Located just 15 kilometers south of Kassel, the town of Guxhagen is a well-blended town of outdoor recreational fun and history. And sometimes with history, you take the good with the bad, right?
You’ll find both at the Kloster Breitenau, a stunning example of Romanesque architecture from the 12th century. Oh, this old Benedictine monastery has seen its fair share of the ugliness of war — it was sacked and pillaged during both the Thirty Years’ War and Seven Years’ War, but it’s more infamously known as a Concentration Camp from World War II. You’ll find a permanent exhibition on its days of housing political opponents of the Nazis.
FYI, if you’re into German/Jewish history, you’ll find Guxhagen once had its own synagogue from the 19th century — while not a religious building any longer, it still stands.
As old as the monastery is, that’s nothing compared to the age of the Menhir von Wellen — which is almost 4,000 years old. What makes this massive stone unique is its red sandstone composition, and its patterned design.
As I previously mentioned, Guxhagen is wonderful for enjoying the great outdoors. You’re so close to the Habichtswald Nature Park, the Meißner-Kaufungerwald Nature Park, and the Nature Park Kellerwald Edersee — meaning, there’s plenty of opportunities to find just the right hiking or cycling trail.
Your best bet is to get a map, available for just a few Euro. Trust me, it’ll help.
Another wonderful outdoor activity in Guxhagen is canoeing along the Eder and Fulda Rivers — where you’re able to plan simple day trips, or a more extended weekend of just moseying along at a leisurely pace.
When you get tired it’s always possible to camp out. Guxhagen’s camping/RV area is top-notch, with a place to go fishing or hit up a beer garden. Or, do both, of course.
Now can we go back in time to those wars telling folks to stop fighting as this place would have become even more beautiful?
