Visitors choosing Lugau for a stay can focus on mining history, culture or trails in the former mining district. Specific points of interest include the Kreuzkirche, the Villa Facius cultural centre, mining-related memorial sites and two trails of different lengths and for different activities. This makes it possible to choose the town based on your own interests: architectural and cultural history, memorial sites, or a route on foot or by bike. These themes together describe Lugau without assuming a single reason for every stay.
Church, Culture and Mining Heritage
Since 1954, the church in Lugau has been known as the “Kreuzkirche”. It was built in three phases and extended in 1842/43, 1883 and 1906. This sequence reveals several stages in its architectural history; the Ladegast organ from Weißenfels adds a detail of the church interior. The “Old Bell Tower” in Lugau houses two bells, which are 500 and 700 years old respectively. The churchyard is the final resting place of 101 victims of the mining accident at the “Neue Fundgrube” on 1 July 1867. Lugau’s history thus spans architectural development and bell history, as well as a specific memorial to the mining accident.
The Villa Facius cultural centre brings together the municipal library, the gallery and municipal museum, the Kulturhof and a multipurpose room. The villa adds a distinct cultural element to the town’s history alongside its architectural and mining-related themes. Lugau is also part of the PURPLE PATH sculpture exhibition. The town’s attractions include the Mining Museum on Pflockenstraße and the mining heritage trail.
Trails Through the Former Mining District
The trails also connect with the former mining landscape. The Steinkohlenweg is an 18 km circular hiking trail through the former Lugau-Oelsnitz coal-mining district. The Kohlenbahnradweg was created on former railway lines used for coal mining in the district. It is currently developed from Lugau town centre for more than 8 kilometres to the Mittelbach industrial estate. A 6 km-long, 2.50 m-wide asphalt section is open to cyclists, walkers and inline skaters.
When choosing a route, it is important to note what the figures refer to: 18 km is the full circular hike, while 6 km is only an asphalt section of the cycle trail. They therefore compare a complete loop with a section, not two complete routes. As the trail’s development status may change, check the current route of the Kohlenbahnradweg before setting off.
A Seasonal Excursion Destination
In summer, the outdoor pool at Steegenwald is a leisure facility in Lugau with a large water slide. Its seasonal nature sets it apart from the historical themes of the Kreuzkirche and mining. If you would like to include the pool in your travel plans, take this seasonal aspect into account when choosing when to travel.
Discover more destinations: Schwarzenberg/Erzgebirge, Amtsberg, Geyer, Heidersdorf, Krumhermersdorf, Thum, Zwönitz, Bernsbach.
For the regional travel overview: Erzgebirgskreis.
