Explore Lichtentanne on foot or by bike along its hiking and cycling trails. When planning your trip, you can choose cultural history or outdoor activity as separate or combined themes. Schönfels Castle offers a glimpse into medieval history, while the historic Rußbuttensteig connects Lichtentanne and Schönfels. In Ebersbrunn, the source of the Pleiße is a destination in its own right. You can decide whether to focus on architectural history, trails, or a combination of both.
Schönfels Castle and Architectural History
The medieval Schönfels Castle is in the district of Schönfels. It was built in the 12th century on a diabase rock spur at an altitude of 393 metres; the tower offers views across the surrounding landscape. The museum at Schönfels Castle provides insights into the history of the complex and medieval life.
The origins of Schönfels are dated to around 1200; Schönfels Castle served as the administrative centre of the Lordship of Rode. The development of the village and the castle’s administrative role are two aspects of its history.
The cultural programme at Schönfels Castle includes exhibitions, educational activities at the museum, concerts and markets. If you want a particular concert or market to shape your stay, check the dates before travelling.
St Barbara’s Church offers a different architectural feature: it is a simple rural Early Baroque hall church without a choir. Its design is therefore markedly different from that of the medieval castle.
Hiking and Cycling
The historic Rußbuttensteig connects Lichtentanne and Schönfels. It was once used to transport soot, which was produced in the surrounding soot kilns and pitch huts and taken towards Leipzig. This route between the two places also has a history as a transport link.
Schönfels Castle is also a starting point for circular walks and cycling tours. Cycle route signs are available in all of Lichtentanne’s districts. These refer to different aspects of navigation: the Rußbuttensteig connects two places, while route signs cover all the districts.
The Pleiße Cycle Route is described as a relatively easy ride, particularly suitable for families and leisure cyclists. Most of the route is asphalted or paved. The trails offer different themes: the Rußbuttensteig focuses on connections and history, while the Pleiße Cycle Route is characterised by its stated level of difficulty and surface.
The Source of the Pleiße and the Regional Setting
In Ebersbrunn, the Pleiße rises at the Drei-Linden-Brunnen in a small park that invites visitors to linger. This source offers a different focus from the castle and connecting trails: here, the river’s origin and the park take centre stage.
Zwickau District
The wider Zwickau district currently has 14 FFH sites and two bird protection areas designated, covering a total of approximately 2,200 hectares. The “Mulden- und Chemnitztal” landscape conservation area primarily covers the course of the Zwickauer Mulde between Zwickau and Wolkenburg and is approximately 4,348 hectares in size.
Discover more destinations: Hartenstein, Crimmitschau, Lichtenstein, Crinitzberg, Glauchau, Zwickau, Reinsdorf, Zwickau.
Return to the main travel overview: Zwickauer Land.
