Discover Erlau: Baths, Hiking Trails and History

Erlau Among Hiking Trails and Water

Erlau lies on the edge of the Vessertal UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. A well-developed network of hiking trails, two baths and St. Laurentius Church each offer a different focus: getting outdoors, spending time by the water or exploring architectural and local history. The interplay of landscape, recreation and history shapes the character of the town. If you are considering a stay in Erlau, you can decide which of these themes you would like to shape your trip.

Hiking and Baths

Those who enjoy exploring on foot will find a well-developed network of hiking trails in Erlau. This makes outdoor activity one possible focus of a stay. As route conditions can vary, it is worth checking the situation before setting out on a particular hike.

The two baths also offer different experiences. Erlau Swimming Pool has a children’s playground with a slide, carousel and rocking horse. This specific feature may be relevant to families with children when planning their day. Erlau Forest Bath is a public outdoor swimming pool operated by the town of Schleusingen and is located directly in front of the campsite in Erlau. At the swimming pool, the playground facilities are also a consideration, while the Forest Bath is an outdoor pool. Check the current opening hours when planning a day at the pool.

Church and Local History

The main structure of St. Laurentius Church in Erlau was built around 1500. The large winged altarpiece dates from the same period. Its carved, brightly colored and partly gilded figures, together with twelve panel paintings, are a striking feature of the church. The building and altarpiece add an art-historical dimension to local history, revealing another side of Erlau alongside hiking and water.

According to available records, Erlau is the oldest district of the town of Schleusingen; it was first mentioned in 1144. The history of work in the area also tells a story of change: in earlier centuries, forestry, charcoal burning and agriculture provided a livelihood. Later, blacksmithing, woodworking, weaving and glassmaking were added. This progression draws attention not only to architectural history but also to the activities that shaped life in Erlau in the past.

Schleusingen as a Distinctive Cultural Highlight

Schleusingen offers its own historical perspective. Bertholdsburg Castle is a Renaissance building flanked by four towers, with magnificent portals, and was the seat of the Counts of Henneberg until 1583. Today, it houses the Museum of Natural History. Three large exhibitions occupy almost 2,000 square meters across the east, north and west wings. Highlights include the 5- to 6-meter-long skeletons of dinosaurs from southern Thuringia. As exhibitions may change, check the current visitor regulations before your visit.

Linden trees line the market square in the center of Schleusingen. There stands the market fountain, built in 1710, with a statue of Countess Elisabeth of Henneberg. The town festival includes the annual Abitaufe, held on the second-to-last weekend before the summer holidays. The graduating students of Hennebergisches Gymnasium “Georg Ernst” are pulled through town in brightly decorated handcarts and then ceremonially baptized, after Countess Elisabeth’s face on the market fountain has been veiled. In Schleusingen, the townscape and festival tradition are also in the spotlight, alongside the historic building and museum.

Tailor your accommodation search to the kind of stay you are planning.

Discover more destinations: Schleusegrund, Sachsenbrunn, Sankt Kilian, Nahetal-Waldau, Lichtenau, Bischofrod, Hildburghausen, Masserberg.

See the broader travel overview: Hildburghausen-Suhl.