Greiz: Castle History and Hiking Views

Greiz combines the architecture of a small-state princely residence with impressive views over the castle and old town, as well as hiking and cycling routes. The Upper and Lower Castles tell different chapters of the city’s history; the Art Nouveau quarter adds another architectural accent. Outdoors, a special viewpoint and a circular hiking trail laid out in stages take centre stage. You can tailor your stay to include a balance of museum visits, local history and outdoor activities.

Castle History and Cityscape

Greiz Upper Castle is an authentic example of small-state princely residence architecture. Permanent and special exhibitions showcase unique architectural and historical features dating from the Romanesque period to Art Nouveau. Since 2010, the permanent exhibition “From the Land of the Vogts to the Principality of Reuss of the Elder Line” has been housed at Upper Castle in Greiz. It explores the history of the Vogts, lords, imperial counts and imperial princes of Reuss, as well as the associated culture of small-state princely residences.

At the museum in Upper Castle, visitors can explore 800 years of architectural history through a computer animation, try on knight’s helmets and learn about historical table manners in a sound chair. Architectural history and selected aspects of courtly life can thus be experienced in different ways.

At Lower Castle in Greiz, the museum features the “Greiz Textile History” exhibition; it also houses a textile demonstration workshop. The workshop presents the production and history of the Greiz textile industry. Children and adults can take part in the manual production process. Here, an insight into the textile tradition goes hand in hand with the opportunity to get involved.

The Summer Palace in Greiz was built as a summer residence for the Princes of Reuss of the Elder Line and is one of the earliest Neoclassical buildings in Central Germany. It forms part of Greiz’s architectural ensemble, which brings together architectural landmarks dating from the 12th to the 19th century. Greiz Park lies at the foot of the wooded castle hill. As a 19th-century landscape park, the grounds as a whole have been designated a national cultural monument.

Another feature of the cityscape is Greiz’s Art Nouveau quarter. It lies in the city centre around Marktstraße and Thomasstraße, adding a later chapter in architectural history to the princely residence architecture.

Viewpoints, Trails and Guided Tours

From the Gasparine Temple, 65 metres above the valley floor, you can enjoy views of Upper Castle and Greiz Old Town. This special viewpoint lies on Stage 3 of the Greiz Circular Hiking Trail, between Silberloch and Dölau. The entire circular trail is about 70 kilometres long, divided into several stages, and passes sights and viewpoints in the city of Greiz.

For a cycling trip, a different distance is on offer: the “Greiz – Werdauer Wald – Göltzschtal Bridge” route is about 35 kilometres long and rated moderate. The active options described therefore differ both in their approximate length and format: the circular hiking trail is divided into stages, while the cycling route is rated moderate.

The Princely Greiz Park can also be included in a guided tour. The tour may include the park; this is one possible route, not a description of every tour. The Greiz city wildlife park lies within the Greiz-Werdauer Wald landscape conservation area.

A historical costume tour introduces visitors to Greiz’s history and notable events at historic locations. It is available year-round on request. If you would like to include a guided tour in your plans, bear in mind that it must be requested.

Plan Your Stay Around Your Interests

Greiz offers concrete options for both interests. Choose what to focus on to find accommodation in Greiz that suits the experiences you want to make part of your trip.

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