Heckengereuth at Bergsee Ratscher

Heckengereuth between history and the lake

Heckengereuth was first mentioned in official records in 1354 and lies at an elevation of 409 metres, right beside Bergsee Ratscher. This gives the choice of location both a historical point of reference and a clear geographical setting. Water sports and the lakeside beach in the surrounding area offer a different focus from the history of the village; the village festival in July adds an event date to these themes. Depending on the reason for your trip, you can therefore think of Heckengereuth in terms of its history, lakeside location or festival date.

Water sports and the beach at Bergsee Ratscher

In the area around Heckengereuth, Bergsee Ratscher offers more than 100 hectares of water for water sports. There is also a sailing school and a surf school at the lake. The water area indicates the scale of the water sports area; the two schools identify specific sports. These are different points of reference for travellers considering water sports. If you are planning a course, check that the schools are currently operating before booking.

The 500-metre-long bathing beach at Bergsee Ratscher is described as the longest in the region. Its length is a different measure from the lake’s water area. If this figure or the regional comparison is important to your decision, verify it before travelling, as the distinction may change.

Village festival and country festival in July

The village festival held in Heckengereuth in July is celebrated together with the country festival at the lake, which is described as Germany’s largest. This adds an event date as a distinct reason to travel to the village, alongside its permanent points of interest. If you want the festival to determine your stay, check the specific event dates before planning.

In the wider destination of Schleusingen

In the wider destination of Schleusingen, Bertholdsburg Castle adds a distinct architectural and historical focus. The castle in Schleusingen is a Renaissance building flanked by four towers and featuring magnificent portals. It was the seat of the Counts of Henneberg until 1583; today it houses the Natural History Museum.

Three large exhibitions at the Natural History Museum occupy nearly 2,000 m² across the east, north and west wings. Highlights include 5- to 6-metre-long skeletons of dinosaurs from southern Thuringia. The exhibition area and the skeletons represent different scales: one concerns the size of the display, the other individual exhibits. As exhibitions can change, check the museum’s current visitor information before travelling.

Schleusingen’s central marketplace also offers a distinct historical point of reference. Lined with lime trees, the square is adorned with a market fountain dating from 1710, featuring a statue of Countess Elisabeth of Henneberg.

The annual Abitaufe is one of the highlights of Schleusingen’s town festival. It takes place on the second-to-last weekend before the summer holidays. Graduates of Hennebergisches Gymnasium “Georg Ernst” are pulled through the town in brightly decorated handcarts and then ceremonially baptised, after Countess Elisabeth’s face on the market fountain has been veiled. If you are planning to visit for the town festival, check the announced event dates.

For the wider travel overview: Schleusingen.