There are quite a number of things that make me (or anyone else for that matter) happy to visit the town of Neukirch (Lausitz). The outdoorsy stuff you’ll find here is absolutely first-rate; and as for the historical stuff, you’re bound to learn a thing or two.
The very best place to start any trip to Neukirch is its Tourist Office, located at Hauptstraße 20. The folks here are able to tell you all about the awesome bicycle trails, like the Umgebindehaus-Radweg (yea, try saying that fast five times). This 100km scenic route follows along to some of the most outstanding Umgebindehäuser (it’s a type of half-timbered construction) found throughout the region.
Didn’t I tell ya, you’d learn something new?
And good thing this isn’t a one-pony show, there are many other bike trails found throughout Upper Lusatia. For instance, I also like the the 32km Weinbrand Route, a trail that’s all about the Brandy. Or the short 3km Waldlernpfad that’s all about plants and animals residing in the forest.
Neukirch isn’t lacking in the hiking trails either. Some of the long-distance trails will bring you over the Upper Lusatian and the Zittau Mountains.
If walking and cycling isn’t for you, then good thing there are horse rides you can take through the area. And if you’re totally into the whole winter sport thing, you’ll find cross country skiing trails, downhill skiing, and even snowmobiling. I think they even guarantee snow days here…
No matter what season it is, you’re sure to love the scenery. Neukirch (more specifically the Valtenberg) sits some 586 meter above sea level, and if you climb the Valtenbergturm you’re 25 meters higher — the view from this height is astounding.
Oh, I think I can see the Czech Republic from here. Wait, it probably is, since the border is only one town away… ;-)
As for Neukirch’s historical side, it’s where the Battle of Bautzen took place in 1813 (and Bautzen itself is only 12km away). You’ll also see a bunch of exhibits at the Local History Museum (so long as you call ahead for an appointment), and everyone’s welcome to services at the Evangelical Lutheran Church — a church that took some thirty years to build in the 1700s.
There’s even a castle in nearby Doberschau-Gaußig, the Schloss Gaußig. This Baroque castle looks quite different from its start as a medieval one, and its 30 hectare English Garden is nothing short of lovely.
Thanks, Neukirch(Lausitz), for teaching me something new — and treating me to some of the best countryside in all of eastern Germany.
