Want to get out of Berlin and enjoy nature? How about a weekend trip to Kromlau? Kromlau is a picturesque district of the municipality of Gablenz in Saxony’s Upper Lusatia, right on the border with Poland. The town is best known for its fairy-tale park and the famous Rakotz Bridge (Devil’s Bridge), but wonderful hiking trails also await you in this beautiful setting.
Kromlau looks like something straight out of a fairy tale. The small village is part of the municipality of Gablenz and is known far beyond Germany’s borders. The village owes its fame primarily to the 200-hectare azalea and rhododendron park. This park is one of the most significant garden complexes in Central Europe.
The Devil’s Bridge, the highlight of Kromlau
The undisputed centerpiece and most famous landmark of the park is the Rakotz Bridge, which is also often referred to as the Devil’s Bridge. It was built in the mid-19th century from massive basalt stones, although these first had to be laboriously transported from afar. The bridge was primarily designed as an architectural element intended solely to highlight the natural beauty of the surroundings and thereby create a romantic focal point within the park. The estate owner at the time, Friedrich Hermann Rötschke, certainly succeeded in this endeavor.
What is particularly impressive about the architecture of the Devil’s Bridge is its precise arch. When the water level is calm, the structure, together with its reflection in Lake Rakotz, forms a perfect, circular stone ring. Due to this optical phenomenon, the bridge captivates thousands of photographers and travelers every year and is therefore considered an ideal subject for social media. Following an extensive renovation carried out between 2018 and 2021, the monument now finally shines again in all its mystical splendor.
What else there is to discover
But Kromlau has more to offer than just a photo opportunity. The park itself was laid out starting in 1844 by Friedrich Hermann Rötschke based on the English model. Especially in May and June, the area transforms into an explosive sea of colors when the giant rhododendron bushes and azaleas are in full bloom. Amid the winding hiking trails, visitors will also find Kromlau Castle, a Baroque manor house, as well as curious basalt formations such as the “Organ.”
For technology enthusiasts, the historic Muskau Forest Railway offers a nostalgic journey. It connects Kromlau via a narrow-gauge track to Weißwasser and the neighboring UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Fürst-Pückler-Park in Bad Muskau. Those seeking to slow down in nature, who enjoy hiking or walking, and who are passionate about garden art will find a unique destination in Kromlau. Here, history, architecture, and botany come together perfectly. Have fun exploring!
