Magpie raft canal hiking trail

Short description
A hiking trail that recalls the history of log rafting.

Description
The hiking trail has its origins in the 16th century and is considered the longest energy pipeline of the past (from the Vogtland Muldenberg 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 Augustus I of Saxony had a raft canal built to enable log rafting. The wood transported in this way was specifically used to fuel boiling pans to process brine into table salt.

The hike leads through picturesque places like Schladebach with a small farm café. A waterway crossroad - on a miniature scale - 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 restaurant at the mill invites you to take a break - children also have fun on the beautifully designed playground. About 200 meters away from the trail, at the former Kötzschau manor, Master Stork Adebar inhabits his nest - a stork chronicle leaves no questions about the arrival of the storks and the number of their young unanswered. 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 eye of the hiker is delighted by well-maintained green spaces and a small, fine park with several surprises. A guided tour of Nempitz can be arranged, where you will learn not only about the secrets of the park and the place...

Between Schladebach and Nempitz, 15 panels inform about 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 served to preserve food, which is why it was also called the "white gold."

The hiking trail follows natural paths along the raft canal through open 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 over a small hill to 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 in the village center of Schladebach
Public hiking car park at the lock ruin Wüsteneutzsch