Großröhrsdorf: Ribbon-Weaving History and Nature Experiences

Großröhrsdorf lies on the Große Röder and is closely connected with the history of ribbon weaving. Museums and historic buildings tell the story of this craft; in the Massenei Forest, the pool and circular routes offer further options for your stay. You can tailor your days to culture, water or exercise.

Ribbon-weaving history in museums and buildings

Ribbon weaving has a tradition of more than 320 years in Großröhrsdorf, dating back to its introduction in 1680. By the middle of the 19th century, the town had 32 ribbon factories and more than 1,000 looms. Großröhrsdorf is considered the center of historic ribbon weaving in the Röder Valley.

The Kulturfabrik, a former ribbon-weaving mill in the town center, houses the Technical Museum of Ribbon Weaving. Historic looms are on display there, many of which are still in working order. Numerous looms are demonstrated during guided tours. A look at the machines brings the development of the local craft to life.

The local history museum is housed in Großröhrsdorf’s oldest surviving Umgebinde house, built in 1798. Historic weavers’ and farmers’ rooms, as well as an old shop, illustrate the lives of the first ribbon weavers. Local crafts on display include shoemaking, cigar making, furriery and blacksmithing. A special exhibit is the black kitchen with the last surviving climbing chimney in Lusatia.

The town hall and the history of local businesses add to the picture: Construction of the town hall began with the laying of its foundation stone on May 27, 1908; it was inaugurated the following year. The ribbon-weaving company F.A. Schurig was founded in 1863 as a small business that worked with home weavers.

Industrial heritage with regional connections

The Industrial Heritage Route follows industrial development in West Lusatia and the Bautzen Highlands. Both regions are part of the Upper Lusatia tourism region; Großröhrsdorf is a participating town in West Lusatia. In Großröhrsdorf, the Technical Museum of Ribbon Weaving, Villa Familie C.G. Großmann and the J.G. Schöne ribbon and belt weaving mill are among the audio guide stops. The audio stories of Industrial Heritage Upper Lusatia are available directly on its website; headphones are recommended for listening. The route’s listed starting point is Schulstraße 2, 01900 Großröhrsdorf. Check this before setting off.

Swimming and a stay in the Massenei Forest

Massenei Pool is located in the Massenei Forest and combines swimming with a stay in a wooded setting. The water area covers more than 2,400 square meters; the stainless-steel pools are heated using solar energy. There are four 50-meter competition lanes for swimming. A diving well and diving towers at heights of 1, 3 and 5 meters round out the facilities.

There are also different options for slides: two large water slides are 61 and 66 meters long, and there is also a wide water slide. Large sunbathing lawns, a children’s playground and a separate parent-and-child area complete the complex. The different areas let you plan your visit around swimming, sliding or taking a break outdoors.

Trails through the Massenei and its districts

The 7.6-kilometer Legends Trail in the Massenei is suitable for hiking and cycling. Seating and ten storyboards accompany the route. The Massenei Circular Route links urban and natural areas of Großröhrsdorf over approximately 13 kilometers. If you are comparing routes by length, there are two different options here: 7.6 kilometers for the Legends Trail and around 13 kilometers for the circular route.

The Kleinröhrsdorf Circular Hiking Trail is a leisurely day trip in the district of Kleinröhrsdorf. The Hauswalde Circular Hiking Route in Großröhrsdorf passes over the Krohnenberg, Kesselberg and Thunigsberg. It connects with the Rammenau hiking trail network and the Buschmühle natural pool. Alongside the Legends Trail, these routes offer other named tour themes to consider when planning your stay.

More routes and choosing accommodation

The 62-kilometer Product Route passes the Technical Museum of Ribbon Weaving. It connects craft businesses and demonstration workshops with regional products and offers the chance to visit direct marketers and outlets selling regional products. As individual businesses and visitor options may change, it is best to check planned visits in advance.

When looking for accommodation in Großröhrsdorf, the focus of your trip can be a helpful guide: are ribbon-weaving history and museums your priority, or would you rather include the pool and trails in your daily plans? With this priority in mind, you can compare accommodation options to suit your planned experiences.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Räckelwitz, Ottendorf-Okrilla, Weißenberg, Demitz-Thumitz, Radeberg, Lichtenberg, Bernsdorf, Löbau.

Back to the main travel overview: Bautzen District.