Gourmet Hiking in Bad Elster 6: Elsterschanze

This circular hike leads from the Royal facilities into the catchment area of the Kesselbach, which feeds the Louisa Lake. This stream receives its tributaries from several small springs, with individual paths branching off like a fan into the valleys. The terrain is almost entirely forested and diversely structured - typical of the Elster Mountains.

The path passes by Schubertplatz, the old core of the village of Elster. You can still discover some very old weavers' houses there.

You reach the Elsterschanze facility, where the ski jumping youth of Bad Elster train. Over the only somewhat steeper ascent of this round through the Bärenloch you get to the Ringweg and then through the valley of the Klitschenbach back to the center. You pass through the Waldsiedlung and Kessel districts and finally enjoy the sight of some beautiful Art Nouveau villas on the way back to the town center, including Villa Merz, a very impressive example.