"The Region of My Former Homeland" Gefell by elgin99

Gefell Travel Guide: 19 reviews and 48 photos

Water reservoir "Bleilochtalsperre"

My formerly home around Gefell was three miles from the Bavarian frontier close to the town of Hof/Saale. So also the North of Bavaria was after reunification in 1990 my home region, too.
The Southeast of Thuringia is a nice and well wooded region with its largest water reservoir of Germany. Extensive forests, little industry and an altitude between 450 - 719 m guarantee peace, quiet and clean air. Tourism and forestry are the economic base of the region.
In addition hunting is of great significance as a provides a source of income of the region.
The town Gefell was a frontier town until reunification (my album below). My children grown up there, I met some important people, esp. my best fatherly friend. He was a forester and given an understanding of nature to me, brought hunting in my life... but died too early.
So hunting was an important part of my life for many years, till 2003.

On the highway A9 direct half distanced between Munich and Berlin (in the middle of Germany), only 2 km beside the road you find a little town named Gefell. It has an extra connection to this superhighway.

It´s nearly on the border to Bavaria, because you need only 5 km and you are there. The next biggest town is indeed Hof /Saale, Bavaria.

It´s the most and last southeast corner of Thuringia in Germany and also not far from the border to Czechia.

Our water reservoir (river Saale) is 28 kilometers long, has many possibilies for water sport, fishing, sailing and more and is the largest of whole Germany.
Here one beautiful view above sea.

More details about water sports: Tourism

The dam of reservoir.

Dam of Bleiloch

Lakes Bleiloch and the following Hohenwarte both created by daming Saale river, are also referred to as "Thuringian Sea".

About history, forestry and hunting

Schloss Burgk

Higher elevations of Franconian Forest and Thuringian Slate Mountains are covered with coniferous forests.

Round about the historical Castle Burgk (photo), one residence of Principality Reuss (also Reuß), high above the lake you found more deciduous forest.

Forestry and manufacture of wood-products constitute an important part of the local economy.

Would you like to see how a tree is falling? In this Webshot album Forestry I show you some pictures. I´ll update time by time, because I´m waiting for following shots about forestry with a Harvester the "revolution" in forestry.

Another part is hunting. Some hundred years ago the family of Reuss separated a wide area for their hunting (named "Tierpark Weidmannsheil"), settled Maral-stags, too. Therefore also today existing a special red deer population in this area.

I´ve finished my hunting since some years, but it was also an important part of my own life here. Some pictures you will find in Hunting album

Pros and Cons

Pros:Our fantastic nature and landscape.
Cons:One must improve the touristic services in consideration of capabilities.

Last visit to Gefell: May 2006
Intro Updated Mar 10, 2007
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Reviews (24)

Wedding customs Local Customs (1)

If you be invited to a wedding in Thuringia, you will see a wooden block of tree out of the registry office, often also... more travel advice

with bicycle Sports & Outdoors (3)

Miles through peaceful landscape, wonderful around the water or to little lakes, mountainbiking through the forests and... more travel advice

Riding on horses Sports & Outdoors (3)

Riding on horses - a lot of people like it very much. In our region you have so much possibilities, to learn and/or to... more travel advice

Surfing on Bleiloch Sports & Outdoors (3)

Surfing on our water reservoir is an experience. Do you want learn it? A lot of schools exist here. Best place is near... more travel advice

Transportation (2)
See All By car
Off The Beaten Path (6)
See All Nature park Hag - Hirschberg
What to Pack (1)
Outdoor, weather gear, ticks warning
Things to Do (8)
See All Only one of this in Germany

Travelogues (4)

1 - 4 of 4

Comments (11)

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antistar Aug 30, 2005 at 5:33 AM

I love this countryside, but I guess to see more of it I'm just going to have to get a car (or rent one). Nice tips an uncovered region.
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MURRA Jun 13, 2005 at 5:47 AM

not sure what tree hugging means are you green party ?
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Irinna May 20, 2005 at 5:42 AM

Great information for travelling with a kid! And excellent photos!
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tessy Mar 13, 2005 at 12:39 PM

What a nice region you live! Makes me wanna visit there!
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tpal Feb 25, 2005 at 2:30 PM

Hello Hildruth, A very creative homepage and Gefell page. I enjoyed the trailer and other links. We too have many water sports including those dragon boat regattas. Lots of people in a small boat :-o Thanks...Tom
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jodydem Jan 30, 2005 at 2:56 AM

Your pictures are always wonderful..but Jettison and Snow Ghost are FANTASTIC!
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scottishvisitor Jan 29, 2005 at 4:34 AM

What a wonderful place Brilliant photography again Well done Just loved the snow pictures
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tini58de Jan 17, 2005 at 3:06 AM

Great to see where you live! Thanks for sharing, Hildruth !
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myriam_c Dec 10, 2004 at 12:26 PM

So green, so quiet ... beautiful !
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pepples46 Nov 19, 2004 at 1:59 PM

huebsch wo Du wohnst, beautiful pics, tks for sharing Hildruth.