Here I am, staring at the computer screen trying to find the right words for the town of Rackwitz.
It stinks when that happens — but I’m really glad to have the opportunity to have seen it. You see, in my lifetime I remember when towns like this were once hidden behind the Soviet controlled area of East Germany.
Now that Germany’s been reunified since the end of the 20th century, you’re all welcome to come here to see the amazing architecture and natural scenery of the Leipzig Lowlands that I know it to have. The hardest thing was choosing what to see first — I know, I have such a wretched life, don’t I? ;-)
Now that I go back thinking of it, the natural beauty of Rackwitz works with the many amazing architectural gems found throughout its seven districts. What’s nice about that, is you’ll find quite a number of charming village churches — and I’d have to say my favorite is the one in Podelwitz, a medieval stunner from the mid-13th century.
That’s not to take anything away from the village church in Zschortau, mind you. The village itself is charming enough, where you’ll find an old Prussian milemarker, a quiet pond for a much needed break, and a lovely old mansion. Not too shabby for what started as a simple Slavic settlement, is it?
Another of my favorite places in Rackwitz is by the old tower of the former village church in Kreuma. The tower is massive, and truly a feat of engineering of the Middle Ages.
You can marvel at the man-made creations at another man-made creation, Schladitzer Lake. Created from brown coal mining, the lake is now surrounded by bike paths, a swimming area, and even a bird sanctuary. Other hiking trails and bike paths await near Werbelin Lake — so who’d have guessed you’d find such modern marvels like the Leipzig/Halle Airport is so close by?
It was grand to see it in my lifetime — and I’ll remember it fondly every time I sit quietly on a late evening.
