Magpie Raft Canal Hiking Trail

Short Description

A hiking trail that recalls the history of timber rafting.

Description

The origins of the hiking trail date back to the 16th century and are 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 approximately 10 km long hiking trail. In the years 1578 to 1580, Elector August I of Saxony had a raft canal built to enable timber rafting. The transported wood was specifically used to fuel boiling pans to process brine into table salt.

The hike passes through picturesque places such as Schladebach with a small farm café.
A miniature waterway junction - a technical masterpiece considering that construction began in the 16th century - is crossed, where the village stream intersects with the Elster Raft Canal. In Kötzschau, the Gaststätte zur Mühle inn invites you to take a break - children also enjoy the beautifully designed playground. About 200 m away from the path, at the former Kötzschau manor, Master Adebar inhabits his nest - a stork chronicle leaves no questions about the arrival of the storks and the number of their offspring. The salt deposits in the region have been known since the Middle Ages, and Kötzschau had one of the oldest saltworks in the region. In Nempitz, the hikers eye is delighted by well-maintained green spaces and a small, fine park with several surprises. A guided tour of Nempitz can be booked, where you will learn not only about the secrets of the park and the town...
Between Schladebach and Nempitz, 15 panels provide information on everything worth knowing about the technology and history of the raft canal, as well as salt production in the saltworks. Salt was vital for life and was used for food preservation, which is why it was also called white gold.
The hiking trail follows natural paths along the raft canal, through light forests, past meadows, and through beautiful villages. Resting places can be found everywhere, and between Schladebach and Kötzschau, you can choose a path variant that leads you to a small mountain with a resting place - the view of the surrounding villages is included.

Additional Information

Trail conditions: natural hiking trails, short section of asphalt   

Parking Information

Parking spaces in the village center of Schladebach
Public hiking parking lot at the lock ruins in Wüsteneutzsch