Guttau: Ponds, Nature and Cultural Landscape

A Pond Landscape with a History

Guttau can be explored through its ponds, protected area and long history of use. Passacker Pond lies in the care zone (Protection Zone 2) of the UNESCO Upper Lusatian Heath and Pond Landscape Biosphere Reserve. The Guttau ponds acquired their present form in the early 18th century, when existing ponds were modified and expanded. Since the 18th century, productive pond farming has been carried out in the Guttau and Wartha area, and it continues to this day. The pond landscape thus brings together different perspectives: its status within a protected area, its historical transformation and its ongoing management. For orientation, you can distinguish between Passacker Pond as a specific site within the protection zone and pond farming in the regional context of Guttau and Wartha.

Exploring on Foot and by Bike

The Guttau Ponds & Olbasee Nature Trail is approximately 8.3 kilometres long. Route 2, “Of Fishermen and Carp,” starts at the car park in Guttau. Route 1, “Sensing Nature,” is suitable for wheelchair users; check the current conditions before your visit. These details serve different purposes when planning: the approximate length gives you an idea of the nature trail, the car park marks the start of Route 2, and the accessibility information applies to Route 1. So, when choosing, pay attention to the specific route name.

The educational trail through the Guttau ponds welcomes thousands of visitors and hikers every year; several cycle routes pass through Guttau. When planning, you can therefore choose between an educational trail through the ponds and cycle routes that pass through Guttau. This brings the pond landscape into view both as the subject of an educational trail and in connection with cycling.

Digital Environmental Education and Pond Farming

The Mosaic Rally app is available as an ongoing environmental education resource for local people and visitors, and digitally complements the existing nature trails. The Mosaic Rally features six puzzle stations along a nature trail. The rally combines a route with a series of puzzles, while the app adds a digital dimension to the experience. If you enjoy exploring nature topics through practical activities, this format offers a distinct way to engage with environmental education.

A guided tour of the Guttau pond group offers insights into the environmentally compatible management of the fishponds and their importance for species conservation; tours are available by arrangement. Unlike information about route length or starting points, the focus here is on management and species conservation. This gives you another way to learn about how the pond landscape is used.

Exhibition and Other Places to Visit

In nearby Wartha, the HAUS DER TAUSEND TEICHE invites visitors to discover the Upper Lusatian Heath and Pond Landscape Biosphere Reserve and its animal inhabitants through an interactive exhibition. While the guided tour of the pond group focuses on management and species conservation, the exhibition centres on the reserve and its wildlife. The Radlerhof in Guttau is a popular excursion restaurant.

Discover more destinations: Panschwitz-Kuckau, Pulsnitz, Spreetal, Großröhrsdorf, Großpostwitz/Oberlausitz, Frankenthal, Steinigtwolmsdorf, Hoyerswerda.

View the wider travel guide: Bautzen District.