Discover Hilbersdorf’s mining history and hiking trails

Hilbersdorf combines a rich mining heritage with opportunities to explore the surrounding area on foot. The Rammelsberg and Schieferleithe historic mining area stretches across the districts of Hilbersdorf, Niederbobritzsch and Weißenborn. Since 2019, it has been part of the buffer zone of the UNESCO World Heritage Site Erzgebirge/Krušnohoří Mining Region. Two hiking trails also offer different route profiles.

Mining and industrial history

Silver, tin, copper and lead ores were mined around Rammelsberg. Between 1524 and 1600 alone, 60 mines in the Freiberg mining district were in operation there. Numerous spoil heaps remain; the historic mining area also includes small spoil heaps and mine pits across the districts of the three towns. Rammelsberg was an important early mining area in the Freiberg district and reached its heyday in the 16th century.

The Hilbersdorf section includes a former mine office at Am Friedrich 1. Another historic connection dates back to the Middle Ages, when a timber rafting yard and charcoal-burning site were established in Hilbersdorf. The Muldenhütten smelting complex lies west of Freiberg, in the valley of the Freiberger Mulde near Hilbersdorf. It is considered one of Germany’s oldest non-ferrous metal smelting sites; the Muldenhütten smelter has been in operation for more than 700 years.

A musical connection

The history of Hilbersdorf’s church is also linked to a notable name: Gottfried Silbermann. In 1723/24, he supplied the church with a positive organ featuring five stops, for 300 thalers. The instrument is now in the Musical Instrument Museum of Leipzig University. Hilbersdorf’s history thus includes a distinct musical heritage alongside its mining and smelting traditions.

Hiking trails and landscape

The BR3 Tannhübel circular trail is 8.61 kilometres long, with an ascent and descent of 132 metres each. A bench on a hill offers a view of Hilbersdorf and a panoramic vista. After 4.61 kilometres, the trail reaches Alte Hauptstraße in Hilbersdorf. The route length and elevation profile provide clear information for planning.

The B2 trail leads from Hilbersdorf to Colmnitz. It starts in the square in front of the former municipal office and passes through village, hill, forest and field landscapes. At 9.4 kilometres, it is longer than the BR3. The elevation profiles also differ: B2 has a 150-metre ascent and a 100-metre descent, while BR3 has 132 metres of each. You can therefore compare the trails by distance and elevation gain; B2 also offers a succession of different landscapes.

The Freiberger Mulde flows past the western edge of Hilbersdorf. The river adds a clearly identifiable geographical feature to the area’s landscape.

Which accommodation suits your travel plans?

When looking for accommodation, it helps to decide in advance what you want to focus on during your stay. Would you like to centre your visit on mining and industrial history, or include the trails described here? The distance, elevation gain and landscape along the route provide concrete criteria for comparing BR3 and B2. This lets you plan your trip around the things that interest you most about Hilbersdorf.

Discover more destinations: Freiberg, Bobritzsch, Eppendorf, Brand-Erbisdorf, Mittweida, Erlau, Mulda/Sachsen, Falkenau.

Back to the regional travel guide: Mittelsachsen.