With the merger of Pockau and Lengefeld on January 1, 2014, a new town was created — known these days as Pockau-Lengefeld.
Ha-ha, I know, how original, right?
Whatever its name, nothing changes the fact that Pockau and Lengefeld are perfectly located to enjoy such scenic routes as the Silberstraße, or Silver Route, that runs all the way from Zwickau to Dresden. Industry was vital to the local economy — in this case, mining.
Oh, if you think you’re only gonna get away with visiting just those two towns alone, you’ve got another thing coming — it is actually fourteen towns & villages.
Don’t balk, these dozen-plus hamlets are full of architectural wonders — like the church in Forchheim. While the present day church is dripping with Baroque accents, the original church is some 500 years old.
The same can be said about the church in Lippersdorf, a medieval original from the 13th century — but whose present church is only from the 1830s. Still, that is some 200 years old; a long time ago, wouldn’t you say?
And be thankful you’re visiting these days, place like Lengefeld were once famous for their witch hunts. Ahh, the Middle Ages, it wasn’t so easy on the average Joe now, was it?
As dark and superstitious as the medieval period once was, they certainly knew how to build a castle. Take Burg Rauenstein, for example. Well, you’re only able to see its exterior these days, but even from the outside you can appreciate a 14th century building when you see one, right?
While not anywhere near as old as the castle, the Kurfürstliche Amtsfischerei is another awesome looking building. The Fisheries Office is a grand example of half-timbered architecture from the 1650s, as well as doubling as a museum.
Sounds good so far, right? Well, there’s more… Industry was the lifeblood of Pockau-Lengefeld, and the Kalkwerk is a great museum to explain it all (as is the Tourist Office at Markt 1). There’s talk of making the Kalkwerk a UNESCO site in the near future — that would be nice.
In the meantime, the town hosts the Lime Kiln Festival every two years (and the Fishing Festival every June).
Pockau-Lengefeld is perfect to enjoy, no matter what you’re into, or whatever its name is these days. ;-)
