Welcome to Saxony’s mysterious rocky realm

The “Leipzig Region” tourist area is home to outstanding geological sites and places of interest. Two supervolcanic events have permanently shaped the landscape over an area of only around 60 kilometers. This is so significant because fewer than 20 volcanic eruptions with such extremely large ejection masses have been recorded worldwide to date.
The National Geopark Porphyry Land, Saxony`s Wealth of Rocks opens up a world of geological treasures to visitors. They tell impressive stories of fire, glaciation, constant earth movement and climate change. The landscape, the immense wealth of porphyry rocks, the cultural, economic and social history of our region are the result of these special geological processes.
Earth history can be experienced in many different ways in the Geopark Porphyry Land: on mountain peaks or along the river Mulde, in the exhibitions of the geoportals – the thematic gateways to the Geopark, while climbing in close contact with the porphyry rock or along the GeoRoutes – the geological discovery tours. Even a walk through the villages and towns will be constantly accompanied by Rochlitz porphyry tuff, granite and quartz porphyry – the ever present constuction materials of the buildings.

Captions

• View from Gaudlitzberg into the Geopark
• Mulde meander near Grimma
  The (joined) river Mulde and its tributaries Zwickauer Mulde and Freiberger Mulde flow through the Geopark from south to north and have cut their way into the porphyry rock.
• 60 meter deep Gleisberg quarry on Rochlitzer Berg
  The quality and quantity of the mineral deposits led to the industrial extraction of porphyry rock, kaolin and clay in particular from the 19th century onwards.
• Döllnitz railway under steam
  The wealth of rocks and raw materials in the Geopark is the basis for a diverse industrial culture with historical relics such as the narrow-gauge railroad in Mügeln
• Hohburger Berge hiking region
  Whether alone, in a group or with children, by bike or on foot – GeoRoutes enable you to explore the region on your own and at your own pace.
• Climbing routes on the Gaudlitzberg
  Some disused quarries offer unique climbing experiences for children, beginners and professionals.
• Nature reserve “Am Spitzberg”
  Today, old quarries and active mining operations are indispensable habitats for plants and animals.