From 27 June, “Walking with History” invites you to an atmospheric evening walk from Kloster Zscheiplitz to the Sühnekreuz of Count Palatine Friedrich III of Goseck. Over the course of about two hours, landscape, memory and wine come together in a focused encounter with almost one thousand years of regional history.
The experience
The walk begins at Kloster Zscheiplitz, high above the Unstrut valley. From here, an easy path leads through vineyards, woodland edges and limestone terrain to the stone cross that commemorates the murder of Friedrich III in 1085. Along the way, wide views open over the Saale‑Unstrut region while you hear about the history of the monastery, the Goseck family and the sacred landscape between the Saale and the Unstrut.
The tour is conceived as an unhurried evening walk, with time for short stops, questions, photographs and the gradual transition from day into evening light. The focus is not on physical performance, but on a grounded, narrative approach to landscape and history.
History & family
Your guide is Alexander von Hahn, 24th great‑grandson of the murdered Count Palatine Friedrich III of Goseck and owner of the Klostergalerie Zscheiplitz. He leads you along the historical traces of his ancestors, weaving together archival research, family traditions and contemporary perspectives on medieval power and sites of remembrance.
At the Sühnekreuz itself – the distinctive stone cross at the historic crime scene – attention turns to the circumstances of the murder, the function of such atonement crosses and the question of how violence, guilt and reconciliation become inscribed in the landscape. The cross thus becomes a starting point for reflecting on authority, law and the long memory of a region.
Wine & “The German Hamlet”
The evening concludes close to the Sühnekreuz with a small, guided tasting of “The German Hamlet”, a port‑style wine produced at Kloster Zscheiplitz. In the glass, regional wine culture meets a deliberate literary reference: doubt, hesitation, conscience – themes that also echo in the story of Friedrich III and his time.
You will taste one or two small samples, learn more about the style, maturation and choice of name, and have the opportunity to ask questions. If you wish, you can continue the evening later at the monastery or with a separate visit to the Klostergalerie.
Practical information
Duration: approx. 2 hours
Distance: approx. 2–3 km, easy walking with gentle ascent
Start and end: Kloster Zscheiplitz
Dates: selected evenings from 27 June, usually at 18:00
Language: German (English tours on request)
Group size: ideally 6–15 persons (larger groups by arrangement)
Clothing: sturdy shoes and weather‑appropriate clothing recommended
The price is 25 € per person, including a small tasting of our port‑style wine “The German Hamlet” at the Sühnekreuz; participation without tasting (no alcohol) is 20 € per person. Bottles of “The German Hamlet” can be purchased after the walk.
For bookings, please use the contact form or send us an email with your preferred date, number of participants and contact details. Your booking is only confirmed once you receive written confirmation from us.
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