Zschopautal Trail

The hike begins in Germany’s highest-altitude town, the spa town of Oberwiesenthal, home to the Fichtelberg—the source of the Zschopau River. The Fichtelberg Plateau offers a magnificent view of the entire Ore Mountains. Crottendorf—known for its traditional incense stick production—and Schlettau Castle are both worth a visit on this stage.

Stage 2 – Tannenberg to Thermalbad Wiesenbad / 8 km

The hike leads from Tannenberg via Schönfeld and Wiesa to the spa town of Thermalbad Wiesenbad—known for its healing thermal water from the Georgsquelle spring. A highlight of this stage is the Passklausentrum in Tannenberg, which is part of a medieval moated castle. A visit to Annaberg-Buchholz—the “City of Mines and Adam Ries”—with its significant late-Gothic St. Annen Church and numerous museums and mining exhibition sites, is also highly recommended.

Stage 3 – Thermalbad Wiesenbad to Zschopau / 21 km

Thermalbad Wiesenbad is an ideal place to relax and unwind. Be sure to plan a visit to the “Miriquidi” thermal baths or the well-maintained spa gardens. The route leads past the “Himmelmühle” to the mountain town of Wolkenstein, with its historic market square and castle. Scharfenstein Adventure Castle and Wildeck Castle are further highlights of this forest-rich stage.

Stage 4 – Zschopau to Augustusburg / 14 km

From Zschopau, known as the “motorcycle town,” this hiking stage heads toward Witzschdorf and on to Hennersdorf. Passing the covered wooden bridge (a technical monument), the trail leads to Augustusburg. A visit to the Augustusburg hunting lodge, with its museums and exhibitions, as well as the beautiful old town with St. Petri Church, is an absolute must.

Stage 5 – Augustusburg to Frankenberg / 17 km

You can reach Erdmannsdorf on foot or by cable car. From here, the trail leads to Flöha. There, the river of the same name flows into the Zschopau. Via Niederwiesa to Braunsdorf—past the historic Webermühle mill—you reach Lichtenwalde and finally Frankenberg. The highlight of the tour is Lichtenwalde Castle with its Baroque garden, which is considered one of the most beautiful.

Stage 6 – Frankenberg to Mittweida / 12 km

Near Frankenberg, Sachsenburg Castle rises on a rock above the Zschopau River—a castle complex dating from the early 13th century. Passing through the Schönborn mining area and following the mining nature trail, you’ll reach the “Alte Hoffung Erbstolln” visitor mine in Schönborn. Via Dreiwerden, the route continues through the Schweitzerwald to Mittweida. Worth seeing are the historic old town (a protected monument), museums, and the hydroelectric power plant.

Stage 7 – Mittweida to Waldheim / 16 km

Starting from Mittweida and running along the Kriebstein Dam, there are many hiking and recreational opportunities. Kriebstein Castle rises on a steep cliff above the Zschopau River and is an absolute highlight. Further along the river, there’s plenty to discover, such as the Liebenhain Waterfall or the Ringethal “Pirate Castle.” The destination for this stage is Waldheim—the “Pearl of the Zschopau Valley.”

Stage 8 – Waldheim to Döbeln / 13 km

Waldheim’s landmark is the town hall, adorned with Art Nouveau elements, along with its town hall tower. From here, the route passes the Diedenhain and Limmritz railway viaducts toward Schweta. Here, the Zschopau flows into the Freiberger Mulde, which also marks the end of this stage. We recommend a visit to the town of Döbeln, with its historic townhouses in the city center and St. Nicholas Church.