Geopark Porphyrland

Wermsdorf hazelnut spread is an exceptionally creamy spread made from regional hazelnuts from the Saxon fruit-growing region. The harvest is processed by chocolatier Olav Praetsch, who meticulously transforms the nuts into a fine specialty. The spread owes its characteristic flavor in no small part to the nutrient-rich alluvial soils of the Mulde river meadows, where the hazelnuts thrive.

Olav Praetsch's melt-in-your-mouth chocolate creation combines fine chocolate with delicately tart apple pieces from Saxony's fruit-growing region. The apples lend it a fruity freshness and a balanced blend of sweetness and pleasant acidity. This results in a special treat whose aromatic depth is further influenced by the fertile, glacial soils of the region.

The Porphyrland ice cream sundae at Chocolaterie Praetsch combines hazelnut and vanilla ice cream with nougat, caramelized hazelnuts, cream, and hazelnut brittle. As it melts, it creates a delicious "mass" with embedded treats – a delightful reflection of the mineral structures in the volcanic porphyry rock.

A culinary experience that brings the treasures of the Porphyrland Geopark to the plate: The starter “From the forests in the Porphyrland Geopark”, followed by the hearty wild game goulash as the main course, rounded off by the dessert “Sweet Wachtelberger”.

Nestled between Wermsdorf and Mügeln lies the idyllic village of Gröppendorf on the Döllnitz River, with its kaolin open-cast mine. Here, beekeeper Britta Wölkner passionately dedicates herself to beekeeping. Her hives are located at various sites within the Porphyrland Geopark, including near the Döllnitzsee lake. Depending on the season, the diversity of blossoms and soil composition shape the characteristic flavor of her honey.

On the farm of Feldversuch Leben, various varieties of savory thrive among the vegetables – including summer and mountain savory. Once brought to Central Europe by the Benedictines, this aromatic herb is now an integral part of the cuisine and also a valued medicinal herb. The creative salt series "Salto Vitale" from the spa town of Bad Lausick begins with savory salt – inspired by a region where health and healing traditions are paramount.