerbahn cycle path. The town is also linked to the long-distance Elster cycle path via Zeitz. The Zuckerbahn cycle path thus offers a regional connection, while the link to the Elster cycle path runs via Zeitz. Check route conditions and signage before setting out.

Kretzschau is connected by road via the B 180; road conditions and detours may change. The nearest railway connection is in Zeitz. Check current services and timetables before travelling.

Further Cultural Highlights in the Burgenlandkreis

For broader travel planning, it is also worth looking at the wider destination of the Burgenlandkreis. Its cultural and archaeological history offers another area of interest. Naumburg Cathedral has held UNESCO World Heritage status since 1 July 2018; its architecture, stained-glass windows and sculptures are considered unique worldwide. The Goseck Circle is considered the earliest archaeological evidence of systematic observations of the sky. The approximately 75-metre monument was fully excavated and precisely reconstructed at its original site.

The Arche Nebra is a modern visitor centre at the discovery site of the Nebra Sky Disc. It offers guided tours, hands-on activities and special exhibitions. The visitor centre also includes a digital planetarium with a 22-minute show about Bronze Age astronomical knowledge. As well as Kretzschau’s lake, wine and cycling themes, the Burgenlandkreis therefore offers archaeological and cultural attractions to explore.

Discover more destinations: Wethau, Teuchern, Freyburg, Lanitz-Hassel-Tal, Kaiserpfalz, Eckartsberga, Mertendorf, Gutenborn.

Go to the main travel overview: Burgenlandkreis.