Following the traces of "white gold" and fruit cultivation around Sornzig
The first section of the path leads from Mügeln through a fruit-growing area to Sornzig. The orchards of apples, cherries, plums, and pears are especially worth seeing in spring when they turn into a sea of blossoms. As part of the fruit land, the region belongs to the oldest fruit-growing areas in Germany. The reason for this is the geological and climatic conditions in the Porphyrland Geopark. We therefore definitely recommend a stop at the farm shop of "Sachsenobst" in Sornzig to taste the fruits of the fruit land. In the former Cistercian monastery Marienthal, a final look can be taken into the history of fruit growing up to the middle of the 12th century.
The second section of the theme path deals with "white gold" – the porcelain clay kaolin – which has been mined in the region around Mügeln since 1770.
A geological highlight of great importance is the former millstone quarry near Sornzig. Here, the weathering of the porphyry rock, which is common in the region, into kaolin has clearly advanced.
The further path leads via Kemmlitz through an impressive post-mining landscape with a viewpoint to the active kaolin open-pit mine Schleben / Crellenhain and the open-cast mine residual hole Frieden.
On the last kilometer to the narrow-gauge train station and the "Kaolin adventure world" in the Geoportal Mügeln, the 1,000-year-old bishop town Mügeln with its Ruhetal Castle, market, old market, and numerous narrow artisan streets can finally be visited.
