Guxhagen

Guxhagen combines the river landscapes along the Fulda and Eder with the history of Breitenau Monastery and routes that take in landscapes and historic sites. The town lies just before the Fulda and Eder rivers converge in the “Breite Aue”: the Langenberge hills border the area to the west, and the Söhre forest to the east. This offers a choice of different focuses when planning your trip: a visit to the memorial, time on hiking and cycling routes, or an activity on the water.

Breitenau Monastery and Memorial

Breitenau Monastery was founded in 1113. Construction of the monastery church began around 1120, and it still stands today. The tithe barn at the Breitenau Memorial houses a permanent exhibition by artist Stephan von Borstel about events during the Nazi era. In Guxhagen, therefore, the history of the monastery and the examination of the Nazi era offer two distinct historical perspectives.

The memorial’s educational program includes guided tours, walks, lectures, and readings. Admission is free; donations are welcome. The Breitenau Memorial is about a ten-minute walk from Guxhagen railway station. Check the latest visitor information before your visit.

Hiking Routes with History and Views

The Guxhagen Historical Theme Trail combines outdoor exercise with historical stops: 13 information points lead to places of interest such as the Breitenau monastery complex and the former synagogue. The route also offers views across an appealing landscape, including the Fulda river loop. Along the way, you will encounter both historic sites and the landscape that defines the trail.

Another option is the blue-marked G2 hiking loop, which connects Guxhagen with the districts of Albshausen and Wollrode. When choosing a route, you can therefore opt for either the historical theme trail with its information points or the G2, which connects the two districts.

Cycling, Canoe Trips, and Outdoor Swimming Pool

The districts of Guxhagen, Büchenwerra, and Grebenau are on the Hessian Long-Distance Cycle Route R1. If you are planning a cycling trip, you can take this into account when choosing where to stay. Canoe trips are offered on the Eder and Fulda in Büchenwerra, within the municipality of Guxhagen; day trips and weekend trips can be booked. On the Fulda, a downstream trip from Melsungen can pass through the Fulda river loop and use the lock at the weir in Guxhagen.

The seasonal Guxhagen “Unter den Eichen” outdoor swimming pool offers a large sunbathing lawn with shade from mature trees, swimming and non-swimming pools, diving towers, a slide, and a kiosk serving snacks. For a stay focused on water activities, canoe trips on the rivers are a different option from a visit to the swimming pool. Check the pool’s current opening hours in advance.

Büchenwerra and the Kilianskapelle

Büchenwerra also adds to the impressions of the municipality: the Kilianskapelle was rebuilt near the Fulda, on the Hessian Long-Distance Cycle Route, and inaugurated on September 19, 2010. During the summer half of the year, from early June to the end of September, an event is held every Sunday afternoon at 5 p.m., such as a devotional service, reading, or concert. If you plan your trip for this period, you can include the event program in your plans; check the latest information.

The Schwalm-Eder District as a Wider Setting

Beyond Guxhagen, the wider destination of the Schwalm-Eder District offers a broader landscape setting. The district includes low mountain landscapes around the Knüll, Kellerwald, and Habichtswald ranges. The district’s museums also offer their own cultural highlights: the Malerstübchen Museum in Willingshausen presents 19th- and 20th-century art history and displays paintings featuring motifs of traditional Schwalm dress. The Schwalm Museum in Schwalmstadt-Ziegenhain displays ceramics and pottery commonly used in the region in a reconstructed pottery workshop.

When looking for accommodation in Guxhagen, it helps to first decide what you want to focus on during your stay: the memorial and monastery history, hiking and cycling routes, or activities on the water.

Discover more destinations: Oberaula, Melsungen, Edermünde, Schwarzenborn, Fritzlar, Ottrau, Neukirchen, Gilserberg.

For the broader travel overview: Schwalm-Eder District.