Bad Schlema's mining and remediation nature trail Terrainkurweg 7

Start/finish: Kulturhaus Aktivist/ Museum Uranbergbau Bergstr. 22, 08301 Bad Schlema

Markings: In addition to the TK 7 trail signposts, the mining nature trail is marked with green and white markings for orientation.

(S/E) This impressive hike begins at the Uranium Mining Museum in Bad Schlema, the ideal place to delve deep into the fascinating history of the town. Here, interested visitors can learn how the former strongest radium spa in the world became a centre of uranium mining after the Second World War – and how Bad Schlema managed to flourish as a spa town after reunification thanks to great commitment. Today, there is little evidence of the former industrial mining activity. Instead, hikers can expect rolling hills, green forests and exciting stories.

The uniformly signposted path leads uphill through the forest, past the memorial to the victims of fascism.

(1) At the edge of the forest, the first wide view of the town opens up. The trail then descends past a small park and the church to the valley, where it crosses the main road.

(2) Past Lichtloch 9, the next ascent begins – up to one of the many slag heaps that still characterise the townscape today.

(3) From the top, there are fantastic views of Bad Schlema and the surrounding countryside.

(4) The route continues to a second slag heap, along the side of which you walk – with changing views and ever-new perspectives.

(5) Finally, you reach the Biedenkopfblick: the emotional highlight of the tour. The viewpoint commemorates Ingrid and Kurt Biedenkopf, who played a key role in the rebirth of Bad Schlema as a spa resort. From here, the view sweeps over the extensive spa gardens with their striking sail and on to the imposing Wolfgangskirche church in Schneeberg. The path leads through a mixed forest to the Eichhörnchenquelle spring.

(6) Then it continues along the babbling Silberbach stream to the spa gardens.

(7) Here, the path leads to the right to the unique Roter Kamm geotope, a geological window into the history of the Earth.

(8) Directly opposite, the Markus-Semmler-Stolln offers exciting insights into traditional mining in the region.

Finally, the trail leads through the well-kept spa district with its shops and places to stop for refreshments back to the starting point (S/E).

The classic terrain cure is a special spa treatment offering exercise therapy. This has a positive effect on the body. The network of paths in Bad Schlema offers trails with varying levels of difficulty, including the mining and restoration nature trail. This is a challenging and demanding trail.