Discover Greiz (Greiz): Castles, Parks and the White Elster
Greiz, located in the south-east of Thuringia, is considered one of the most beautiful and diverse towns in the region. Stretching along both banks of the White Elster River and crowned by its historic castles on the surrounding hills, the town offers a magical blend of grand architecture and impressive natural scenery. Let us take you on a complete tour of its most important sights:
1. Oberes Schloss – the Upper Castle above the town
The Oberes Schloss (Upper Castle) sits on a cone-shaped hill and is easily recognised by its distinctive domed tower.
Originally a Baroque residence, it was rebuilt after a devastating fire and today houses:
exhibition rooms and guided tours through the castle
public halls used for cultural events and functions
a small workshop area illustrating the long-standing textile tradition of Greiz
Don’t miss the view from the castle terraces over the White Elster and the old town – a perfect panorama.
2. Unteres Schloss – the Lower Castle in classical style
The Unteres Schloss (Lower Castle) was founded in the 16th century and rebuilt in a classical style after a major fire in 1802.
Today it contains:
a local history museum
a permanent exhibition on the textile industry of the town and region
a café offering a relaxed break in a historic setting (de.wikipedia.org)
3. Fürstlich Greizer Park – Baroque landscape with an English touch
Covering about 50 hectares, the Fürstlich Greizer Park is a Baroque landscape garden enriched with romantic English-style elements since the 17th century.
Highlights include:
the Binsenteich pond
small waterfalls and flowing water features
a gently sloping path that connects the park with the castle
The park has maintained its status as an important cultural monument and is ideal for long walks and quiet breaks in nature (de.wikipedia.org).
4. Old Town & Market Square (Altstadt & Marktplatz)
Greiz’s Old Town is characterised by:
cobblestone streets
colourful half-timbered and town houses
a modern market fountain and lively side alleys
From the Marktplatz, you can easily reach both castles and the park. The mix of historic architecture and everyday local life creates an inviting, vibrant atmosphere.
5. Sophienkreuz – the white cross above Greiz
The Sophienkreuz stands on the Hirschstein hill at an altitude of about 375 m. It was erected in 1838 in honour of a beloved princess (de.wikipedia.org).
Today it serves as:
a panoramic viewpoint overlooking the town and the White Elster
a popular destination reachable via marked hiking trails
Those who make the climb are rewarded with wide views over Greiz, the river valley and the surrounding hills.
6. Pulverturm – historic defensive tower and photo spot
The Pulverturm (Powder Tower) is a former defensive tower that once formed part of the town’s fortifications.
A visit is particularly atmospheric:
at sunrise, when the light bathes the landscape in soft colours
in the late afternoon, with long shadows over the hills
Nowadays it is integrated into a walking route above the residential area and is especially loved by nature and landscape photographers.
7. Gasparinen-Tempel – a temple-style pavilion in the park forest
The Gasparinen-Tempel is a Roman-style temple pavilion dating from 1907, set in the wooded part of the princely park.
It is used today as:
a venue for festivals and cultural events
a special gathering place, for example for choral singing on Good Friday
an elevated viewpoint offering a beautifully sloping vista over the town
8. Hiking and cycling – Greiz as a starting point
Greiz is an excellent base for tours in the surrounding countryside:
the Vogtland Panorama Trail
the Elster Route (around 72 km)
the Greiz Circular Route (Greiz Rundweg) (around 70 km)
These routes cover varied terrain, from river landscapes and forests to rolling hills and plateaus, and are suitable for both hikers and cyclists (greiz.de).
| Item | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Best time to visit | Spring to autumn (April–October) for hiking and cultural events |
| Suggested duration | Around 2 days to fully explore the castles and enjoy the natural surroundings |
| Getting around | Easy to walk in the town centre; use a bike or bus for higher and longer routes |
| Reservations | On weekends and holidays, book castle tours and special guided walks in advance, especially in spring |
Conclusion
Greiz offers a complete experience:
a rich history with two castles and a historic temple
impressive natural settings with parks, viewpoints and well-marked trails
a living cultural heritage with festivals and music venues
Every corner offers new perspectives and moments of beauty. If you are looking for a destination that inspires you, calms you and still offers plenty to discover, Greiz is the perfect place.
The team of writers and editors on this website makes every effort to provide accurate information through extensive research and consultation of multiple sources when preparing articles. Nevertheless, errors may occur or certain details may be incomplete or not yet fully confirmed. For this reason, please regard the information in these articles as an initial point of reference and always consult the relevant authorities and specialist institutions to obtain definitive and up-to-date information.
