Discover Malschwitz: Ponds, Lake Olbasee and Nature

Malschwitz combines a landscape of ponds, water and wildlife watching with traces of regional history. A considerable part of the municipality lies within the Upper Lusatian Heath and Pond Landscape Biosphere Reserve; the Lake Olbasee recreation area is a popular destination in Upper Lusatia. You can plan your trip around several themes: explore the ponds and swamp forest, look out for seasonal wildlife, or learn about the history of the church and local industry. Which of these appeals to you most may also influence where you look for accommodation.

Pond farming and nature through the seasons

Guttau has long been associated with carp farming. The ponds between Guttau and Wartha were probably created from the 15th century onwards to support this activity. The “Guttauer Teiche & Olbasee” nature trail winds through fields and swamp forest, with numerous interactive stations inviting you to explore the surroundings. The Guttauer Teiche nature trail features themed sections on sensory experiences, fishing, legends and wonders.

The seasons also change what you see and hear along the trail: in spring, you can listen to frog choruses. In autumn, hundreds of wild geese can be seen or heard. The giant oak by the Großer Ziegelteich is another striking natural landmark: it is 700 to 800 years old and has a trunk circumference of nine metres.

Lake Olbasee and insights into the pond landscape

The EU-designated bathing site at Lake Olbasee has been rated excellent based on long-term assessment data. The measurements extend to 2 June 2026; check the bathing water quality again before your visit. This is especially relevant if you plan to make swimming a fixed part of your day. The House of a Thousand Ponds provides information about the biosphere reserve and traditional pond farming, complementing the nature-related themes with insights into the region.

Routes for different kinds of exploration

The nature trail links fields, swamp forest and interactive stations. The Upper Lusatian Ring Trail offers a different kind of experience: it is a regional hiking trail that passes through Malschwitz. In the wider Bautzen District destination, the Bautzen North Tour is also a 43.1-kilometre circular cycling route from Bautzen via Quatitz, Großdubrau, Milkel, Klix and Malschwitz, returning to Bautzen. The route crosses the heath and pond landscape and follows the nature trail in Crosta. This gives you a choice of different ways to explore: a themed nature trail, a regional hiking trail and a longer cycling tour.

Church and industrial history

The Evangelical church in the centre of Malschwitz has had its present appearance since 1716. The Baruth basalt works is a historic industrial monument and a former basalt quarry. Basalt extraction and processing began there in 1931. The church and industrial monument represent different chapters in the area's history: religious architecture and industrial use.

Choose accommodation to suit your plans

Next, check the location of the accommodation you are considering against the places and routes you plan to visit. This will help you choose an option that suits your preferred daily pace and the experiences you want to shape your stay.

Discover more destinations: Bernsdorf, Neschwitz, Sohland An Der Spree, Kamenz, Lichtenberg, Weißenberg, Schönteichen, Nebelschütz.

Go to the wider travel overview: Bautzen District.