Zschopau can be explored through three distinct aspects: the protected old town with Wildeck Castle, the traces of silver mining, and trails for walking or cycling. If you are planning a stay, you can organize your itinerary around the time available and your interests: local history, an underground tour and longer trails each offer a different focus.
Castle Garden and Historic Old Town
The castle garden complex includes a courtyard, a Baroque garden, a rose garden and a pergola area. From here, there are views of the Zschopense, the Zschopau bridges and the landscape to the east, south and west. Wildeck Castle is a Renaissance castle; its museums focus on regional industrial history, particularly Saxon vehicle manufacturing. The exhibits include DKW and MZ motorcycles, enduro bikes and racing motorcycles.
The protected old town retains its medieval street plan. Its town houses date from the second half of the 18th century and are designed in a simple Baroque style. Other features include sections of the late-medieval town wall dating from 1495, Wildeck Castle and St. Martin's Church. A walking tour of the town brings together different periods, from the medieval layout and town wall to the later town houses.
From Zschopau railway station, the route crosses the Zschopau bridge and continues up steps to Wildeck Castle, its garden and the historic old town. The tourist information office is located at the museum ticket desk at Wildeck Castle in the historic town center. As the visitor services location may change, it is a good idea to check before your visit.
Mining History and Walking Trails
The Holy Trinity Mine preserves unaltered traces of medieval silver mining. Underground, approximately 250 meters of secured walking path are accessible. Tours last about 45 minutes and cover mining, geology, mineralogy and Erzgebirge traditions. Visiting and tour conditions may change, so check them before your visit.
The trails also offer options for different time frames. The Bodemerweg is listed as taking one hour to walk. A two-hour circular hike runs from Wildeck Castle to Villa Wilisch. The Wurzelweg leads into the side valleys of the Zschopau and into former mining areas. Riverside trails along the Zschopau lead to the visitor mine and the Teufelskanzel. The times given can help with planning. As local trail conditions may change, check them before setting out.
Getting There and Cycling Route
The Erzgebirgsbahn serves two stops within the city. Zschopau station provides access to the city center and Wildeck Castle. Public transport serves the entire city as well as the district of Krumhermersdorf. Timetables and services may change, so check the current connection before traveling.
The Zschopau is also a point of reference for cyclists: the Zschopau Valley Cycle Path passes through Zschopau between Oberwiesenthal and the area near Döbeln. The route extends for 137 kilometers through the Zschopau Valley. The 82-kilometer stretch between the source of the Zschopau and Flöha is signposted throughout. These figures distinguish the total route length from the section with continuous signage. The route and signage may change; check the latest information before setting out.
Discover more destinations: Wolkenstein, Raschau-Markersbach, Kurort Seiffen/Erzgebirge, Elterlein, Bockau, Drebach, Wiesa, GroĂźrĂĽckerswalde.
Return to the regional travel overview: Erzgebirgskreis.
