Circular route Weidatalsperre

The starting point is accessible via Göhren-Döhlen and is located near the Erz mill. The hiking car park has a rest area and an information board with a hiking map. We go over the weir structure of the balancing basin toward the cascades. The balancing basin offers itself as a swimming spot. Via a meadow path, we reach the cascades (reservoir overflow) and then the dam. After a slight climb, we look over the dam at the Weida reservoir. Benches invite you to linger here.

Just 100 m further stands the former Bermich mill. After 1.4 km we reach the keeper's farm (an operational and residential facility of the Thuringian long-distance water supply). In front of the keeper's farm gate, we switch to a path that gives us a good view of the facility. Soon we find a bench with a panoramic view of the reservoir and the protected bird island. In the Kohl bay, we descend a steep slope through the high forest to the shore of the reservoir. At the end of the bay, we cross a wooden footbridge and after a short climb with some stairs, reach a forest path, which we follow to the timber storage area. After 3.2 km, we come to a junction from which one can reach the shore with a wonderful view over the water. Swimming is also possible here. The right forest path leads us to a viewpoint. Here you can enjoy a water view of the opposite carp meadow.

After 5 km, we reach the right junction to Piesigitz, a closed circular village with a common green and pond system. Further, there is a rest area with an information board, a bus stop, and a playground. Unfortunately, there is no gastronomy in the village. At the end of the Piesigitz bay, the path leads back into the forest. In the valley incision we follow, the Trieba stream flows towards the reservoir. A primeval riparian forest has developed here. Among other things, our path leads over a 40 m long bridge over a wetland. Not far from there, hikers have a wonderful view directly on the shore. After 7.7 km, one can reach Merkendorf by turning right at the junction, or continue left to the Himmelsleiter (Heaven's Ladder). 79 steps lead down to a shelter and a 14 m long bridge over an ancient valley incision. Via the path, we come to the site of the former sawmill. A few meters further is a shallow shore section where swimming would be possible. A junction leads further to Merkendorf. On a narrow, bumpy path section, we cross the Pisselsmühle dam wall and reach the other side of the Weida reservoir. Soon we reach the junction where you could go right to Weißer Stein and further to Weißendorf (turnerheim inn). From here, a connection via Niederböhmersdorf to the Pöllwitzer forest would be possible. However, we follow the reservoir path to the left and reach two bridges over wetlands and valley incisions. After 11 km, we reach the Muschel junction. Here there is the possibility to reach Dörtendorf, the Triebes inn "Zum Kranich," or the ski jump.

We continue left along the shore and come to the former quarry. Shortly afterwards we reach the biotope. A rest area invites you to linger. Swimming is possible here. From the carp meadow, a mighty climb of about 100 m altitude difference leads to the Grobisch viewpoint (405 m above sea level), rewarded with a fantastic view. Following the signs further, we reach the junction to the cascades. At a power line corridor, we can look again into the Weida valley and see the balancing basin. At the dam with the cascades, we enjoy one last water view. Then it goes downhill to the balancing basin, where we reach our hiking car park again at the natural river course of the Weida.

Alternative starting options:

1. former Pisselsmühle via Merkendorf car park

2. from the village Weißendorf, Kranich inn, Dörtendorf waterworks, or the village Piesigitz