Hike through Zitzschewig
Our walk starts at the "Gerhart-Hauptmann-Straße" tram stop (Line 4) and heads along Langenbergweg past the "Zitschewiger Weingarten" wine tavern. Cross Mittlere Bergstraße and continue uphill along Langenbergweg. To your left is the Krapenberg. There is evidence that the estate has been used to grow wine grapes since 1590. To the right of the Krapenberg vineyards is the Krapenburg, a manor house which was built in 1710 and restored in 1988.
Continue uphill briefly before turning into Zechsteinweg. An instructional trail through the vineyards was set up here by the Zitzschewig Winegrowing Society in cooperation with the Radebeul municipal council. It was intended to introduce visitors to the types of grape grown in the Elbe valley. In the middle of Zechsteinweg, on the southern side of a vineyard wall, there are three vines for every one of the Elbe valley grape varieties, such as Goldriesling, Müller Thurgau, White and Red Chasselas and Traminer. There are a total of 18 different grape varieties. The information boards tell visitors about the origin, the growing conditions, winter frost resistance, susceptibility to disease, yield and taste of each variety of grape.
After learning so much about the local grape varieties, it is worth casting a glance southwards to the Elbe valley, as the view is breathtaking. Zechsteinweg continues past the Zechsteinhaus, a wine estate which was built in the 17th century with a vast area of vineyards and woodland. It has been faithfully restored in the last few years, and the vineyard has been resurrected by local vintner, Friedrich Aust. At the end of Zechsteinweg you will see the entrance to the "Hohenhaus."
The former wine-growing estate originates from the 15th century when it was used by the bishops of Meißen. It was then used as an electoral residence before coming into the possession of the Saxon aristocracy. In 1832 the merchant Thienemann acquired the property. The marriages of Gerhart Hauptmann and two of his brothers to the Thienemann daughters first brought the Hohenhaus to the attention of the general public. In his memoirs, Gerhart Hauptmann called this house a "Nest for birds of paradise," and thereby created a literary memorial to the property. The Hohenhaus came into the possession of the Stechow family in 1885. During this time the house was renovated, taking on the appearance it has today. The Puppet Theatre Collection of the Dresden State Art Collection was based here from 1960 to 2003. It was not until 1985, following extensive reconstruction, that the Hohenhaus was opened as a museum, displaying a collection of exhibits from about 200 years of puppetry. Today, the puppet theatre collection is based in Dresden. The current owner of the Hohenhaus has continued the lengthy process of restoration, and he is dedicated at this moment in time to honoring the life and the literary works of Gerhart Hauptmann.
Now continue downhill along Hohenhausweg and turn left onto Mittlere Bergstraße, which you should follow until you come to Obere Johannisbergstraße. Turn right here which will bring you to the tram stop (Line 4) of the same name in the direction of Dresden or Weinböhla.
Distance: approx. 2.5 km
Duration: 1-1.5 h
Difference in elevation: 80 m
Level of difficulty: Easy