Discover Rackwitz: Nature, Water and Culture

Rackwitz offers different ways to plan a trip, depending on your interests: water and exercise may be just as appealing as places to enjoy nature or cultural attractions. Specific highlights include the landscape around Lake Werbeliner See, activities at Lake Schladitzer See and historic church organs. When choosing accommodation, consider whether you are mainly looking for time outdoors, active days by the water or cultural discoveries.

Landscape and conservation at Lake Werbeliner See

Lake Werbeliner See was formed from a former open-cast mine; the area covers 1,506 hectares. The lake has been designated a European Special Protection Area for birds since 2006 and has been protected as a nature reserve since May 2019. Its origins in the former mine and its protected areas therefore shape different aspects of this landscape. If you are planning a visit, check the applicable visitor rules before entering the area.

Water, circular routes and exercise

Activities at Lake Schladitzer See include swimming, sailing, surfing and freediving. The water fun park on the lake is an inflatable obstacle and climbing course on the water. Its opening may vary by season, so check availability in advance if you would like to include it in your plans. You can also rent bicycles at the ALL-on-SEA Camp & Sport Resort at Lake Schladitzer See. There is an e-bike charging station next to the LEVANTE restaurant at Schladitzer Bucht.

There are several specific routes to choose from: the loop around Schladitzer Bucht is about 8.5 kilometres long and runs right along the lake. A paved circular path around the lake is suitable for wheelchair users. There is also a 9-kilometre paved circuit suitable for cycling, inline skating and roller skiing. Schladitzer Bucht is about 2.5 kilometres on foot from Rackwitz railway station. This lets you take both your preferred activity and the route length into account when planning.

Churches, organs and culture

Johann Sebastian Bach personally inspected the Baroque organ in Zschortau village church. His verdict was: “competent, diligent and well constructed.” Podelwitz village church has an organ by Johann-Gottlob-Mende; the historic church buildings in Podelwitz are also worth a visit. Other sights include Zschortau Castle and Rackwitz Town Hall. The Bunte Bühne Biesen offers a range of cultural events. These places and attractions make culture an option in its own right, alongside days by the water and walks in nature.

Food and accommodation

Landgasthof Podelwitz serves cuisine ranging from hearty dishes to light Mediterranean fare, and prepares homemade pasta specialities. The meat used includes lamb, chicken, geese and ducks from its own farm. The country inn also has a guesthouse with 15 beds that can be booked, subject to availability. When choosing where to stay, you can match the focus of your trip with a specific accommodation option.

Nordsachsen as a wider travel region

The wider destination of Nordsachsen offers other distinctive nature and culture experiences. The district includes, among other areas, the Dübener Heide, the Dahlener Heide, Wermsdorfer Wald and the floodplain landscapes along the Elbe and Mulde rivers. In Torgau, Martin Luther inaugurated the castle chapel at Hartenfels Castle on 5 October 1544 with a festive sermon, making it the world’s first and only church building of its kind. Looking beyond Rackwitz when planning your trip lets you add landscapes and history from the wider region.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Mockrehna, Schkeuditz, Krostitz, Oschatz, Belgern-Schildau, Taucha, Beilrode, Zinna.

Back to the wider travel guide: Nordsachsen.