Gohlis: Church, Elbe Cycle Route and Remembrance

Gohlis can be explored through several specific themes: its church, with its long construction history; the family-friendly Elbzauber cycling tour; and an early settlement history that may have begun with a crossing of the Elbe. The FFH area “Gohrischheide and Elbe Valley Lowlands at Zeithain” and the history of the memorial sites also offer different insights into the area.

Landscape and early local history

The FFH area “Gohrischheide and Elbe Valley Lowlands at Zeithain” borders Gohlis and Zeithain to the south. Another perspective on Gohlis takes us far back into its presumed settlement history: the settlement is said to have begun at a suitable crossing of the Elbe, with a ferryman’s hut. Later, an inn and fishermen’s huts may have clustered there. In this cautiously worded account of its origins, the river crossing and possible early stopping places and fishing sites are intertwined.

Gohlis Church and its construction history

Gohlis Church is considered the oldest surviving witness to the settlement’s history. It was first mentioned around 1250 as a branch church of Lorenzkirch; its fabric suggests that it was built in the second half of the 13th century or the first half of the 14th century. The early mention and the architectural dating refer to different points in time.

The church also underwent changes in the 19th century: the small bell tower was built on the north side in 1822 during major repairs. The interior acquired its present appearance in 1861. The church was renovated and restored from 1997 to 2000; since then, it has once again welcomed worshippers. Its history can therefore be traced through several clearly dated phases of construction and preservation.

Memorial sites near Zeithain

Cemetery IV at the Zeithain military training area, Jagen 84, can be reached via a hiking trail from the Zeithain districts of Zschepa and Jacobsthal. It was originally known as “Russian Cemetery, Zeithain Military Training Area, Jagen 84.” From September 1944, it was used for the burial of Soviet prisoners of war; it continued to be used for this purpose after the camp was liberated on 23 April 1945, until the camp was finally cleared. The timeframe thus explicitly includes the period after the liberation.

At the Zeithain-Gohlis / Zschepa II war cemetery, a granite-clad obelisk erected in 1948 stands at its center. Its location, year of construction and material give this memorial site a distinct architectural form.

Cycling through Gohlis

The family-friendly Elbzauber cycling tour runs from Zeithain to Strehla. From Röderau, the route follows the Elbe Cycle Route to the church in Gohlis. At the edge of Gohlis in the direction of Zeithain, the route leaves the Elbe Cycle Route. For trip planning, this provides a clearly defined connection between the cycling tour, the church and a section of the Elbe Cycle Route.

If you would prefer an active outing with your family, the cycling tour described here offers a specific option. If you are focusing on history during your stay, you can include the church and memorial sites in your plans. Search for accommodation in Gohlis based on which of these themes you would like to shape your trip.

For the wider travel overview: Zeithain.