In Bertsdorf-Hörnitz, a 7.6-kilometer Nature and Culture Trail connects Hörnitz with Bertsdorf. Its 13 stops lead to natural, historical and cultural sites—including churches, traditional half-timbered houses and Breiteberg. Visitors who want to explore the area will find a common thread along the route, bringing together architectural history and landscape.
Nature and Culture Trail from Hörnitz to Bertsdorf
Stops include Althörnitz Castle, the two parish churches, Koitsche, Hof Weikelt, the Upper Mill and the Ressel smithy. The Breiteberg landscape is also part of the route. It therefore takes in both notable buildings and natural and craft-related themes. There is a parking lot at the starting point in Hörnitz; bus route 1 also runs from Zittau Central Station. Check the bus schedule before travelling if you plan to use this connection.
Churches and a castle with their own stories
The Baroque church in Bertsdorf was built from 1672 to 1675 to a design by Andreas Klengel. It served as a model for several Baroque village churches in southern Upper Lusatia. Parts of the Bertsdorf rectory dating from around 1700 have been preserved. Together, the buildings showcase different aspects of the area’s architectural history.
The original mechanisms from before electrification have been preserved in the Hörnitz church, including equipment for the bells, tower clock and organ. Visits are possible by arrangement; call ahead to arrange access to the key. Althörnitz Castle was built between 1651 and 1654 and features a distinctive Renaissance gable. A large elm tree in the castle park is protected by nature conservation laws.
Crafts and rural architecture
Other stops along the trail tell stories of work and everyday life. The Ressel smithy dates from 1866. In the past, it produced wrought-iron tools for nearby farms and kitchen gardens. The Upper Mill operated until 1900; an extension houses the Schubert Collection of objects of cultural and historical interest from agriculture and domestic life. Hof Weikelt is a residential and barn building dating from 1754, with a projecting roof. These examples highlight different topics: blacksmithing, milling history, the collection and traditional architecture.
Breiteberg: phonolite, rocks and views
The summit of Breiteberg is volcanic in origin and part of a varied phonolite hill landscape. Its rock formations include Querxloch and Zscherschelsteen. From Breiteberg, the view extends across the Zittau Mountains. The mountain is also home to the 13-meter-high stone Dr. Curt Heinke Tower, built from phonolite from the mountain. Check the observation tower’s opening arrangements again before your visit. The landscape and views give the Culture Trail a different character from its churches and historic workplaces.
Bertsdorf station and the narrow-gauge railway
Bertsdorf station also combines railway history with a memorable visitor experience. The narrow-gauge railway arrives at the station and branches off towards Oybin or Jonsdorf in the Zittau Mountains. At the historic forest station, visitors can watch shunting operations. Railway rarities are displayed in the engine shed; the exhibits may change. If you plan to take a train ride, check the schedule in advance. The station offers its own attraction alongside the area’s walking and cultural stops.
Discover more destinations
Discover more destinations: Weißwasser/Oberlausitz, Schöpstal, Schönbach, Neusalza-Spremberg, Horka, Quitzdorf am See, Rietschen, Niesky.
Back to the main travel overview: Görlitz.
