Waldheim Ridge Circular Route

12.17 km long
Round trip
Difficulty: medium
Condition: easy
Hiking
  • 3:45 h
  • 12.17 km
  • 357 m
  • 357 m
  • 175 m
  • 264 m
  • 89 m
  • Start: Waldheim, Niedermarkt
  • Destination: Waldheim, Niedermarkt
The scenic hike leads along various ridges around Waldheim, each viewpoint offering a charming view of the town on the Zschopau River.

The Waldheim ridge circular route is one of many developed hiking options around the town on the Zschopau River. The scenic hike covers about 13.5 km and brings the hiker to various ridges such as Carola or Schillerhöhe, Spitz or Wachberg. Each elevation individually, as well as the Wachberg Tower, offers a charming view of the town on the Zschopau River.

Good to know

Pavements

Unknown
Street
Asphalt
Gravel
Path

Best to visit

suitable
Depends on weather

Directions

From the town hall, built in Art Nouveau style from 1898-1902, cross the Zschopau Bridge built by Pöppelmann in 1713, along Mittweidaer Straße turn right into Härtelstraße. About 50 m on the left through the portal. Up the stairs, past the Catholic Church, you reach the rondel at the end of Carolastraße. Following the small path, continue over the disused Kriebethal rail track up to Schillerhöhe. Through the deciduous forest to Carolahöhe and down the steps to the scaffolding pillar viaduct. Here turn right and proceed on Mittweidaer Straße to the Heiligenborn railway viaduct. Immediately right through the viaduct reaching Sauergras and onto Vogt-, Süd-, and Hauptstraße. Walk left along Hauptstraße to the playground and turn right to the bridge over the bypass. From here there is a good view of the Diedenhain railway viaduct. Downhill past the Waldfrieden inn, through the viaduct left towards Meinsberg. It's worth briefly pausing on the Meinsberger bridge to admire on the left side Europe's largest dry stone retaining wall along the railway. A path leads right to the forest edge, uphill you reach Spitzberg and the cross rock. Your effort is rewarded with a beautiful panoramic view over Waldheim and the Zschopau valley up to Kriebstein Castle. In the foreground on the left is Germany's oldest still operated penal institution. Staying on the circular hiking route, continue to Alberthöhe and over the bridge uphill to Hufe and down again to Gebersbacher Straße. Cross this towards Breitenberg. After the stream bridge, turn right up the meadow path, then top left into Massaneier Straße. After about 200 m turn right into the small path towards Lutherhöhe. Here you have a beautiful view of the town encircled by green heights. Steps lead back to the street on Breitenberg, right down to Morteltal, cross the road and take Hangstraße uphill to Wachberg. The 20 m high lookout tower once again offers a beautiful panoramic view over Waldheim and its surroundings. Past the hotel "Goldene Höhe" go down 220 steps into the valley 70 m lower to Kriebsteiner Straße. A few meters left on the Zschopau bank you see the Napoleon Stone, which commemorates the crossing of Napoleon's troops over the Zschopau in May 1813. Parallel to the river walk back into town. Upon reaching Oberwerder, you see on the right Kellerberg, a show mine. Continue over Oberwerder to Obermarkt to the starting point, the town hall.

Tour information

  • Loop Road

Equipment

Sturdy footwear or sports shoes, water and provisions if needed. 

Directions & Parking facilities

By car: Follow A14 to B169 in Großweitzschen, take exit 34-Döbeln-Nord on A14. Follow B169, Am Berg, Döbelner Str., and Waldheimer Str. to Niedermarkt in Waldheim.

Waldheim: Augustinerplatz
  • Train: Waldheim Station
  • Public transport: Take RB110 to Leisnig station, then bus line 924 to Waldheim, Niedermarkt.

Additional information

Author

Verena Daser

Organization

LEIPZIG REGION

License (master data)

Verena Daser
License: no copyright required (Public domain) (no copyright)

Author´s Tip / Recommendation of the author

  • Heiligenborn Viaduct
  • Diedenhain Viaduct
  • Wachberg Tower (key in the museum house)
  • Napoleon Stone
  • St. Nicolai City Church
  • Waldheim City & Museum House

Nearby

Contact

Waldheim Ridge Circular Route
04736 Waldheim