Holzhau offers several clearly distinct reasons to visit: winter sports in the ski area, a named circular hiking route, the “Auf dem Holzweg” educational trail and cycling routes connected with the town.
Forest Landscape and Local History
The forest areas near Holzhau are designated as a bird sanctuary and are entirely covered with spruce and beech forests. They are characterised by V-shaped valleys with flat floors and high plateaus with prominent ridges of resistant rock. In some places, they also feature cliffs and groups of rocks up to 15 metres high, as well as small areas of block scree. Valleys, elevated terrain and rock formations give nature its own distinct focus alongside the sporting activities. A V-shaped valley with a flat floor has a valley bottom and incised slopes; a high plateau is a relatively level area at a higher elevation. Ridges of resistant rock are elongated elevations made of durable rock. These terms describe different parts of the landform: valleys, level high ground and rocky ridges. Cliffs and block scree refer to other landforms; spruce and beech describe the forest vegetation.
The “Auf dem Holzweg” educational trail has a total of eleven information boards. The town’s history offers another way to see Holzhau: it was founded in 1534, after workers employed in the forest received permission to settle in the “Gehau”.
Skiing, Hiking and Cycling
The Holzhau ski area has three ski lifts, six pistes, a fun park and a children’s lift. The pistes, which are up to two kilometres long, can be covered with artificial snow when there is not enough snow. Beginners can take lessons at the local ski school. So, alongside the pistes, there is also a specifically named option for lessons for those starting out.
The 13.15-kilometre “Rund um Holzhau” circular hike leads from Holzhau to Rechenberg via the Muldenwanderweg and the Steinkuppe viewpoint, then returns to the trailhead. It is therefore a circular route that returns to its starting point.
There are several cycling routes connected with Holzhau: it is the starting point, destination and centre of the BLOCKLINE. The second day stage of the Mulderadweg connects Holzhau with Freiberg over approximately 35 kilometres. The Mulderadweg tour begins at Holzhau railway station.
The route format also matters when choosing a tour: “Rund um Holzhau” returns to the trailhead, while the second day stage of the Mulderadweg connects two towns. This lets you first decide whether you want a circular route or a stage between towns, rather than comparing only distances.
Getting Around Without a Car
The Freiberger Muldenbahn connects Holzhau with the other districts of Rechenberg-Bienenmühle. It usually runs hourly and provides a way to get around without a car. If you plan to use the train, check the timetable for your travel date.
If you want to get around without a car, you can also include the Freiberger Muldenbahn in your plans.
Discover more destinations: Clausnitz.
Go to the main travel overview: Rechenberg-Bienenmühle.
