In the footsteps of the knights
Belgershain can look back on a long history. The village was first mentioned in 1296 - during the heyday of knighthood. The district of Threna is even older and was documented as the seat of Wulferus von Trenowe as early as 1205. He is also the namesake of the district. In 1335, Köhra was first mentioned in a document as "Corun". Until 1681, the village was divided into two parts: one part belonged to Belgershain, the other to the Pomßen estate. Over the years, the owners changed constantly until Köhra finally belonged entirely to Belgershain in 1556. Most of the village's inhabitants were self-employed and worked in trades: either in agriculture, as millers or as day laborers.
The youngest district is Rohrbach: The first mention dates back to 1349/1350. The town was known primarily for its mill. All four towns were created as a result of the development of the transport network between Leipzig and Colditz and Leipzig and Rochlitz. With the development of the railway and the subsequent construction of the Leipzig - Bad Lausick - Geithain railway line in 1887, Belgershain was connected to the nationwide transport network. Accordingly, the locals became more mobile and increasingly found work in the industry in the Leipzig area. After the Second World War, there was a widespread expropriation of the farmers in and around Belgershain. Despite the town's long history, Belgershain has largely been spared from major historical events. As a result, many buildings have been preserved in their original condition to this day.
Sights in the city
For centuries, churches have shaped the image of the village of Belgershain and thus the life of the community. The oldest churches are in Köhra and Threna, with origins in the 13th century. The village church of St. Martin in Threna fell victim to several storms, so that the tower and the organ were damaged or destroyed in 1911. Today, an organ made by the Schmeisser company in Rochlitz lures visitors into the church with its sounds. The Rohrbach district, on the other hand, has one of the youngest village churches in the entire Muldental. It is built in half-timbered construction and is particularly impressive due to its simple style.
In Belgershain itself, the baroque St. John's Church forms the center of the town - one of the most beautiful baroque village churches in the entire Free State. It was built in 1681. On the site of the previous church, there was originally a Donat organ inside the sacred building. There is no information about the first sacred building on this site - only the historic baptismal font reminds us of times gone by. Very little is known about the construction of the current church. However, it is assumed that Johann Caspar Stadtmann, the creator of the figures on the Old Stock Exchange in Leipzig, was involved in the interior work. Since 1905, a newer organ, also by the Rochlitz company Schmeisser, has delighted listeners during church services and concerts.
The neo-Gothic Belgershain Castle is also worth seeing. The castle, which was originally a medieval castle, is located in the middle of the town centre. Until 1945 it was owned by various noble families - today, however, it serves as the town's cultural centre. The history of the castle goes back to the 11th/12th century, when there was a swamp castle with a moat on the site. This served primarily to protect against the Via Regia, which was not far from the town. The construction of the castle was commissioned in 1104 by Margrave Wiprecht von Groitzsch. Other owners of the castle included Heinrich von Trebsen, the burgrave of Leisnig and the von Pflugk family. From 1551 the castle became the seat of a manor, until the conversion from a castle complex to a residential castle was finally completed in 1600. At the beginning of the 19th century the castle was rebuilt in the neo-Gothic style by the von Uechteritz family - an ancient noble family from Meissen. In the new millennium, extensive renovation work was carried out from 2002 onwards, so that the castle is now used primarily as a registry office, youth club, school day-care centre and by various clubs. The old cavalier house in the castle complex now serves as the town hall. The castle is surrounded by a castle park, which is ideal for walks when the weather is nice. The entire townscape of Belgershain is characterised by a large number of half-timbered houses. One of the oldest and most authentically preserved half-timbered houses is the Mahlerhaus. The other districts are predominantly characterised by old farms and farmhouses.
village idyll
Anyone who comes to Belgershain is welcomed by rural idyll and peace. Community is very important here: the local heritage society regularly invites people to village and club festivals that take place on the grounds of Belgershain Castle. In addition, the society's heritage room allows a glimpse into times gone by with historical furnishings, finds and tools.
Another focus that Belgershain sets is regionality: At Köhra-Frische GmbH, the name says it all. With a wide range of seasonal fruit and vegetables, the company primarily supports regional suppliers. The company has been organic-certified since 2005. Anyone who wants to bring fresh produce home can order the "Köhra-Frische-Box" and have it delivered or pick it up on site.
The “Würzdiele” in Belgershain also offers a special variety of spices. With experience in the application of Ayurvedic teachings, an Indian healing art, the shop has been offering special types of spices and oils for over 30 years.
Anyone looking for a cozy place to stop off is in the right place at the "Goldene Krone" country hotel in Köhra. Guests can enjoy a break there in a relaxing and family atmosphere. Cozy rooms with natural wood furniture and a balanced breakfast with regional specialties and homemade jams invite you to linger. Anyone who just needs a bit of refreshment will get their money's worth in the associated restaurant with beer garden. Here, too, guests are offered good, homely Saxon cuisine with changing seasonal highlights.
Famous Sons of the City
One of the city's most famous sons is Alfred von Bake. Born in Belgershain in 1854, he was later educated at the Thomasschule in Leipzig. He studied law in Leipzig, Strasbourg and Heidelberg, as well as at the University of Halle-Wittenberg. In addition to his work as a reserve officer, he also served as government president in Trier. In 1907 he was raised to the Prussian nobility.
Heinz Angermeyer was also born in Belgershain. He was born in 1909 as the son of a cantor. After working as a refrigeration and heating engineer, he entered the film industry. With his own "Independent Film GmbH" he produced comedies by Kurt Hoffmann, among others. He placed particular emphasis on promoting young talent and was awarded the Federal Cross of Merit, First Class, in 1980. His works include "Lampenfieber" (1960), "Der Mädchenkrieg" (1977) and "Engel aus Eisen" (1981).
Active through Nature
In Belgershain and its villages you can enjoy nature to the fullest. The area around the Rohrbach ponds covers an area of around 78 hectares and has been a nature reserve since 1990. You can explore the area on excursions or independent walks.
Belgershain is also part of the Green Ring. The Leipzig New Lake District offers attractive hiking and cycling routes. The Parthe-Mulde cycle path also runs through Naundorf not far from Belgershain. You can also go on a bike tour from Leipzig to the Schiffsmühle in Grimma. The route of around 70 kilometers takes you past Belgershain and the Nimbschen monastery. The Störmthaler Lake is just a few kilometers from Belgershain and is a great place to cool off in the summer. This lake can also be reached from the Leipzig city harbor via a water hike along the Markkleeberger Lake.
Useful information at a glance
The municipality of Belgershain, including its districts Köhra, Trehna and Rohrbach, has around 3.300 inhabitants. Known primarily for its idyllic village setting and proximity to nature, Belgershain is nevertheless well connected to the transport network. Located directly on State Road 38 (Leipzig-Grimma), the town also has a connection to the Leipzig-Geithain railway line, which is served by the DB Regio Südost and the regional express RE6. Belgershain can be explored in conjunction with a trip by bike or on foot through the Leipzig Neuseenland.