Discover Horka: fortified church, nature and cycling routes

Horka reveals its distinctive character in specific places: a defensive wall surrounds the church, wetlands shape the landscape, and two different types of route bring together cultural and nature interests. When planning your trip, you can first decide whether church art, a nature trail, activities at the forest lake or cycling should be the main focus. These themes can also help guide your choice of accommodation in Horka.

Defensive wall, church and concert tradition

The defensive wall is considered Horka’s landmark and surrounds the church. It measures 50 metres in diameter and is 7.5 metres high. Horka’s defensive structure is estimated to be around 800 to 900 years old. The church contains centuries-old wall paintings and an altar dating from 1667. The defensive architecture and church art are therefore distinct, clearly identifiable aspects of the town.

Music is also part of this cultural connection: traditionally, a concert in the fortified church is part of the Görlitz Jazz Days. If you would like to include this event in your trip plans, check the latest event dates. This makes it possible to combine a potential concert visit specifically with an interest in the church.

Wetlands and trails near Horka

Near Biehain, the FFH site covers approximately 193 hectares. Its western section is by Waldsee in Biehain, on the Biehain–Mückenhain road, and includes ponds west of Biehain. This is distinct from the FFH site “Ponds and Wetlands Northeast of Kodersdorf”: part of Horka is designated within this site. The names offer different points of reference for visitors interested in the landscape and its protected areas.

The Horka–Biehain nature trail is a 12.6-kilometre educational and experience trail in the Upper Lusatia tourism region. The Neißelandtour offers a different format: it is a 143.42-kilometre cycling loop that follows the Frog Cycle Route to Horka and continues from there to Rothenburg/O.L. It runs mainly along existing, signposted routes, including the Oder-Neiße Cycle Route, the Frog Cycle Route and regional routes. The lengths refer to different types of route—an educational and experience trail and a cycling loop. So your choice also depends on the type of route you would like to include in your plans.

Activities at Waldsee and club activities

At Waldsee Biehain, the facilities include pedal boat and rowing boat hire, volleyball, table tennis, a children’s playground and catering facilities. The playground is a clearly identifiable place to visit for families; there are also other options for exercise and leisure. As facilities and activities may change, check the latest options before your visit.

The “Wehrkirch” Horka Riding and Driving Club offers riding lessons for younger and older learners. Member activities include dressage, show jumping, carriage driving and cross-country riding. If riding is part of your trip plans, check current lesson and participation options directly with the club. The club’s activities thus add another specific focus to the trails and leisure options at Waldsee.

Görlitz as a distinct cultural highlight

In the wider travel destination of Görlitz, the city’s history provides a distinct theme. After a city fire, Schönhof was rebuilt in the Renaissance style from 1526 onwards. Today, it is the main building of the Silesian Museum in Görlitz and one of the oldest Renaissance buildings north of the Alps. The historic old town comprises around 4,000 architectural monuments and is one of the best-preserved historic ensembles in Central Europe. ViaThea, the street arts festival, is also one of the regular highlights in Görlitz’s cultural calendar. Check the latest dates and programme before travelling.

Decide which of these aspects of Horka you would like to shape your stay.

Discover more destinations: Schleife, Schöpstal, Großschweidnitz, Dürrhennersdorf, Rosenbach, Trebendorf, Rietschen, Oybin.

For the wider travel overview: Görlitz.