At 586.6 metres, Valtenberg is the highest point in the Lusatian Highlands. At its summit are a mountain lodge and the König Johann Tower. Hiking and seasonal activities on the mountain go hand in hand with linen craft, local history and recurring events at the manor – a range of topics to consider when planning a trip to Neukirch/Lausitz.

Hiking, the Legends Trail and winter

Numerous hiking trails lead to the summit of Valtenberg. The Valtenberg and Hohwald area around Neukirch also has a dense network of marked hiking trails. When choosing a route, you can decide between heading for the summit as a specific destination or exploring the wider hiking region. In winter, sledges are available for hire at Valtenberg, and the cross-country ski trails are groomed.

The Legends Trail to Valtenberg starts at the Waldschlösschen and features seven legend-themed riddles. Each information board has a QR code. This connects the destination, Valtenberg, with a storytelling theme. If you enjoy following a thread on a hike, the riddles provide a specific point of interest.

Linen, local history and the manor

Hoffmann Linen Weaving Mill weaves and finishes high-quality linen textiles for home furnishings. The von Kleist Linen Manufactory is a bespoke linen and design workshop and offers guided tours about linen weaving. Three pottery workshops are associated with the years 1834, 1824 and 1866.

In Neukirch Church, the nave was 300 years old in 2023, the tower 270 and the organ 150. Recurring events are held at the manor, including Christmas and autumn markets, jousting tournaments and a small animal show. The Tourist Information Centre and the library at the manor are accessible by lift. If you are travelling for a market or jousting tournament, check the specific event dates in advance.

Getting here and getting oriented

Connections to public transport and the motorway make Neukirch/Lausitz easy to reach. This makes it a practical starting point for planning your journey; you can tailor the specific connection to your travel plans.

Cycling routes in the wider Bautzen District destination

For a broader look at the Bautzen District destination, it is worth exploring the regional cycling routes as well. The Bautzen Northern Tour is a 43.1-kilometre loop from Bautzen via Quatitz, Großdubrau, Milkel, Klix and Malschwitz, returning to Bautzen. It passes through the heath and pond landscape and along the nature trail in Crosta.

The Hills and Valleys Route is a regional loop through the West Lusatian Hills in Bautzen District. The Krabat Cycle Route is a regional loop following in the footsteps of Krabat, the legendary Sorbian hero. Both are regional circular routes, but with different thematic focuses.

For longer distances, there are other options: the Central Germany Route runs from Zittau to Aachen; one section passes through the Upper Lusatian Highlands in Bautzen District. The Spree Cycle Route follows the river from its source in Upper Lusatia to Berlin. In Bautzen District, the section runs between Taubenheim and Zerre. This lets you distinguish regional circular routes from long-distance routes whose full course extends far beyond the district.

Discover more destinations: Arnsdorf, Wittichenau, Bautzen, Ottendorf-Okrilla, Göda, Bischofswerda, Frankenthal, Königswartha

Back to the wider travel overview: Bautzen District.