Discover Gittersdorf

Gittersdorf’s main attractions are its local history, a historic structure, and a designated hiking route: historical records of names and ownership, a sandstone bridge at the northern edge of the village, and the Stellerskuppenweg. There is also the Backhausfest in August. This gives you a choice of whether history, hiking, or an event date will be the deciding factor in planning your trip.

Local History and Sandstone Bridge

Gittersdorf was mentioned in the Hersfeld tax register in 1343 as Villa Gutwinsdorf; in 1456, the name Guthernsdorf appears. In 1391, the von Milnrode family sold their half of the village to the abbey. Later, the entire village was owned by Hersfeld. The recorded names, the sale, and the later ownership status mark different stages in the village’s history over more than a century. These dates therefore provide a timeframe in which to place the two historical names of the village and the changes in ownership.

At the northern edge of Gittersdorf, a sandstone bridge dating from 1832 spans the Geis with a single semicircular arch. Its material, year of construction, and form give the structure a clearly defined character. Unlike the records of names and ownership, what stands out here is a tangible construction: sandstone and a single semicircular arch. Those interested in historic buildings can thus explore the village’s history from a different angle than through dates. Its location at the northern edge of the village pinpoints the site within Gittersdorf.

Hiking and Elevation Figures

The Stellerskuppenweg is an 8.9 km circular hike with 194 m of elevation gain and a duration of about 2.5 hours. Gittersdorf is one of the designated route stops. The distance, elevation gain, and approximate duration provide different points of reference for planning; the time given should be understood as an estimate. If the route changes, the distance figures may also vary.

The Stellerskuppe is 481 m high and is considered the highest mountain in the Kirchheimer Bergland. This designation refers to the named upland area. The mountain’s elevation should be distinguished from the elevation gain on the Stellerskuppenweg: 481 m is the height of the Stellerskuppe, while 194 m is the elevation gain on the circular hike.

Backhausfest in Gittersdorf

The Backhausfest is held every year in August by the Gittersdorf Volunteer Fire Brigade e.V.; specific future dates may vary. In 2025, the festival took place on August 16 and 17 at the Gittersdorf cultural barn. If you plan your stay around the event, check the date for the year you want to visit rather than relying on the 2025 date. Bread cake from the bakehouse was served at the 2012 Backhausfest.

Hiking Comparison in the Wider Destination of Neuenstein

In the wider destination of Neuenstein, the “Raboldshäuser Ritterweg” Fabelweg starts at the Neuenstein Castle hiking car park. It is a 15.2 km circular hike. Its stated length can therefore be compared with that of the Stellerskuppenweg: the Fabelweg is 6.3 km longer, and both routes are circular hikes. This hiking route is part of the Neuenstein destination; its stated starting point refers to the hiking car park at the castle.

Discover more destinations: Raboldshausen, Mühlbach.

Back to the main travel overview: Neuenstein.