Although the number of geese is no longer higher than the general average, the small town is fascinating with its idyllic location and is an ideal starting point for hikes and bike tours. The clay decorations in many places at the former site of the German Clayware Factory are also striking. From the fountain on the market to the former entrance to the factory and bus stops - the beautiful remnants of the clay factory town can be found in many places.
From the Slavic capital to the branch of the German Tonwarenfabrik
Dommitzsch, formerly "Dumoz", was first mentioned in a document in 981, when Otto I donated the small town with its castle and neighboring towns to the Memleben monastery. The oldest evidence of settlement is a tool find from the Neolithic period from 3.000 to 2.000 BC, as well as urn finds from 1.400 BC, the time of the Lusatian Urnfield culture. From the 7th century AD, Slavic tribes settled in the area permanently during the migration period. Dommitzsch developed into a Slavic center during this time, as the location was ideal due to the protected position in front of the castle complexes on the Osterberg and Aueberg. In 929, Dommitzsch came into German possession as a result of the military campaigns of Henry I. The town then continued to develop. Dommitzsch was badly affected by the Hussite War and the Thirty Years' War. Until the 19th century, the town was dominated by agriculture and crafts, especially potters and linen weavers. In 1873, a clay pipe factory was built and in 1910 the German Clayware Factory, the remains of which can still be admired today.
Stroll through Dommitzsch
Dommitzsch town centre is compact and therefore easy to explore on foot. The town's attractions are all grouped around the market square, from where visitors can start their stroll through the town. Dommitzsch's flagship and landmark is the Goose Fountain on the market square in front of the town hall. This is a reminder of the old Dommitzsch tradition of herding geese, which is also the reason for the town's nickname "Gänsedomm'sch": Until around 1950, almost every household kept geese. The local shepherds took the approximately 1.000 animals out to the meadows and fields every morning. What was particularly remarkable was that the animals found their way back to their farms by themselves in the evening. The sculptor Bruno Kubas illustrated this story in the Goose Fountain in 1983.
The massive brick walls of St. Mary's Church, consecrated in 50 after 1439 years of construction, stand out clearly from behind the fountain and the town hall. In 1588 there was a serious fire, but the chancel with its special star vault was preserved. In addition to the vault, the church also features three wooden altar figures that come from St. Martin's Church, which was destroyed in the Hussite War. Tombs from the 16th and 18th centuries and an ancient cross have also been preserved to this day. If you walk past St. Mary's Church on the right, you can see the sunny yellow buildings of the Pension Schmidtalien. Here the path leads straight around the church, past the tourist information office, until you finally come back to Dommitzsch Town Hall. The rectangular building in the reform style was built around 1910.
Just a few minutes' walk from the market square is the historically significant Dommitzsch train station. It was built in 1890 by the Prussian State Railway as part of the construction of the Pratau-Torgau line and is the largest station on the line. In addition to the existing buildings, it has a number of technical and historical legacies. For example, the station building still contains a ticket office and a control panel for controlling traffic.
About a kilometer west of the city center is the site of the former German pottery factory. In the 20th century, household items such as pots, bowls, cups, jugs, hot water bottles and coffee pots were made from clay here until the factory ceased operations in 1996. After that, a few enthusiasts and the poultry breeders' association held pottery festivals in the venerable halls for a few years. Today, only the entrance area designed by Bruno Kubas reminds us of the former hustle and bustle of the pottery factory. The abandoned building is now considered a cultural monument of rare value.
Accommodation, food and relaxation
Dommitzsch offers visitors numerous recommended places to stop off: The Ratskeller is located in the town hall building and offers a wide range of food and drink in a cozy atmosphere. From German and Italian to Indian cuisine, there is something for every guest. The Ratskeller is also available for family celebrations of all kinds. The Schmidtalien café and restaurant offers German and seasonal home cooking as well as coffee and cake, which will sweeten any sightseeing break. A wide variety of furnishings can also be purchased in the Schmidtalien gift shop. The "Zum Goldenen Anker" restaurant is also a place for social gatherings. In a cozy beer garden, guests can look out over the Elbe and be pampered with delicious dishes. This house has been owned by the Otto family in the fifth generation since 1895.
Famous Dommitzsch residents
Dommitzsch has produced several well-known sons. One of them is Ernst Pfundt, who enjoyed many successes as a timpanist. In 1837, he was personally awarded the Order of Merit by Felix Mendelssohn Bartholdy in Gewandhausorchester and was considered a close friend of the composer Robert Schumann. Another well-known Dommitzsch resident is Erich Köchermann, the four-time German Athletics Championship champion.
Annual highlight of the event calendar: the Gänsebrunnenfest
In “Gänsedommsch” people are very proud of the unusual custom of herding geese in the 18th and 19th centuries. The annual Goose Fountain Festival in June has developed into a beloved tradition that has long been an integral part of Dommitzsch’s events calendar. Cultural performances, a parade and a nature market take place over three days of the festival, while an amusement park with various rides offers additional entertainment. In the large festival tent, savoury and sweet dishes are provided for the physical well-being.
Exploring the Düben Heath and the Elbenland
The location in the Düben Heath and the Elbenland makes Dommitzsch the perfect starting point for cycling and hiking tours. The 69-kilometer section of the Elbe cycle path between Elster and Belgern leads directly through the town and continues in the Dommitzsch area through wide meadows and shady forests along the Elbe. Between Prettin and Dommitzsch, the Elbe can be crossed with the cable ferry. The ferry is driven solely by the force of the river current and therefore runs without an engine.
The Labaun city forest is also very picturesque. It is a forest area to the north-west of the city that was previously used for the industrial extraction of gravel, clay, coal and wood. Today it is ideal for relaxing walks in the forest. The two-kilometer-long fitness trail with eleven sporty stations and the four-kilometer-long "Poem Trail", decorated with wooden panels with lyrical verses, make every walk a special experience.
Another popular destination is the alpaca farm in Commende near Dommitzsch, where multi-colored alpacas are bred. The local farm shop offers alpaca products from raw wool to finished knitted products.
The “Lindemühlenberg” campsite is also an idyllic spot for nature lovers. Here, guests can watch beavers and enjoy nature. To better explore the surrounding Düben Heath, there is a bike and boat rental service. Visitors can cool off on warm summer days in the forest pool right next to the campsite.
Important facts at one glance
Dommitzsch is home to almost 2.600 residents in its four districts of Mahlitzsch, Wörblitz, Greudnitz and Proschwitz. The small town is located in the north of Leipzig on the federal highway 182 from Wittenberg to Torgau. The best way to reach Dommitzsch by public transport is to take bus line 759 from Torgau.