Discover Rietschen: Erlichthof, History and Cycling Routes

Rietschen combines historical insights with a variety of ways to explore the surrounding area. The Erlichthof Settlement, the Fire Brigade Museum and several cycling routes offer concrete starting points for planning your trip. Whether you are interested in history, planning a longer bike ride or weighing up different excursion options, the places and activities vary in both subject matter and scope.

Historic Houses and Events at the Erlichthof Settlement

The Erlichthof Settlement was established in the early 1990s, when historic half-timbered houses from the area ahead of the open-cast mine were relocated here. Today, it comprises a collection of historic wooden houses and a farm museum. It also features a wolf museum, exhibitions, guided tours and traditional workshops. The combination of relocated buildings and museum offerings gives the settlement its own distinctive historical focus.

The annual events include a pottery market, a wood and forest festival, a nature and fishing festival, and the Wichtelfest. Dates may change, so check the event schedule if you are planning your trip around one of these festivals. This lets you fit a planned event day and a visit to the museums or exhibitions into your travel plans.

Fire Brigade History and European Wolves

The Rietschen Fire Brigade Museum is dedicated to the history of the volunteer fire brigade from 1945 to 1989. It displays historic rescue equipment and protective clothing, as well as an original Robur Garant K30 fire engine. Advance booking by telephone is required. If this museum is to be a fixed part of your day's plans, be sure to arrange your visit by phone beforehand.

At Erlichthof, the Wolf Barn features nature films, an exhibition and an outdoor area devoted to the European grey wolf. This offers a different exhibition topic alongside the history of the fire brigade. The Erlichthof Settlement also has a wolf museum, exhibitions and guided tours; traditional workshops add to its offerings.

Bike Rides of Different Lengths

Nine circular routes, ranging from 26 to 65 kilometres, start at Erlichthof. They pass through the Upper Lusatian Heath and Pond Landscape. This range gives you a concrete guide to the length of a bike ride, without implying anything about difficulty or the time required. The landscape is characterised by ponds alongside sandy dunes and is considered Germany's largest pond area.

The 45-kilometre Wolf Cycle Path is a separate option: it leads through the municipality of Rietschen and runs between the Spree Cycle Path and the Neisse Cycle Path. So, alongside the circular routes starting at Erlichthof, you can also choose a route with named connections to other cycling paths. Route details may be updated, so check the latest route information before setting out.

The Forest Village Ranch is located on the Wolf Cycle Path and is considered a destination for short outings. Its stated features include an authentic Wild West atmosphere, a wooden playground and a herd of bison. Leisure activities also include carriage rides, horseback rides, a trail-riding station and riding lessons. As providers and availability may change, it is advisable to check the specific offerings in advance.

Other Excursion Options and Getting There

At Schenkteich in the Hammerstadt recreation area, locals and visitors use the small lake for swimming. Swimming conditions may change, so check the current situation before visiting. This lets you include time by the water as a separate activity, alongside bike rides, museum visits or riding activities.

For road access, Rietschen is on Federal Highway 115 between Cottbus and Görlitz. The station is in the town centre and lies on the Berlin–Görlitz railway line; free parking is available at the station, and local buses run regularly. As transport connections may change, check the latest train and bus services before travelling.

Discover more destinations: Vierkirchen, Hainewalde, Boxberg/Oberlausitz, Niesky, Jonsdorf, Großhennersdorf, Horka, Quitzdorf am See.

Back to the main travel overview: Görlitz.