800 Years of Gnandstein History
The town of Gnandstein has a long history and was first mentioned in documents in 1228. The Lords of Schladebach founded Gnandstein Castle with a residential tower and ring wall as early as 1200 and expanded it over the decades. From 1409 onwards, the area around Gnandstein fell into the possession of the noble family of Einsiedel, who from the late Middle Ages onwards acquired numerous Saxon castles and palaces as their own or as fiefs. The castle and estate remained in their possession until 1945. The town and its residents had to contend with a number of setbacks over the decades. In the run-up to the Battle of Mühlberg in 1547, the imperial troops under Charles V camped in Gnandstein, among other places. This resulted in looting. The Thirty Years' War also had a major impact on Gnandstein and its historical buildings. Nevertheless, the town continued to develop. The first municipal ordinance was drawn up around 1842 and two years later the current rectory was built. With the expropriation of the Einsiedel family in 1945, the rule finally ended and their estate was completely divided. On April 1, 1996, Gnandstein was incorporated into Kohren-Sahlis. Since January 1, 2018, the place has belonged to the city of Frohburg.
A castle like in a picture book
The townscape is largely shaped by Gnandstein Castle, which can be seen from afar. Like a scene from a picture book, the castle rises on a rugged rocky outcrop above the Wyhra Valley. As the best-preserved Romanesque castle in Saxony, it looks back on a history spanning over 800 years, which began with its construction at the beginning of the 13th century by followers of the Wettin princely house. Like the town of Gnandstein, the castle came into the possession of the von Einsiedel family in the early 15th century, who changed it according to their ideas over the generations. The high keep, mighty protective walls, gatehouse and tower courtyard as well as battlements and residential buildings still characterize its face today. With the new castle chapel, a true jewel in the late Gothic style with three magnificent altars was created around 1500. The 33-metre-high and walkable keep, which was built in the middle of the 13th century in the upper castle courtyard, invites you to enjoy a view over the idyllic Kohrener Land.
Another popular attraction for visitors is the Gnandstein Castle Museum. Its foundation goes back to Hanns von Einsiedel, who from 1929 onwards displayed the antiquities he had collected in several rooms. In addition to historical facts and exhibits, the exhibition also includes some of the Einsiedel family history. The Groß collection presents precious porcelain, paintings, furniture and sacred sculptures from the 14th to the 20th century.. A narrow Gothic spiral staircase leads visitors to the "Weapons Showroom", which displays historical weapons from the 16th to the 20th century. Young and old visitors alike will be amazed here. In addition to the exhibitions, the castle can be explored either on your own or as part of a themed tour. This provides insights into the fortifications and the late Gothic chapel. There are also reports on life in the castle over the centuries.
Culture and sights for young and old
In addition to the castle, the Protestant village church in Gnandstein is also worth seeing. It was built around 1518 on the site of a previous Romanesque building. The single-nave Gothic hall church building is located on a hill in the middle of the town and is one of the many stops on the popular Luther Trail Saxony. It served as the burial place for the von Einsiedel family. The baroque pulpit altar from 1688 is one of the earliest examples of its kind in Saxony. Those interested can also visit the miniature and fairy tale garden in Gnandstein. In the fresh park air and in a family atmosphere, young and old can stroll through a fairy tale world that takes you back to times long past. 35 different fairy tale scenes were created here with great attention to detail. The Kohrener Land in miniature format can also be admired here. On an area of almost 1.000 square meters, you can learn everything about the history of the town and its inhabitants.
There is also an old blue printing workshop at the foot of Gnandstein Castle. The tradition of blue printing was native to the region from the mid-17th to the end of the 19th century and can be experienced in the sales workshop. Visitors can take part in demonstrations of textile hand printing and take part in textile design courses.
Experience the atmosphere in Gnandstein
The café and restaurant at Gnandstein Castle is the perfect place for hikers or after exploring the castle to have a refreshment break. In the winter garden or on the terrace with a view of Gnandstein, regional and international dishes typical of the castle are served.
The historical atmosphere of Gnandstein can also be experienced on a short walk through the town. The river Wyhra, which has its source in the Pleiße and meanders through the Kohrener Land, divides the town into two almost equal halves. On the way through Gnandstein you come across houses with a structure dating back to the 18th century, which can still be admired today. In the surrounding Kohrener Land, the wide fields and paths into the countryside offer plenty of opportunities to explore the nature around Gnandstein.
Traditional events every year
The Gnandstein Local History and Social Association was founded to maintain the traditions and cultural life of Gnandstein. Every year on April 30th, the association organizes a large witches' bonfire on Walpurgis Night, which has made a name for itself beyond the region. At this event, children make ugly, beautiful witches and adults are invited to dress up. Every year in mid-October, summer is bid farewell with a large autumn bonfire at this event. In addition to these larger events, the association also hosts smaller events such as bowling evenings, excursions and social gatherings.
Exploring the Kohrener Land
The charming surroundings of the Kohrener Land around Gnandstein offer visitors a variety of excursion destinations. A walking path along the Wyhra takes you to the town of Frohburg. The charming town, which is considered the gateway to the Kohrener Land, attracts visitors with its historical sights and a wide range of cultural offerings. These include Frohburg Castle, which is the oldest building in the town and is complemented by an idyllic castle park with a castle pond. The ceramics collection of the important ceramic artist Kurt Feuerriegel in Frohburg Castle is also worth a visit. The Eschefelder ponds near Frohburg invite you to explore. They were created in the Middle Ages for the purpose of producing edible fish. The nature reserve is a paradise for numerous bird species and can be reached via an idyllic hiking trail from the town of Frohburg.
Just two kilometers east of Gnandstein you reach Kohren-Sahlis. The former pottery town is now a district of Frohburg and was first mentioned in 974. One attraction for visitors is the famous pottery fountain by Kurt Feuerriegel from 1928, which is considered the town's landmark. The ruins of Kohren Castle are just a few minutes' walk away. The two keeps with high entrances and parts of the surrounding walls of the imposing hilltop castle, which was built in the year 1000, have been preserved and still characterize the city's skyline today.
Gnandstein is located on the Via Porphyria pilgrimage route, which connects various towns and landscapes in northwest Saxony. As a circular route, it passes Frohburg, Kohren-Sahlis and Rochlitz, among others. Hikers, pilgrims and cyclists can expect a scenic and culturally interesting route through the Kohren region.
Important facts at one glance
Gnandstein is a district of the town of Frohburg in the south of the Leipzig district. With around 300 inhabitants, it was incorporated into Kohren-Sahlis in 1996. The tranquil town is located around 50 kilometers south of Leipzig in the Kohrener Land near the Saxon-Thuringian border and is easily accessible via the B7 federal highway. Gnandstein is a stop on numerous cycling and hiking trails in the Leipzig region.