Polenztal Valley (Hohnstein)

The Polenz meanders gracefully through its idyllic valley, which has been a nature reserve since 1940. In March, the meadows are transformed into a flowering spectacle when the white blossoms of the March snowflakes unfurl. On hot summer days, a hike along the river rewards you with refreshing coolness, while fascinating ice formations form in winter.

The year 1800 can be seen as the peak of Caspar David Friedrich's euphoria in Saxon Switzerland. The then 25-year-old visited the region at least five times in this
year. In addition to his multi-day adventure in Uttewalder Grund, Friedrich visited the area around Hohnstein at the beginning of July. He also wandered through the lovely Polenztal valley and discovered the imposing sandstone block covered in pine trees.
Years later, he used the rock study in his painting "View of the Elbe Valley". With artistic freedom, he lifted the colossus weighing several tonnes onto a vantage point and replaced the pines with spruce trees.

Hiking tips: Märzenbecherwiesen im Polenztal
                    Mühleromantik im Polenztal
                   On the way between two rivers
                   Vom Kunsthanswerkerhaus ins Polenztal
                   Polenztal bei Hohnstein: Wendischauer Runde