Two perspectives come together in Sohland am Rotstein: trails around the Rotstein and a rich village and mill history. During your stay, you can choose between hiking and cycling or exploring historic buildings and landmarks. The different route profiles can help you plan your outings; local history ranges from the Bachmann windmill to historic districts and archaeological remains.
Hiking and Cycling Around the Rotstein
The E10 European long-distance hiking trail passes through the area around Sohland am Rotstein and over the Rotstein. The Via Sacra stage from Löbau to Sohland am Rotstein is about 17 km long. It follows narrow forest and meadow paths and descends to Sohland am Rotstein at the end. The Via Sacra stage from Sohland to Kodersdorf runs mainly along forest and field tracks and also includes woodland trails, for example at Silberstein. The stages therefore differ in both trail type and direction: the route from Löbau ends with the descent to Sohland, while forest and field tracks predominate on the route towards Kodersdorf.
The landscape around the Rotstein is well suited to hiking and walking. For cycling and mountain biking, quiet side roads, small avenues, and forest and field tracks are options. This gives you more ways to get outdoors beyond the hiking routes described above. Routes and conditions may change; check them before setting out.
Mill History and Village Character
The Bachmann windmill in Sohland is a post mill of local and technological historical significance. It is the only one of the four post mills that once stood in Sohland to have survived. Sohland am Rotstein extends for several kilometres along the Schwarzer Schöps and is considered the longest mill village in Upper Lusatia. The historic districts of Ober-, Mittel- and Niedersohland continue to shape the village today. The mill is a tangible testament to the area’s mill history, while the historic districts provide a broader connection to the village.
Chapel, Rampart Remains and Church
The sparse remains of St George’s Chapel, probably built in the 11th century, can be found on the western summit of the Rotstein. Remains of a double rampart on the Rotstein also recall a former fortification, possibly dating from the middle or late Slavic period. The church in Sohland was built in 1844 in the Neoclassical style. At the local history room, historic photographs, documents, maps, everyday objects and other artefacts preserve the history of Sohland am Rotstein. Together, these places and collections offer various points of reference for understanding the area’s architectural and village history.
Getting Here and Finding Your Way
Sohland am Rotstein is on the B6 federal highway between Löbau and Görlitz and is easily accessible via the A4 motorway. There are parking facilities and a bus stop in the village centre in Mittelsohland, making it a suitable starting point for visitors. These practical details may change, so check them before your journey.
For the wider travel overview: Reichenbach/Oberlausitz.
