Discover Ziegenhagen

Ziegenhagen can be discovered through two very different attractions: the remains of a castle on a steep sandstone crag and a wooded pond with a story of its own. Together with the options in the broader destination of Witzenhausen, they offer a choice of nature, outdoor activities, cherry culture and urban history.

Castle Crag, Pond and Trails in Ziegenhagen

The remains of Cygenberg Castle, dating from the 11th century, stand on a steep sandstone crag between Ziegenhagen and the Wald-Märchen-Zoo Ziegenberg. The ascent from the lower village takes about half an hour and leads to views towards the Werra Valley and the surrounding uplands. The walking time is a guide for planning; check the trail conditions locally.

The Nymph Pond west of Ziegenhagen, near Glashütte, offers a different landscape. It was originally created to supply water to the former glassworks. Today, you can watch wild ducks, rare waterbirds and grey herons there. Wildlife watching is one way to enjoy your stay differently from climbing to the castle crag; however, animal sightings are not guaranteed.

Getting to the Adventure Park

Ziegenhagen Adventure Park is about 3.5 kilometres from exit 75 on the A7, Hann. Münden/Hedemünden. It can also be reached by bus or on-call shared taxi from Gertenbach or Witzenhausen Nord. The Ziegenhagen Freizeitpark stop in Witzenhausen is about a three-minute walk from the entrance. As services and timetables may change, check the latest public transport information before travelling.

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Cherry Culture and Urban History in the Broader Destination of Witzenhausen

In the broader destination of Witzenhausen, the Cherry Experience Trail explores the changing cultural landscape around the town. Its 17 stops cover the importance of cherries to Witzenhausen and the diversity of cherry varieties. Visitors explore these themes in a playful, hands-on way, engaging all their senses. Parking for the trail is available in Witzenhausen town centre, including at the Market Square, Walburger Straße, Diebesturm and Schlagd. Check current parking conditions before your visit.

In spring, thousands of cherry trees cloak Witzenhausen and its surroundings in white and pink. Walks through blossoming orchards, over gentle hills and along the Werra are among the special experiences of the season. For a cycling trip, the 22-kilometre Cherry Cycle Route loops around Witzenhausen, passing numerous stands of cherry trees. The blossom season and the cycle route offer different highlights: one takes you through a seasonal landscape, while the other draws attention to the cherry trees along the circular route.

Witzenhausen’s historic half-timbered old town is characterised by its town hall and splendid half-timbered houses. You can take a free audio-guided city tour on your smartphone at your own pace; it lasts about 1 to 1.5 hours. Check that the tour is currently available before your trip.

The Church of Our Lady also tells the story of different building phases: around 1250, it was built as a Gothic, three-aisled hall church; before that, a late Romanesque basilica with a tall church tower stood on the site. During a renovation, Hubert Distler was commissioned to design new church windows in 1962. They depict Christmas, Easter and Pentecost.

More Things to Do in Witzenhausen

Coffee, tea and cocoa, along with more than 500 other plant species from around the world, grow in a tropical setting beneath tall banana plants at the Tropical Greenhouse in Witzenhausen. The plant collection offers a different focus from the cherry landscape and half-timbered old town. Check the latest visitor information before your visit.

The Kesperkirmes is an annual event featuring the German cherry-stone-spitting championships. Visitors of all ages can try their hand at spitting cherry stones for distance. If you plan to attend, check the latest event dates and details before arranging your trip around it.

View the broader travel overview: Witzenhausen.