Saxony

What happens to the Ecovillage Schmilka in winter? we asked ourselves and went to have a look. Normally during winter time there is not much going on in the region. Therefore a lot of restaurants and hotels are closed. Also Schmilka has had a winter break so far. But 2017 will be different. During the winter the ecovillage will become the wintervilage. And when it gets colder people tend to get closer together. Also at the „Bio- und Nationalpark Resort Schmilka“. This then changes to the winter village. And the center is transferred to the mill. Nearly everything happens there. First there is the reception. Which then is at the mill. For the whole village. From here you move into your eco room at the hotel Helvetia, a rustic holiday flat at the old forester’s house or one of the generous holiday homes with view to the Elbe at the

We had the chance to watch how individual composed her pouches for massages are made. Of course you need some linen and some strings. And herbs. Lots of herbs. But there are enough of those here. For inner or outer use. They are harvested in the herb garden right behind the house but also while walking or hiking in the nature. The selected herbs are put onto the prepared cloth. The choice depends on the effect you wish for. A lot of herbs fit into such a pouch. When there are enough herbs in the linen you can take the corners and carefully push the herbs together. You have to push hard because the pouches have to endure something afterwards. Do a quality check once in a while. Afterwards the pouch is tied. You have to be careful again and tie a very tight knot. After that the handle is

We have been in Schmilka during our last stay in Saxon Switzerland and have visited the organic brewery, the mill and the bakery. And we have been excited about the concept and the consequence how sustainabiltiy is lived here. This time we were lucky to meet the man of action: Sven-Erik Hitzer. A man of deed. Who believes in his visions no matter what. Who is laughed at by bank consultants. Who removes contaminated garbage and instead creates a leisure resort only to be criticized afterwards that not the music is too loud. Who establishes a treasure and attracts employees which move into a small vilage that constantly lost inhabitants before. A man who thinks in big visions and looks ten years ahead before even the first step is taken. Who struggles to get supplied from the near surrounding with sustainable products and succeeds with his persistence after years and

The small village at the Elbe has more to offer than the amazing view of a tableau of Canaletto. If you stroll through the small streets and alleyways you can discover much more. We tried it ourselves and walked with cameras and open eyes through the small town. There is so much to be seen and photographed. There are old fronts and gables of the houses. But you should also have a look onto the roofs. You will find portals on nearly every house. There are even seats in the entrance doorways. A great invention. Why don’t they exist any more? Above the entrances you will find house labels. They told who was living in a house before the house numbers came up. Some details like door knockers you might also like. Everything of course invites you to takes pictures. Another nice photo subject are the different billboards which are

On a part of a stage of the Malerweg there lies a terrific viewpoint: The Pfaffenstein. But even if you don’t go the whole Malerweg the Pfaffenstein is a nice destination. We started directly from the parking lot. We recommend to buy a one day ticket because you never know how long the trip will take… Here you have – like on other stages of the Malerweg, too – different possibilties. And sometimes different levels of difficulty. We have been suggested to do the Nadelöhr. Well then! First zu walk up on a stone path with a very nice view to the Festung Königstein. After that you walk through a forest on a small path. And there also the steps start. But there is also a lovely place under a huge rock for a short rest. After that it’s all steps. Steps and steps… Wooden steps or step stones oder

We walked another part of the Malerweg and started in the middle of Rathen. A broad way leads into the Amselgrund. After some meters you reach the first point of interest: The Felsenbühne – rock stage. The way is quite steep – this time without steps – but finally you can see the entrance to the theater. The setting is amazing. The high rocks are impressive and the stage area is bigger than in a normal theater. The actors can climb up to the rocks and use hidden paths for their play. You can visit the Felsenbühne whenever there is no rehearsal or performance for a small amount of money. You have to walk the same way back. A short walk further lies the Amselsee. Again you can see in the background very impressive rock formations. If you like you can hire a boat or a pedal and cross the