The love affair I have with Saxony intensifies each time I find myself in towns like Striegistal. There’s no rhyme or reason why I found this town so charming — maybe I’m just a sucker for a quiet mountain town (it lies in the Ore Mountains, BTW).
Maybe I should say fifteen mountain hamlets, as Striegistal is actually that many villages. Böhrigen is the oldest, “founded” in 1183, while Kaltofen is the least populated, just over 75 residents.
We’re not here to talk about that though, you’d rather talk about what’s to see or do, right?
The first thing you should probably know about that is, Striegistal is best seen by hiking. There are quite a number of hiking routes through all its villages — ranging in length from a mere three kilometers, to a more “grueling” six kilometers. Can you think of a better way to kill an hour or two?
Yeah, me either. So, if you’re the type to appreciate tree lined lanes (oh, the ones in Kummersheim are delightful), or a six hundred year old chestnut tree, then this town is perfect for you.
The natural side of town doesn’t just end there. Pappendorf has hiking trails right through a conservation area.
Striegistal isn’t without a historical side for the history buffs in the crowd. While you’re in Marbach lookout for the Hexentisch (Witches’ Table), thought to be stone cross from the Middle Ages. And the town is full of both reconstructed or replicas of Saxon milestones from the 18th and 19th centuries.
Also from the 18th century is the Backhaus (Bake House) in Gersdorf, built way back in 1772. Gersdorf, by the way, is where you’ll find the Schloss Gersdorf — a graceful looking manor house.
In more recent history, like the 20th century, you’ll find a memorial to those who died here during a death march from the Buchenwald Concentration Camp.
It isn’t right to end on a somber note, so I better tell you about the town’s Blütenfest (Blooms Festival) in May. Who doesn’t love a good party? I do — and it’s exactly why I love places like Striegistal, and think you will too.
