Discover Erlau: Hiking, Water and History
Accommodation in Erlau
Erlau lies on the edge of the UNESCO Vessertal Biosphere Reserve. According to available records, Erlau is the oldest district of the town of Schleusingen; it was first mentioned in 1144. A well-developed network of hiking trails, the Erlau swimming pool and St. Laurentius Church offer a variety of attractions. When looking for a holiday apartment, it may help to decide in advance whether hiking, water or local history should be the focus of your trip.
Hiking and Water in Erlau
Erlau has a well-developed network of hiking trails. It offers a starting point for days of your holiday spent on foot. Check the conditions on the relevant trails before setting out, as they may vary.
The Erlau swimming pool has a children's playground with a slide, carousel and rocking horse. You can take the specific facilities into account when planning if play areas are important to you alongside the pool. Erlau outdoor pool is a public open-air swimming pool operated by the town of Schleusingen, located right next to the campsite in Erlau. If you are planning a day of swimming, check the opening hours in advance.
St. Laurentius 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: it features carved, painted and partly gilded figures, as well as twelve painted panels. The building's history and the altarpiece give your visit a tangible historical connection; the details range from the dating of the church to the design and number of the paintings.
Local history can also be explored through a timeline. In earlier centuries, forestry, charcoal burning and agriculture shaped livelihoods in Erlau. Later, blacksmithing, woodworking, weaving and glassmaking were added. The first mention in 1144 and these different trades offer two perspectives on the town: its early written record and how people's occupations changed over the centuries.
Schleusingen: Castle, Museum and Town Traditions
Schleusingen is home to Bertholdsburg Castle, a Renaissance building flanked by four towers and featuring magnificent portals. It was the seat of the Counts of Henneberg until 1583. Today, the castle houses the Natural History Museum. Three major exhibitions occupy nearly 2,000 square metres in the east, north and west wings. Highlights include the five- to six-metre-long skeletons of dinosaurs from southern Thuringia. Since exhibitions may change, it is advisable to check the latest visitor information before your visit.
The lime-tree-lined market square in the centre of Schleusingen is adorned by a market fountain dating from 1710, with a statue of Countess Elisabeth of Henneberg. The town festival also includes the annual Abitaufe, held on the penultimate weekend before the summer holidays: graduating students from the Hennebergisches Gymnasium “Georg Ernst” are pulled through town in brightly decorated handcarts and then ceremonially baptised, after Countess Elisabeth's likeness on the market fountain has been veiled. As the date is tied to the summer holidays, check the event dates before planning your trip.
Discover more destinations: Hildburghausen, Römhild, Schnett, Veilsdorf, Themar, Biberschlag, Langenbach, Gießübel
For the broader travel overview: Hildburghausen-Suhl.
