Neusalza-Spremberg: Half-timbered houses, churches and Spree Park

Neusalza-Spremberg brings together distinctive Upper Lusatian half-timbered architecture, churches with different historical connections, and places to enjoy the outdoors. The Reiterhaus, Spree Park, Schmiedesteine and Wald- und Erlebnisbad each represent a different side of the town. Cycling routes and a circular hiking trail also offer ways to shape your stay around your own interests.

Half-timbered architecture and local history

The Reiterhaus is one of the oldest and most picturesque Upper Lusatian half-timbered houses with a surrounding timber frame. Its main building was constructed in 1670/71 and has had its present form since a renovation in 1703. The side wing was built in the first half of the 18th century; its upper-storey timber frame is considered rare. In 1938, the Reiterhaus was entered on the state register of monuments as a monument of art and culture.

A detail on the house also points to a regional tradition: the mounted figure is a trophy from Ritterstechen, an old Upper Lusatian folk custom. The town’s history also includes several important dates. The founding of the town of Neusalza was approved by the Saxon Elector on 12 January 1670; Spremberg is first mentioned in a document dating to 1242.

Churches with stories of their own

The Neusalza Trinity Church stands above the market square. It was consecrated on 4 February 1679 and has a simple, three-part layout comprising the chancel, apse and nave. The church is connected with the story of the religious exiles who came to Neusalza and the surrounding area in the 18th century.

The Spremberg village church stands on a hill above the Spree, next to Neusalza’s former church for religious exiles. Together, the two churches frame the town centre. The Spremberg church was rebuilt in an enlarged form in 1901/1902; its old tower and former apse were preserved. Visitors interested in architecture can see contrasting building histories and styles here, alongside the older traces at the Reiterhaus.

Spree Park, Schmiedesteine and trails

Peace, quiet and seclusion are the focus at Spree Park. The Kerbsohlental valley is considered a natural spectacle. The terrace near the Schmiedesteine offers views over Neusalza-Spremberg and the Lusatian Highlands. These scenic spots can also be included in a 12.7-kilometre circular hike, which passes the Reiterhaus Museum, Spree Park and the Schmiedesteine.

For cycling trips, the town’s location on two long-distance cycle routes is a practical advantage: Neusalza-Spremberg lies directly on the Umgebinde Cycle Route and the Spree Cycle Route. Hikes in the Zittau Mountains can be planned from Neusalza-Spremberg. This gives you a choice of ways to spend the day: cycle along one of the named long-distance routes, plan a hike in the mountains or take the circular trail past local sights. Check the current route details before setting out on a cycling trip.

Forest and adventure swimming pool

The modern forest and adventure swimming pool is next to extensive woodlands, on a 30,000-square-metre site. The adventure area includes a large water slide, a current channel, a waterfall and air bubblers. There is also a natural pool with a large water surface and a diving platform, as well as a sports pool with 25-metre lanes. The pool offers different ways to spend a day by the water, from the adventure area to the lane pool.

Camping is also available on the site, which has a modern kitchen and a communal room. As camping availability may depend on the local operator, we recommend checking before you travel.

Getting here and finding accommodation

The Reiterhaus is directly on the B96, 200 metres before the edge of town in the direction of Zittau. There is a bus stop named Reiterhaus in front of the building. Parking is available at the Reiterhaus and across the Spree, at the Residenz am Spreepark. Check the latest bus and parking information before your trip.

Then compare the location of a specific accommodation with the places you want to visit. This will help you choose a place to stay based on the experiences that matter to you on your trip.

Discover more destinations: Oybin, Ostritz, Groß Düben, Kodersdorf, Schöpstal, Herrnhut, Zittau, Hainewalde

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