Weißenborn/Erzgeb. between mining history and Ore Mountains trails

Weißenborn/Erzgeb. lies at the foot of the Ore Mountains near Freiberg. The mining trail, marked routes for cyclists and hikers, and the outdoor pool each offer something different. During your stay, you can choose between historic sites, views across the Ore Mountains landscape and time in the water. Which of these experiences you want to shape your stay may also play a role in your search for accommodation.

Mining history along the trail

The mining trail is marked in both directions and can be started at the Dreiländereck, where Friedrichweg and Buchenweg intersect. Check the local signs before setting out. A detour to Wernergraben extends the route to around 9.2 kilometres—useful guidance when planning the length of your hiking day. Six wooden information boards explore Weißenborn’s history and mining. The route also passes the former Huthaus of the Himmelsfürst mine, along with the Günther Erbstolln. Another detour leads to the collapsed upper entrance of the 900-metre-long Wernergraben adit. Views across the Ore Mountains landscape are just as much a part of the trail as its mining relics. The lower section can be wet in spring or after heavy rain, so suitable footwear is advisable.

The first documented mention of Weißenborn dates to 1213. Silver, copper, tin and lead were prospected and mined in the northern part of the village until the mid-19th century. This long mining history is more than just a look back along the trail: information boards and historic sites make it a theme throughout the route.

Routes, views and landscape

Weißenborn and Berthelsdorf are presented as starting points for cycling and hiking trips. Marked routes around both villages lead through natural landscapes and to viewpoints. The mining trail also offers views of the Ore Mountains landscape, while linking them with traces of the mining industry. The terrain is distinctive, too: the valleys of the Freiberger Mulde and Bobritzsch rivers cut up to 100 metres into the landscape. You can therefore choose your preferred focus: historic sites on the mining trail, or scenery and viewpoints along the cycling and hiking routes.

A different focus for the day: the outdoor pool

The outdoor pool adds an opportunity to enjoy the water alongside the routes and historic sites. Its water area covers 3,600 m²; facilities also include a large waterslide, a 2.50-metre-high diving tower, play and climbing equipment, and a beach volleyball court. Free parking is available. The pool can be accessed via a wheelchair-accessible entrance and a lift. This gives you another focus for your holiday alongside hiking: you can plan around whether you mainly want to explore the routes and mining history or also spend time in the water.

More to explore in the wider Mittelsachsen travel region

The wider Mittelsachsen travel region offers other themes, too. Rochlitzer Berg, at 353 metres high, is a remnant of volcanic activity; its red porphyry tuff is considered unique in Germany and Europe. In Mittelsachsen, Schloss Rochsburg has housed a museum since 1911. Its “Leute machen Kleider” exhibition features 52 costumes from 1,000 years of European fashion history. Also in the wider Mittelsachsen travel region, the terra mineralia exhibition at Schloss Freudenstein presents more than 3,500 minerals, gemstones and meteorites. Geology, fashion history and minerals thus offer further possible interests to explore when planning your trip, separate from the local routes and mining sites in Weißenborn/Erzgeb.

Discover more destinations

Berthelsdorf/Erzgebirge, Großhartmannsdorf, Hartha, Lichtenau, Mittweida, Burgstädt, Frankenberg/Sachsen, Waldheim

Back to the wider travel overview: Mittelsachsen.