Hohenleipisch: Moorland, Orchards and Pottery Tradition

Fruit growing and pottery traditions give Hohenleipisch a distinctive character. Hiking trails that start in or near the village lead through landscapes with different themes: from orchards and former mining areas to the Der Loben moorland. The church and workshops also add their own cultural highlights.

Hiking trails between orchards and moorland

The 11-kilometre Path of Fruit Growing and Mining starts in Hohenleipisch. The landscape around the village combines flowering meadows and a variety of fruit with former mineral extraction pits. This route therefore brings fruit growing and traces of past mineral extraction together.

The 8-kilometre In the Realm of the Blossom Queen route also starts in Hohenleipisch. It explores the nature park’s southern fruit-growing region, where old cherry trees shape the landscape. At 8 kilometres, and with its focus on orchards, the route differs from the 11-kilometre Path of Fruit Growing and Mining.

Another marked hiking route, Exploring the Der Loben Moorland, is 8 kilometres long and starts near Hohenleipisch. Der Loben is considered one of the last large, largely intact moorland areas in southern Brandenburg. The route lengths provide a clear guide, while the landscape themes help you choose between orchards, former mining areas and moorland.

Protected area, forest and the Loben themed trail

The Hohenleipisch Nature Reserve covers around 169 hectares. About 88 hectares within the protected area are free from direct human influence and reserved for natural development. The protected landscape includes a large, contiguous and largely undisturbed forest, as well as mixed pine and oak woodland with abundant dwarf shrubs.

Nature is also a feature around the Hohenleipisch bunkers: the old, structurally diverse oak forest there is an important hunting ground for bats. The Loben themed trail is described as having well-maintained paths, information boards, an observation tower and a sun deck. These features may change, so check the latest information before your visit.

Church and pottery craft

Hohenleipisch’s Protestant church was built in 1208. Its distinctive church tower has been restored and adds another historic feature to the village.

The history of pottery is deeply rooted in local craft traditions: abundant clay deposits and pottery skills passed down through generations helped Hohenleipisch become an important centre for pottery. The Lück and Biebach pottery workshops continue this tradition, making handmade tableware, garden ceramics and decorative pieces.

The Anett Lück pottery workshop displays ceramic museum pieces, particularly the grey stoneware associated with Hohenleipisch’s pottery heritage. The selection on display may change. At creative events, visitors can decorate items made from a prepared clay mould. Check in advance whether a suitable session is available.

Fruit growing, an orchard meadow and the Apple Route

Cherries and strawberries are among Hohenleipisch’s main crops. At a public orchard meadow between Hohenleipisch and Kraupa, visitors can pick fruit for their own use, depending on the season.

Another fruit-themed destination is nearby Döllingen: the Pomological Display and Teaching Garden covers about three hectares and focuses on old varieties of apples, pears and other fruit. The approximately 50-kilometre Apple Route passes through Hohenleipisch and Döllingen and includes information stations about apples. If you plan to cycle the route, check the route details before setting off.

Choose accommodation to suit your travel interests

If you’re deciding between the hiking trails, compare the 8- and 11-kilometre routes and their respective highlights.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Schönewalde, Plessa, Mühlberg, Finsterwalde, Massen-Niederlausitz, Bad Liebenwerda, Sallgast and Falkenberg/Elster.

For the overarching travel guide, see: Elbe-Elster.