Greiz: Palaces, Textile History and Park

Greiz combines the history of the princes of the younger line of Reuss with distinctive palace architecture, textile craftsmanship and a 19th-century landscape park. The city can therefore be explored from several perspectives: through its history as a princely residence, its textile production and the park on the Schlossberg. Further afield, there are cycling, horse-riding and hiking trails, as well as opportunities to enjoy the White Elster. When choosing where to stay, you could first consider whether you would like to focus mainly on Greiz’s museums and buildings or on activities and destinations in the wider area.

Palace History and Textile Craftsmanship

Since 2010, the permanent exhibition “From the Land of the Vögte to the Principality of Reuss of the Younger Line” has been on display in the Upper Palace. It explores the history of the Vögte, lords, Imperial Counts and Imperial Princes of Reuss, as well as the small-state residential culture associated with them. The museum also offers a multimedia historical experience, with a computer-animated account of the building’s history and an interactive journey through time. Historical themes are thus presented in an engaging, interactive way.

The Lower Palace houses a museum and a textile demonstration workshop. Since 1998, the workshop has presented the production and history of Greiz’s textile industry; children and adults can take part in the manual production process. The museum continues its exhibition in authentic rooms. The Lower Palace therefore showcases both the exhibition and textile craftsmanship itself. The history of public access to the art treasures of the princely house of Greiz dates back to 1922.

Summer Palace and Greiz Park

The Summer Palace was built as a summer residence for the princes of Reuss of the Younger Line and is one of the earliest Neoclassical buildings in Central Germany. It is located in the Princely Greiz Park on the banks of the White Elster. Greiz Park lies at the foot of the wooded Schlossberg. As a 19th-century landscape park, its grounds as a whole are designated a national cultural monument. The palace, riverbank and park form a distinct focus alongside the exhibitions in the two palaces.

For directions: the Summer Palace is a 550-metre walk from the Bruno-Bergner-Straße bus stop, 700 metres from the Puschkinplatz stop and one kilometre from Greiz railway station. Stop names and distances may change; check this information before your visit if necessary.

Trails and Water in the Wider Destination

In Ronneburg, the “Drachenschwanz” (Dragon’s Tail) adventure bridge is 225 metres long and forms part of a long-distance cycling route. Another way to explore the area is the BUGA companion project “Paths into the New Landscape”: it includes a network of high-quality cycling, horse-riding and hiking trails across the region. So, alongside one distinctive bridge, there are several types of trails within a regional network.

There are also different ways to enjoy the water. In Wünschendorf, you can rent a rowing boat for a fee at the gondola station in Cronschwitz and explore the White Elster. The Kanu-Scheune in Wünschendorf offers the chance to build your own boat and test whether it floats; tours in ready-made canoes are also available. One activity focuses on renting a rowing boat, while the other combines boatbuilding with canoe tours.

Other destinations add to the picture: Mildenfurth Abbey and Castle now form an ensemble with the neighbouring artists’ house and the sculpture garden of the artist couple Kühn. Reichenfels Museum opened in 1950. These places offer a different focus from the palaces and textile history of Greiz.

The Landscape of the Thuringian Vogtland

Greiz district lies in the Thuringian Vogtland. Its landscape is shaped by low mountain ranges, narrow valleys with castles and palaces, plateaus and rock formations cut through by rivers, as well as floodplains, rolling hills, forests and cultivated landscapes. The district’s themes thus range from historic buildings and museums to trails, water and diverse landscapes.

Discover More Places in the Destination

Discover more destinations: Zadelsdorf, Zeulenroda-Triebes, Schwarzbach, Großebersdorf, Greiz, Gera, Bad Köstritz, Kraftsdorf, Harth-Pöllnitz, Langenwolschendorf, Moschwitz, Hilbersdorf, Münchenbernsdorf, Mohlsdorf-Teichwolframsdorf, Steinsdorf, Ronneburg, Endschütz, Weida, Langenwetzendorf, Auma-Weidatal, Bocka, Hohenleuben, Hain.

For the overview of the wider destination: Thuringia.