Discover Rietschen: Erlichthof, Wolf Barn and Cycling Routes

Rietschen offers several ways to enjoy a stay: historic wooden houses and museums, activities relating to the European grey wolf, and cycling routes through the Upper Lusatian Heath and Pond Landscape. There are also horse-riding activities and a swimming spot in Hammerstadt. This means you can choose between culture, exercise and water when planning your stay.

Historic Houses and Museums

The Erlichthof settlement was established in the early 1990s, when historic wooden houses were relocated here from the area ahead of the open-cast mine. Today, it includes an ensemble of historic wooden houses and a farming museum. A visit therefore brings together two perspectives: the houses themselves and their shared relocation history.

The Erlichthof settlement offers a wolf museum, exhibitions and guided tours. Traditional workshops can also be found there. Traditional annual events include a pottery market, a wood and forest festival, a nature and fishing festival, and a Wichtel festival. If you want to plan your travel dates around a festival, check the dates in advance, as event dates may change.

The Rietschen Fire Brigade Museum focuses on the history of the volunteer fire brigade from 1945 to 1989. On display are historic rescue equipment, protective clothing and an original Robur Garant K30 fire engine. Visits must be arranged by phone in advance.

Wolves, Ranch and Other Activities

The Wolf Barn at Erlichthof focuses on the European grey wolf, with nature films, an exhibition and an outdoor themed experience area. Another option for an outing is the Forest Village Ranch. It is located on the Wolf Cycle Route and is considered a destination for short trips. Its features include an authentic Western atmosphere, a wooden playground and a herd of bison.

Horse-riding activities in Rietschen include carriage rides, trail rides, a riding station for touring on horseback and riding lessons. Providers and availability may change. In Hammerstadt, locals and visitors use the small lake in the Schenkteich recreation area for swimming. As swimming conditions may change, check them before your visit.

Cycling Routes and Landscape

Nine circular routes ranging from 26 to 65 kilometres start at Erlichthof Rietschen and lead through the Upper Lusatian Heath and Pond Landscape. The route length helps you choose a ride to suit the distance you want to cover; route details may be updated, so it is worth checking them before setting off. The landscape is characterised by ponds alongside sandy dunes and is considered Germany's largest pond region.

The 45-kilometre Wolf Cycle Route passes through the municipality of Rietschen between the Spree Cycle Route and the Neisse Cycle Route. This lets you distinguish between the circular routes starting at Erlichthof and a cycle route that passes through Rietschen. The two details provide different guidance: a shared starting point for the circular rides and a specific route for the Wolf Cycle Route.

Getting Here and Choosing Accommodation

Rietschen is located on Federal Highway 115 between Cottbus and Görlitz. The railway station is in the town centre on the Berlin–Görlitz railway line. Free parking is available at the station, and regular local buses also run. Transport services may change, so check train and bus timetables before travelling.

To choose the right location, compare the accommodation address with your planned destinations and take current transport connections into account.

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