The circular hike along the Königsweg combines the experience of a historic cultural landscape—with Moritzburg Hunting Lodge at its center—with the surrounding diverse landscape of ponds and forests, which was already cherished by the Saxon electors and kings.The “Königsweg” is a circular hiking trail within the Moritzburg cultural landscape and one of the 12 favorite hiking trails in Dresden Elbland. The approximately 11-km route is easy, nearly flat, and accessible. The trail is signposted in both directions. We recommend starting toward the Käthe Kollwitz House.
At the start of the hike, hikers can enjoy the splendor of the castle and pond complex. Immediately after leaving the town of Moritzburg, the trail leads into the Friedewald, parts of which were specifically designed by the Saxon electors for hunting. The surviving system of clearings and tree-lined avenues allows visitors to get a sense of the scale of the courtly hunts. Forests and ponds are nestled within a landscape of rolling hills and have now been designated a nature and bird sanctuary. The more than 25 ponds are connected by a sophisticated canal system and are fed exclusively by rainwater. For this reason, they are also known as “Himmelsteiche” (Heavenly Ponds). Along much of the hiking trail, you can enjoy the idyllic tranquility of the pond and forest area; with a bit of luck, you might even spot white-tailed eagles, great egrets, and other rare animals. The hike then leads past mysterious-looking remnants of former game preserves, such as rubble stone walls, canals, clearings, feed cellars, and ditches.
In the final section of the hike, the Königsweg leads into a landscape garden featuring the Fasanenschlösschen, which is also known as the “Paradise in a Nutshell” because it houses an entire court in such a small space. Built as a summer palace in the Rococo style on a hilltop, it combines with the lighthouse, harbor, and large pond to create a unique landscape atmosphere that gives a glimpse of the opulent court festivities once celebrated here. Rest areas still invite visitors to linger today.
You can download the brochure for the popular “Königsweg” hiking trail here:
https://www.dresden-elbland.de/r/626723620?page=media%2Fdownload
The Königsweg on Komoot:
