An entertaining route through the historic mining region following the traces of kaolin and clay mining.
The mining trail starts in Zehren, directly on the Elbe cycle path, and leads over about 10 kilometers through the historic landscape of the Lommatzscher Pflege to Löthain. The route connects the historic sites of clay and kaolin mining, which were important for the production of the world-famous Meissen porcelain. Kaolin is still mined today in the small village of Seilitz. Along the route, scenic views over the region repeatedly present themselves.
Right at the start of the route, a steep climb leads from Zehren up to Seilitz in the Meissen highlands. This section demands some fitness but rewards with wide views over the surrounding fields and hills. In Seilitz is the smallest mine in Germany and the oldest kaolin pit still in operation in Europe.
The path continues through Neumohlis and Mehren, where the mining museum offers exciting insights into regional mining history by prior arrangement. Exhibits include mine rescue equipment, work tools, mine lamps, or festive clothing of miners. The outdoor area shows an above-ground shaft system with cable car loading station and a 50-meter-long exhibition tunnel as a copy of the Seilitz kaolin tunnel.
The route passes through small villages and finally reaches Löthain, where a visit to the narrow-gauge railway museum rounds off the historical experience. Here there is also a connection to the Käbschütztal path, so that further bike rides can be continued directly.
