Discover Schlitz: towers, distillery and the Vulkanradweg

Schlitz combines historic buildings and local history with a recurring Advent light display, a distilling tradition dating back to 1585, and the Vulkanradweg. If you’re looking for hotels in Schlitz, you can plan your stay around different interests, such as historic sights, a distillery experience tour or a cycling route. The following topics give you an overview of specific features of the destination.

Towers, local history and Advent

The Hinterturm is a 36-metre-high keep dating from the 14th century. It offers views across the Schlitzerland. On certain days, you can reach the viewing point by lift; check before your visit which days the lift is in operation.

A special Advent tradition transforms the keep of Hinterburg: since 1991, red fabric panels have turned it into the 42-metre-high Schlitzer Kerze on every Advent weekend. It shines above the historic market square and is considered the world’s largest Christmas candle.

Schloss Hallenburg also tells the story of the Counts of Schlitz: it was once their castle and residence. Between 1706 and 1712, it was redesigned as a new late Baroque castle with a mansard roof, following plans by French architect Louis Remy de la Fosse. The Schlitz Castle Museum is located in the Vorderburg. For orientation, a printable German and English version of the historic walking tour of Schlitz is available.

Distilling tradition and tastings

The Schlitzer Distillery has a distilling tradition dating back to 1585. Its approximately two-hour experience tour costs 15 euros per person and includes a tasting of mild Schlitzer spirits, classic fruit brandies, fruit and herbal liqueurs, and a premium product. The tour takes you through all three distilleries and into the historic whisky storehouse. Check the price and tour details with the provider beforehand, as the format may change.

At the Schlitzer Distillery’s Whisky Lounge, Single Malt, Single Grain and Wheat Malt are tasted side by side; the selection also includes whisky liqueur and selected cask-strength whiskies. The tasting therefore focuses on different things from the experience tour, which features a range of brandies and liqueurs. The lounge selection may change.

Cycling the Vulkanradweg

The 93-kilometre Vulkanradweg begins or ends in Schlitz and follows the route of a former railway line. The Vogelsberger Vulkan-Express is another option for planning your ride: it takes bicycles to the Hoherodskopf free of charge, from where you can cycle downhill along the Vulkanradweg. If you plan to use this connection, check the timetable beforehand.

The wider Vogelsberg area

As a broader destination, the Vogelsberg offers a landscape of its own: it is Europe’s largest volcanic region. In Schotten, the Vulkaneum explains volcanism in an accessible way; its multimedia exhibition focuses on volcanism and geology in the Vogelsberg. At hands-on stations and with interactive exhibits, visitors can experience the past firsthand. Also in the Vogelsberg, the 500-metre-long treetop path at the Hoherodskopf features suspension bridges.

Discover more destinations: Bernshausen, Freiensteinau, Lauterbach, Alsfeld, Ulrichstein, Schotten, Wartenberg, Schwalmtal

Return to the broader travel overview: Vogelsberg.