Taubenheim/Spree: Sundials, Trails and History

Taubenheim/Spree combines a prominent sundial theme visible throughout the village with trails on Taubenberg and a history of churches and buildings. Sundials can be found in gardens and on house walls and gables; the nature trail and heritage trail offer different points of interest. For a stay, this gives you a range of options combining discoveries in the village, nature and culture, complemented by an outdoor pool and leisure complex.

Sundials in the Village

A sundial trail leads through the village and showcases 36 different sundials in gardens and on house walls and gables. You can also explore Taubenheim/Spree as a sundial village on an easy 6.29 km circular route. The route passes 53 historic and modern sundials on house walls and gables, as well as in gardens. You can explore it independently or join a guided tour by prior arrangement.

The two routes offer different points of reference. The circular route can be assessed by its length, easy rating and circular format; the sundial trail focuses on 36 examples in different locations around the village. This lets you choose whether you prefer a precisely measured route or the sundial trail through Taubenheim as a starting point for your exploration.

Trails on Taubenberg and Monuments

Hiking trails cross Taubenberg, which, at 455.9 m, is the highest point in the village of Taubenheim. The Taubenberg nature trail passes the Schalenbruch, a disused quarry filled with water and surrounded by steep rock faces, with places to rest. Both a distinctive landscape feature and the elevation of Taubenberg are therefore specific themes along the trails.

The heritage trail, Tour 2, offers a different point of reference. It explores the northern part of Taubenheim by way of its monuments; a detour leads to Wachtberg. Designated a protected natural feature, Wachtberg offers expansive views over Taubenheim. Its focus therefore differs from that of the nature trail: monuments and views take centre stage here, while the other trail passes the water-filled quarry.

Church History and the Village Landscape

In 1524, the church in Taubenheim, together with the church in Oppach, was among the first Lutheran rural congregations in the entire Upper Lusatia to adopt the Reformation and introduce communion in both kinds for the laity. A later milestone in the church’s history was the consecration of the Taubenheim hall church, which had been fully extended to the west. It took place on 19 November 1775, after 18 years of construction. The two dates point to different aspects of local history: the Reformation in rural congregations and the architectural history of the hall church.

One building also shapes the village landscape: the “Max Panitz” residential and commercial building is a half-timbered house in the centre of Taubenheim. It provides an architectural point of reference for local history alongside the church-related events. Together, these themes give an impression of how the village can be explored through its religious history and distinctive buildings.

More Places for Leisure

The solar-heated Erlebnisbad Weißbachtal outdoor pool offers another point of interest. There is also an open-air exhibition of agricultural equipment with a leisure complex near the railway station. The outdoor pool, the equipment on display outdoors and the leisure complex add further specific destinations to your travel plans, alongside sundials, trails and historical sites.

For the wider travel overview: Sohland An Der Spree.