Gleichen: Castle History, Cliffs and Fairy Tales

Gleichen reveals its distinctive character in a striking, varied landscape. The twin hills of Alten and Neuengleichen gave the place its name; they also mark the beginning of a history that tells of castles, archaeological traces and industry. There is also a view of the Harz Mountains and a stage where Grimm fairy tales are presented in summer. If you are looking for accommodation for a stay in Gleichen, you can base your choice on the kind of day you have planned: historic sites, hiking destinations or a cultural event.

Between Castle Hills and a Storied Past

Castles stood on Alten and Neuengleichen, founded around 1100 by the Counts of Reinhausen. They became picturesque ruins after the Thirty Years’ War. Lengder Burg has its own historical significance: it consists of two independent castle complexes on a ridge. Finds from the western complex are dated to approximately the 4th to 3rd century BC. Two distinct periods are therefore represented here: the pre-Christian finds from the western complex of Lengder Burg and the castles founded around 1100 on the twin hills.

Cliffs with Distinctive Traces

The Jägersteine are a group of sandstone cliffs in the Reinhäuser Wald, at the edge of a mountain spur. Archaeological evidence confirms settlement there during the Mesolithic and Iron Age; the cliffs are also designated as an archaeological monument. The Hurkutstein in the Reinhäuser Wald is an artificially shaped hermit’s cave. In Reinhausen, the Bielstein is a rocky spur approximately 100 metres long, beside the village road. Its medieval carvings include round-arched niches, grinding grooves and two disc crosses. Those interested in the landscape and its history will encounter not only a variety of rock formations here, but also specific archaeological and medieval traces.

Hiking and Routes in the Göttingen Region

Gleichen is one of the hiking areas in the Göttingen region. A specific destination offering views of the Harz Mountains is the Mackenröder Spitze observation tower, which affords a remarkable view of the Harz. The route there runs from Groß Lengden via the Spinne junction in the Groß Lengder Wald. The villages of Gleichen also lie along the German Fairy Tale Route (Frau Holle Route), the German Holiday Route (Alps–Baltic Sea) and the Baltic–Adriatic European long-distance hiking trail. These routes represent different types of travel: a themed route, a holiday route and a long-distance hiking trail. When planning, you can decide whether hiking destinations are your main focus or whether you would like to include Gleichen in a wider regional itinerary.

Culture Between Industry and Fairy Tales

The Historic Gartetal Spinning Mill combines an industrial heritage site, a cultural pub and a gallery; as an industrial museum, it has significance beyond the region. The spinning mill is equipped with machinery dating from 1886 to 1900. Guided tours are available by arrangement; check the current arrangements before your visit. Grimm fairy tales are presented at the Bremke Forest Stage every weekend during the summer season. A tour of the spinning mill and a seasonal fairy-tale performance offer different experiences: if you specifically want to attend a performance, plan around the summer season and check the dates; arrange the tour in advance.

Choose Accommodation to Match Your Travel Interests

Would you prefer to explore historic sites, visit hiking destinations or plan a cultural activity? Use this focus to organise the places that matter for your stay and tailor your search for accommodation in Gleichen accordingly.

Discover More Destinations

Discover more destinations: Dankelshausen, Staufenberg, Walkenried, Göttingen, Friedland, Rosdorf, Ebergötzen, Gieboldehausen.

To the overview of the wider region: Göttingen.