The circular hike on the Königsweg combines experiencing a historic cultural landscape with Moritzburg Hunting Lodge at its center and a surrounding varied pond and forest landscape, which was already appreciated by the Saxon electors and kings. The "Königsweg" is a circular hiking trail within the Moritzburg cultural landscape and one of the 12 hiking favorites of Dresden Elbland. The approx. 11 km route is easy, almost flat, and barrier-free. The trail is signposted in both directions. We recommend starting towards the Käthe-Kollwitz-Haus.
At the start of the hike, the hiker enjoys the splendor of the castle and pond complex. Immediately after leaving the village of Moritzburg, the hike leads into the Friedewald, which was specially designed in parts by the Saxon electors for hunting. The still existing system of clearings and avenues allows the visitor to experience the scale of the courtly hunts. Forests and ponds are embedded in a small hill landscape and today declared a nature and bird sanctuary. The more than 25 ponds are connected by an elaborate canal system and are fed exclusively by rainwater. Therefore, they are also called Himmelsteiche (heaven ponds). Large parts of the hiking trail allow you to enjoy the idyllic peace of the pond and forest area, and with some luck, even spot sea eagles, silver herons, and other rare animals. Afterwards, the hike passes mysterious traces of former game reserves, such as rubble stone walls, canals, clearings, feeding cellars, and ditches.
The last part of the hike leads the Königsweg into a landscaped garden with the Fasanenschlösschen, which is also called the "paradise in a nutshell" due to the complete court keeping on a small scale. Built as a summer lodge in the rococo style on a hill, it forms a unique landscape ambience together with the lighthouse, harbor, and large pond, which hints at the opulent court festivals celebrated here. Rest areas invite you to linger even today.
