Easy hikes and walks around Zwönitz

The monument to the founding of the German Empire in 1871 commemorates the establishment of the German Empire and significant figures of that time. It has an interesting history, as it was not originally located on the Ziegenberg, but on the market square of Zwönitz. April 1895: The Erzgebirgszweigverein Zwönitz suggested erecting a monument for the 25th anniversary of the founding of the Empire. It was also intended to commemorate Imperial Chancellor Otto von Bismarck. September 2, 1895: The monument was ceremoniously inaugurated on the market square. August 1899: Due to the redesign of the market square, it was moved to the Ziegenberg. 1995: For the 100th anniversary, the previously removed plaques were reattached.

The "Headless Horseman" is a well-known landmark on the Ziegenberg near Zwönitz. The wooden figure commemorates a dark legend that is said to have taken place in the 17th century. Long ago, a miller lived in Zwönitz who had a beautiful daughter. She was engaged to a forester from Grünhain. The miller also had a son, with whom he was at odds because of his marriage to the daughter of an executioner. One day, the miller's daughter visited an inn to meet her fiancé. There, she unexpectedly encountered her brother and his wife. Full of joy, she danced with her brother. When the forester arrived, he saw his fiancée dancing with a strange man. Seized by jealousy, he believed she had been unfaithful to him. He lured her to the Ziegenberg and stabbed her. As she was dying, the young woman explained to him that the man had been her own brother. The forester realized his mistake in horror, repented his deed, and turned himself in to the court.

The name “Armesünderbrunnen” literally means fountain for the “poor sinners.” This was the term used in the past for people who had been sentenced to death for a crime. On the border with Kühnhaide, the gallows of Zwönitz once stood. It is already marked on a historical map from the year 1610. According to tradition, those sentenced to death were allowed to drink one last time at the Armesünderbrunnen before their execution.

It was erected in 1728 on behalf of Elector Augustus the Strong. In 1884, the Erzgebirgsverein had the column renovated. During this process, it changed its location from the "Roß" inn to the market square opposite. In 1937 and 1970, further work was carried out for preservation and reconstruction. In 2010, the column was color-restored. In the 18th century, the Saxon Elector had a systematic network of postal milestones erected. The land surveyor Adam Friedrich Zürner had significantly developed the project. The columns fulfilled several tasks: They showed distances to other cities and places. They made it easier for stagecoach drivers to find their way. They helped to better estimate travel times and postal connections. They promoted uniform distance information in the Electorate of Saxony at the time. The distances were given in Saxon postal miles. One such mile corresponded to approximately 9.06 kilometers.

The Trinitatiskirche is one of the most significant historical landmarks in Zwönitz in the Ore Mountains. It is an Evangelical Lutheran Baroque church and is located just a few steps away from the market square.

The Zwönitz market square is the historic heart of the Erzgebirge mining town. With its old houses, the town hall, and the post milestone, it is a beautiful starting point for a tour through the city center.

Beautiful place, where not only a milestone but also an ice cream parlor invites you to linger.

Unfortunately no longer passable, but a great bat roost.