Zeulenroda-Triebes: Waterways and City History

City history, wildlife watching and experiences by the water give Zeulenroda-Triebes a variety of highlights.

Trails and activities on the Zeulenroda Sea

The approximately 45-kilometre Zeulenroda Reservoir Trail runs through the Weida valley around the two reservoirs. 89 percent of the route follows predominantly natural paths close to the water. The length, route and trail conditions provide practical guidance when planning an active day as part of your trip.

Three lidos on the Zeulenroda Sea invite visitors to go boating, swim and relax. Another way to experience the shoreline is the three-kilometre, barrier-free promenade directly along the reservoir. It connects the Bio-Seehotel with the bathing area on Bleichenweg in Zeulenroda, the Zeulenroda Sea motorhome park and the “Strandhaus da Rosario” restaurant.

There are also ten play and learning stations along the promenade between the Bio-Seehotel and Zeulenroda lido. This makes it possible to combine a stay by the water with stops along the way. Partner businesses and facilities may change; if you are making specific plans, it is advisable to check the latest information.

City history and architecture

The Zeulenroda Municipal Museum has been housed since 1927 in the former residence of Ferdinand Schopper, a hosiery manufacturer and commercial councillor. Through selected objects, its permanent exhibition traces the history of Zeulenroda-Triebes and the surrounding region, from the town’s founding around 1150 and the granting of town rights in 1438 to the modern era. The trades and industries characteristic of the town are also among the exhibition topics.

Individual pieces, as well as fully furnished salons and entire rooms, illustrate domestic architecture from around 1830 to around 1985. The rooms on display offer a different perspective on the past than accounts of historical events and local trades.

The Neoclassical town hall is a striking example of the town’s architectural history. It was built from 1825 to 1827 to plans by Zeulenroda hosiery manufacturer Christian Heinrich Schopper (1787–1864). Visitors interested in architecture will find a building with a clearly documented date, which pairs well thematically with the museum’s historical exhibits.

The Karpfenpfeifer is a popular photo spot. On a guided tour of Zeulenroda, visitors can also learn how the figure at the Karpfenpfeifer Fountain got its nickname. It offers a tangible link between the town’s history and a distinctive feature of its cityscape.

Discover the animal park and nature

At the Zeulenroda animal park, visitors can stroll along barrier-free paths, have a picnic and discover animals from several continents. Most of the enclosures are spacious and designed to resemble natural habitats. Visitors can get up close to pygmy goats in the petting enclosure.

An educational nature trail uses information boards and models to share interesting facts about local nature. Wildlife watching, a break outdoors and nature-themed learning offer different ways to enjoy a trip to the animal park.

A distinct cultural highlight in Greiz

Greiz also has its own historical and cultural highlights. Since 2010, the permanent exhibition “From the Land of the Vogts to the Principality of Reuss Elder Line” has been located in the 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 the small-state residences. The multimedia history experience includes a computer-animated history of the building and an interactive journey through time.

The Lower Castle in Greiz houses a museum and a textile demonstration workshop. Established in 1998, the workshop presents the production and history of the Greiz textile industry; children and adults can take part in the manual production process. Alongside the town and nature themes in Zeulenroda-Triebes, this offers another cultural direction for planning your trip—while keeping Greiz’s attractions distinct from the facilities in Zeulenroda-Triebes.

When comparing accommodation, start by choosing the experiences that matter most for your trip: waterside trails and lidos, wildlife watching and nature, or city history and architecture. This will help you keep your planned daily highlights in mind when choosing where to stay.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Greiz, Hohenleuben, Langenwetzendorf, Zadelsdorf, Kraftsdorf, Endschütz, Ronneburg, Bocka.

Return to the main travel overview: Greiz.