path to kaolin
- 2: 00 pm
- 7,88 km
- 51 m
- 51 m
- 146 m
- 194 m
- 48 m
- Start: Geoportal “Kaolin Adventure World” in Mügeln train station, Bahnhofstraße 2, 04769 Mügeln
- Destination: Geoportal “Erlebniswelt Kaolin” in Mügeln train station, Bahnhofstraße 2, 04769 Mügeln
At the beginning of the circular trail, the Mügeln train station geoportal invites you to explore the geological origins of the raw material kaolin, the deposits in the "Land of White Earth" around Mügeln, and kaolin mining in the region with its many multimedia perspectives in the "Kaolin Adventure World." Starting from the geoportal, the trail follows the trail of "white gold" through the town of Mügeln to the active "Schleben/Crellenhain" open-cast kaolin mine. Kemmlitz kaolin has been mined at this site since 1883. Changes to the mining area have allowed the trail to be guided around the kaolin open-cast mine since June 2025. Two viewing platforms offer a wide view of the mining area.
The circular route takes you through the town of Mügeln, passing by its sights: the town church of St. John, the market square with the town hall, Ruhetal Castle, and the Altmügeln St. Mary's Church. With a bit of luck, you'll also see the "Wild Robert," the narrow-gauge railway running between Mügeln and Oschatz, roaring past. Many sections of the route run through the "green side" of Mügeln—along the Döllnitz River and the Kreuzgrund Nature Reserve.
Back at the Mügeln narrow-gauge station, a ride on the "Wild Robert" to Kemmlitz or Oschatz is almost a must...
Good to know
Path surfaces
Best Season
Directions
The Kaolin hiking trail starts at the geoportal “Erlebniswelt Kaolin” in Mügeln train station, where you will find parking.
Follow Dr.-Friedrichs-Straße a short distance east and then turn onto Clara-Zetkin-Straße. Via Goethestraße, Schulplatz, Promenadenstraße, and Badergasse, you reach the Old Market. From here, continue along Schlossstraße over the Döllnitz railway tracks to Ruhetal Castle. The Engagement Bridge over the Döllnitz River opens the path along the stream – known as the Poets' Path. Cross Wermsdorfer Straße and continue straight along Altmügelner Straße to St. Marien Church. Here, you must circle the church wall once until you find the hiking trail leading up to Lehmberg Mountain opposite the entrance gate. Follow this gently ascending path up to the end of the settlement. This is where the Kemmlitz Kaolin Works begins, through which the path leads to the kaolin. Be sure to stay on the streets and paths open to visitors and designated for public use! Walking on the embankments is prohibited; there is a danger of falling!
The path to the kaolin encircles the kaolin opencast mine with its two new viewing platforms. On the west side of the opencast mine, the path winds between the edge of the opencast mine and the nature reserve.
After crossing the Gatsch River, follow the path straight ahead to Altmügelner Straße and turn left. Altmügelner Straße leads you back to St. Mary's Church. Once again, circle the cemetery wall and continue straight ahead into the beautiful Döllnitz Valley. The field path leads you to Nebitzschner Straße. To the left, the path continues straight ahead back to the starting point at Mügeln train station – through Nebitzschner Straße, Franz-Mehring-Straße, Ernst-Thälmann-Straße, Dr. Friedrichs-Straße, and Bahnhofsstraße.
In the city, around the market and the old market, there are many opportunities to rest, refresh yourself and shop.
Tour features
Flatly
Equipment
Sturdy shoes or sports shoes, provisions and water if necessary.
Arrival & Parking
By train to Mügeln, stop Döllnitzbahn
author
Verena Daser
Organization
LEIPZIG REGION
License (master data)
Verena Daser
Our tip
Döllnitzbahn - narrow-gauge railway "Wilder Robert"
Geoportal Bahnhof Mügeln with the "Erlebniswelt Koalin"
Schleben/Crellenhain opencast mine
Nearby
