Discover Lossatal

Geology, industrial heritage and local history give Lossatal distinctive themes for a stay. A good place to start is the Kleiner Berg Hohburg Geological Trail: it begins and ends at the Geoportal Steinarbeiterhaus Hohburg Museum in the Lossatal district of Hohburg. The trail passes two kaolin lakes in Hohburg; kaolin mining there continued until 1965.

Geology and Landscape

The quartz porphyry rocks on Kleiner Berg Hohburg are classified as a National Geotope. Wind and glacial striations on Kleiner Berg served as evidence for the theory of a European inland glaciation in 1844. The Kleiner Berg Hohburg area was designated a nature reserve in 1976 and is part of the Hohburger Berge Landscape Protection Area. It provides a refuge for endangered species such as the Nathusius’ pipistrelle, the greater mouse-eared bat and the edible dormouse.

The kaolin lake at the foot of Kleiner Berg is a former open-cast mine; its water surface covers around ten hectares. The recultivated area is used for local recreation, and the lake is used for fishing. Check the local rules before fishing.

Museums, Mill and Architectural History

The Steinarbeiterhaus Hohburg Museum focuses on the development of the stone industry and the daily lives of quarry workers. It is housed in a largely unchanged property dating from 1802; local history enthusiasts opened the museum in 1985. In the Lossatal district of Frauwalde, the Museum of Prehistory and Early History illustrates the approximately 7,000-year history of settlement in the surrounding southwestern heathland.

The Kühnitzsch post mill was built in 1812 and is still fully operational. Visitors can learn more about milling and how grain is turned into flour. Private tours for visitors and groups are available and must be booked in advance by telephone. Check availability beforehand and confirm that the mill is operating before planning a visit.

Thammenhain Castle is a former medieval moated castle with a projecting Renaissance gable and a tower on the south side. A wide, two-flight terrace offers views across the castle park. As access to private or managed areas may be restricted, check access arrangements before planning a visit.

Outdoor Activities and Seasonal Pursuits

A network of marked trails in the Hohburger Berge runs through the rocky areas around Gaudlitzberg, Spielberg and Holzberg. There are also climbing routes on walls up to 40 metres high, with a range of difficulty levels. Access and conditions may change; check locally before planning a climbing trip.

The Dornreichenbach animal enclosure offers walks through a landscaped castle park of about 5.5 hectares. Around 54 animal species can be observed there, including some endangered species. Former kaolin lakes and their surrounding sunbathing lawns are used for summer recreation; ski and sledding slopes offer additional winter activities. Check seasonal facilities and conditions before your trip.

Events and Regional Cuisine

The Dornreichenbach open-air theatre presents fairy-tale performances for children and adults. Village, harvest and fishing festivals offer a taste of local customs and traditional crafts. Dates and programmes may change; check which events are scheduled before travelling.

The Gasthof Stern in the Lossatal district of Thammenhain has served regional and seasonal dishes as well as German home cooking since 1981. If you are planning a visit, check its current opening status and menu in advance.

More destinations

Discover more destinations: Falkenhain, Frauwalde, Thallwitz, Pegau, Zwenkau, Rötha, Neukieritzsch, Bennewitz.

Go to the regional travel overview: Leipzig District.