Ridge trail stage 01 "From Geising to Holzhau"

We start our hike directly at the train station in Geising, past the supermarket and follow the KAMM markings in the direction of Geisingberg. After crossing the road, we enjoy the ascent to the Geisingberg via forest and meadow paths past a former quarry (short detour to the left) through a nature reserve. Once we reach the Geisingberg (824 m), a cozy stop at the Bergbaude and the view from the Louisenturm await us. We can now enjoy a panoramic view of the Altenberg-Zinnwald UNESCO World Heritage mining landscape. Descending towards Altenberg along field and meadow paths, we pass numerous witnesses of the old mining industry, such as a ventilation shaft or, slightly off the path, the Altenberger Pinge, an impressive funnel created by several tunnel collapses. On the way through the Kneipp spa town, we pass the railroad station with its tourist information center and the summer toboggan run, before making our way up the Kahleberg. At 905 m above sea level, the Kahleberg is the third highest. It is also the highest mountain in the Saxon part of this mountain range. From here, we can enjoy a panoramic view of Altenberg with the gallows ponds all the way over to Saxon Switzerland and, in good weather, even as far as the Iser and Giant Mountains. As a natural monument, the boulder heaps are home to rare lichens and mosses. After a little refreshment, we continue our hike downhill along a small path towards Rehefeld-Zaunhaus and pass the Schwarzer Teich (= Wüster Teich) on the Lugsteinweg. Along the Way of the Cross through the quiet valley of the Großer Warmbach, we reach the small village of Rehefeld-Zaunhaus, which was built as a logging settlement. It is considered the coldest place in Saxony. The path leads us through the Hemmschuh nature reserve into the middle of an old beech forest to Neurehefeld. Unfortunately, the chokeberry café directly on the Grenzweg has had to close. Tip: There is a border crossing for hikers, cyclists and cars to the Czech Republic in the immediate vicinity.

Along the former railroad embankment of the Holzhau - Hermsdorf-Rehefeld line, which was closed in 1972, we pass the former railroad station. Today's hiking and sports hotel also houses a small railroad museum on the history of the Nossen - Moldau railroad line. The trail continues along and later above the railroad embankment to Holzhau. Passing the Teichhaus inn, the route climbs up the ridge path. On the way, it is worth making a detour to the Steinkuppe, which at 806 m is the highest point in Holzhau. You are welcome to immortalize yourself in the summit book. This tour ends at the Fischerbaude in Holzhau or a little further on at the hikers' parking lot, where you can enjoy a wonderful view of Holzhau and Rechenberg in the Mulde valley.