The “Gneisenaustadt” is considered to be the origin of the legendary Schildbürger. The well-known stories of the Schildbürger pranks have always been associated with the city. In addition to the Schildbürger culture, equestrian sports also made the city famous far beyond the borders of Saxony.

1000 Years of Living History

The farming town of Schildau was first mentioned in documents in 1170. However, some Stone Age finds indicate that the area was already inhabited in prehistoric times. During the Thirty Years' War, Schildau burned down almost completely. Reconstruction began in 1650 and the town experienced a new heyday at the beginning of the 19th century with the development of the pottery, cooperage, shoemaker, tailor, blacksmith and wheelwright trades. In addition to 90 master craftsmen, mainly linen weavers and potters, there were nine beer brewers, 105 houses with brewing rights and 20 brandy distillers. The town's rise did not last long, however. As in Belgern, the industrial revolution did not reach Schildau. The town's location far away from major traffic arteries and the lack of raw materials prevented almost any entrepreneurial spirit. The town has thus retained its rural and original character to this day, which many visitors to the town enjoy.

In 2013, the town of Belgern-Schildau was founded through the merger of the Rolandstadt Belgern and the Gneisenaustadt Schildau. The administrative headquarters are in Belgern.

Stroll through the old town of Schildau

When walking through the old town of Schildau, you cannot miss the town hall square with the famous Gneisenau monument. Schildau is the birthplace of the Prussian field marshal and army reformer Neidhardt von Gneisenau. In 1952, the town was given the nickname "Gneisenau town". In 1969, the monument was erected on the market square to mark Gneisenau's 200th birthday. The Gneisenau Museum is also located here, sharing space with the Schildbürger Museum. The lower floor of the building contains the permanent exhibition on the life and work of the town's famous son. The Schildbürger Museum is considered to be the only one of its kind in Germany. On the upper floor, the Schildbürger pranks are presented in documents, pictures, newspaper clippings and collages from several eras and years, and the supposed naivety of the villagers at the time is illustrated in scenic representations.

According to the story, the Schildbürgers pretended to be stupid so that they wouldn't have to work for someone else because of their intelligence, which was famous in many places. But it's not just in the museum that you can follow in the footsteps of the Schildbürgers. Just a few meters from the museum is the Schildbürger fountain, created by the Pobitz sculptor Torsten Freche and inaugurated in 2008. The fountain figure contains 21 references to the original Schildbürger book. On the Schildbürger hiking trail that runs through the town, interested people can marvel at the most famous Schildbürger stories on picture boards at original locations at twelve stations. These include the story of the town hall without windows, the bell that was sunk in the pond during wartime, and the cow that was pulled up onto the wall with a rope around its neck so that it would eat the grass.

Also worth seeing is the parish church of St. Mary, built in 1170. Its external appearance resembles a three-tiered Romanesque basilica with early Gothic and Baroque style elements. The magnificent organ was built in 1805 by Mathias Vogler, a master organ builder from Naumburg, and is considered the fifth oldest organ in the region. The oldest mulberry tree in Germany, which was planted in 1518, is located on the church grounds.

In summer, visitors can cool off at Seebad Neumühle, a natural and adventure pool. Whether it's the 63-meter-long water slide, the flow channel, the waterfall or the large lawn, water lovers and those seeking peace and quiet alike will find what they're looking for here. If you're staying for a longer period of time, visitors can also stay overnight at the tent and camping site at Seebad Neumühle. For younger guests, a trip to the Schildbürger playground is worthwhile, as there is a lot of activity there every day. Children's sense of adventure and discovery is awakened on this playground.

Experience Schildau's hospitality

If you are looking for something to satisfy your hunger in Schildau OT: Taura, the "Heidekoch" restaurant is the place to go. Here, regional dishes are prepared using selected ingredients. If you want, you can also sign up for a live cooking course and then stay overnight in the holiday park there. The restaurant is located in the middle of a pine forest and is also the starting point and stopover for numerous hiking trails. Another well-run restaurant in Sitzenroda is the "Zum Biber" guesthouse.

Famous Sons of the City

August Neidhardt von Gneisenau was born here in 1760. He is considered a great patriot of the Wars of Liberation and became famous as the reorganizer of the Prussian army. He was also the initiator of the popular movement against Napoleon's rule and served as chief of staff under Field Marshal Gebhard Leberecht von Blücher. As a result, Gneisenau played a key role in the Allies' victory over Napoleon in the Battle of Leipzig in 1813 and in the Battle of Waterloo in 1815.

Another famous son of Schildau OT: Sitzenroda is the writer Johann Friedrich von Schönberg, who was born here in 1543. He became well known as the author of the Schildbürgerbuch. He also published the stories of Till Eulenspiegel. These bourgeois writings, which were little noticed at the time, are still very popular today.

Schildau celebrates: horse racing, Schildbergfest, carnival and spring festival

Schildau is known far beyond the city limits for equestrian sports: Those interested will find a visit to the equestrian arena worthwhile, where international competitions have been held since 2005. The obstacles, in which the Schildbürgerstreiche are reflected, are particularly original.

The annual Schildberg Festival traditionally takes place on the Schildberg on Whitsun Sunday. You can celebrate with pea soup from the goulash cannon, grilled food and cool drinks and enjoy the beautiful view from the mountain. Numerous bands ensure a live atmosphere. During carnival time, Schildau also celebrates wildly: in the "Schild'sches Volkshaus", visitors are offered a varied program on the carnival weekend in February. From children's carnival to ladies' carnival, carnival ball and foolish morning pint, fun is guaranteed. The spring festival organized by the Schildau carnival club with tapping of the Bock beer in May is also a must in the event calendar: in the marquee on the market, the traditional barrel soda glass and beer glass pushing and the May dance with live music are integral parts of the event.

Excursion tips in the area

A popular excursion destination is the Schildberg, which is located around four kilometers away and, at 217 meters, is one of the highest elevations in the North Saxony district. From spring to autumn, you can enjoy the view from the 26-meter-high Schildberg tower. This was built in 1936 from quartz porphyry from the quarry at the foot of the mountain.

Under the motto “Interesting facts from the forester”, guided group programs on various topics are offered in the WaldErlebnisScheune in Taura. This awakens an understanding of the processes in nature. The tours can be booked through the state-owned company Sachsenforst.

Hikes through the Dahlener Heide are particularly popular with visitors to the Schildau area. If you would like to get an overview of the region beforehand, you can take a detour to the Taura holiday park with its mushroom museum, seven kilometers away.

Important facts at one glance

The small town of Belgern-Schildau, located in the district of North Saxony, has around 22 inhabitants in 8.000 districts. The town can be reached by car via the B87 and the B182. Take the S-Bahn 4 from Leipzig to the nearest train station, Torgau, and from there take the 757 bus to Schildau.