Leipzig New Lakeland

Covering an area exceeding 600 hectares, Oberholz is more than just a remnant of the original countryside between fields, former opencast mines and human habitation. It's also a retreat for plants and animals, and is a popular place for a day out the whole year round.

The nature trail in Oberholz features signs on both sides of the footpath containing plenty of information about the flora and fauna there. Meanwhile, those interested in history should examine the mediaeval wall on Schlossbergweg. The trail begins at Oberholz railway station in Grosspösna, on the Leipzig–Geithain–Chemnitz line, where trains arrive and depart hourly. The small station is maintained by the Grosspösna Friends of the Railway, an association which organizes exhibitions there a few times every year.

Continue along Rudolf-Breitscheid-Strasse past the Büffeltränke café. Once you've passed the playground, turn right into Langer Weg. After crossing the railway lines, you'll see a commemorative stone recalling the official handover of the woods by Duke Moritz of Saxony to the University of Leipzig in 1544. After the first few notice boards, turn right into Saulöcherweg and continue as far as the shelter. Turn right into first Butterweg and then Oelzschauer Weg.

At the second crossroads, turn off into Sandgrubenweg, a short cut. After a few minutes, you'll reach the forest activity centre, where you might like to stop off for a rest. Once back on Butterweg, which turns right into Störmthaler Weg, you'll see more signs about the birds to be found in Oberholz. At the end of Störmthaler Weg on the left (before you cross the railway lines again) are the Botanical Gardens, which are definitely not to be missed, and which until a few years ago also functioned as a training centre for pharmacists. At the end of your walk, enjoy a well-earned snack at the Büffeltränke café!