Hike through Zitzschewig

Our hike starts at the stop of tram line 4 "Gerhart-Hauptmann-Straße" and leads along the Langenbergweg. You cross Mittlere Bergstraße and continue climbing up Langenbergweg.

On your left is the Krapenberg. There is evidence that it was used as a vineyard from 1590 onwards. On the right side of the Krapenberg is the Krapenburg, which was built in 1710 and renovated in 1988. After another small climb, turn right onto the Zechsteinweg. A wine trail was created here in cooperation between the Zitzschewig winegrowers' association and the Radebeul town council. This was created to get to know the wine varieties grown in the Elbe Valley.

Approximately in the middle of the Zechsteinweg, on the south side of a vineyard wall, there are three vines of each of the Elbe Valley wines, such as Goldriesling, Müller Thurgau, White and Red Gutedel and Traminer. In total, there are 18 different types of wine. The accompanying panels provide information on origin, site requirements, winter frost resistance, susceptibility to disease, yield and taste.

After the diverse information about the local wine varieties, it is worth taking a look southwards at the Elbe valley, because from here you can enjoy an excellent view. The Zechstein Trail continues past the Zechsteinhaus, a vineyard that has been in existence since the 17th century. 
The Zechsteinweg continues past the Zechsteinhaus, a vineyard and forest estate dating back to the 17th century. In recent years it has been lovingly restored, and the vineyard belonging to it has been replanted by local winegrower Friedrich Aust. At the end of the Zechsteinweg, you will see the entrance portal of the Hohenhaus.

The former vineyard house has its origins as early as the 15th century, during which time it was used by the bishops of Meissen. It then came into the possession of the elector or Saxon noble families. In 1832, the merchant Thienemann acquired the property. It was Gerhart Hauptmann and his brothers' association with the Thienemann daughters that made the Hohenhaus really famous. In his memoirs, Gerhart Hauptmann called this house "Nest of the Birds of Paradise" and also set a literary monument to it. The Stechow family owned the Hohenhaus from 1885 onwards, during which time it was converted to its present appearance. The puppet theatre collection of the Dresden State Art Collections was housed here from 1960 to 2003. It was not until 1985, after extensive reconstruction work, that the Hohenhaus was opened as a museum displaying a collection of exhibits from approximately 200 years of puppet theatre art. Today, the puppet theatre collection is housed in the Museum für Sächsische Vollkskunst in Dresden. 

Now follow Hohenhausweg downhill and turn left into Mittlere Bergstraße, follow this until you reach Obere Johannisbergstraße. Turn right into Obere Johannisbergstraße and get off at the tram stop of the same name on line 4 in the direction of Dresden or Weinböhla.