Generic selectors
Exact matches only
Search in title
Search in content
Post Type Selectors
Search in posts
Search in pages
Generic selectors
Exact matches only
Search in title
Search in content
Post Type Selectors
Search in posts
Search in pages
s

Elster raft ditch hiking trail

© Copyright by Saale-Unstrut-Tourismus e.V.
Tour dates

easy

11.6 km

02:46 h

93 m

114 m


16 m
 
Height profile

Description:

A trail that recalls the history of log rafting.

The hiking trail has its origins in the 16th century and is considered the longest energy pipeline of the past (from Muldenberg in the Vogtland region to the cities of Halle and Leipzig). A technical masterpiece that can still be seen on the approx. 10 km long hiking trail. Between 1578 and 1580, Elector August I of Saxony had a raft ditch constructed to enable timber rafting. The
A trail that recalls the history of log rafting.

The hiking trail has its origins in the 16th century and is considered the longest energy pipeline of the past (from Muldenberg in the Vogtland region to the cities of Halle and Leipzig). A technical masterpiece that can still be seen on the approx. 10 km long hiking trail. Between 1578 and 1580, Elector August I of Saxony had a raft ditch constructed to enable timber to be rafted. The wood transported in this way was specifically used to fire boiling pans to turn brine into table salt. 

The hike leads through such tranquil places as Schladebach with a small farm café.
A waterway cross - en miniature - a technical masterpiece, if you consider that the construction was started in the 16th century - is crossed, the village stream crosses here with the Elster raft ditch. In Kötzschau, the restaurant "zur Mühle" invites you to take a break - children will also enjoy the beautifully designed playground. About 200 m away from the trail, at the former Kötzschau manor house, Master Adebar lives in his eyrie - a stork chronicle leaves no questions unanswered about the arrival of the storks and the number of their young. The salt deposits in the region have been known since the Middle Ages and in Kötzschau there was one of the oldest salt works in the region. In Nempitz the eye of the hiker is delighted by well-kept green spaces and a small, fine park with several surprises. A guided tour through Nempitz can be booked and then you will not only learn about the secrets of the park and the place...
Between Schladebach and Nempitz, 15 panels provide information about everything worth knowing about the technology and history of the raft ditch, as well as salt production in the salt works. Salt was vital and served to preserve food, which is why it was also called "white gold".
The hiking trail leads on natural paths along the raft ditch through sparse forests, past meadows and through beautiful villages. There are resting places everywhere and between Schladebach and Kötzschau you can choose a trail variant that takes you to a small mountain with a resting place - the view of the surrounding villages is included.

 Read more
  • Difficulty: easy
  • Condition: easy
Author's Tip: Start the hike at a "Lost Places" - the lock ruin in Wüsteneutzsch - the ruin inspires not only the technically interested among the hikers - with its dimensions and the question What-If the Elster-Saale Canal, which would connect the White Elster near Leipzig with the Saale near Leuna, actually existed. This leaves a lot of room for dreams and speculations. For the time being, that's the way it has to be, because there is no completion in sight.
For a long time, the deepest borehole in the world was considered to be the geological land survey near Schladebach with a fabulous depth of 1748 m and this in the period from 1884 to 1893. The most important concern was the search for hard coal.

Parking: Parking spaces in the village centre of Schladebach
Public parking lot for hikers at the Wüsteneutzsch lock ruins

More info / links: Route characteristics: natural hiking trails, short stretch of asphalt              
  • always open

Tour itinerary:

Contact:

Saale-Unstrut-Tourism e.V.

Pot market 6
06618 Naumburg
Phone: +49 3445 / 237790
E-mail: info@saale-unstrut-tourismus.de
website: http://www.saale-unstrut-tourismus.de/

You might also be interested in this

Share this contribution
Share on facebook
Share on twitter
Share on pinterest
Share on linkedin
share on xing