From the "Schmiede" bus stop in Polenz, we immediately cross the Gottleuba bridge. There we meet the Polenztalwanderweg hiking trail marked with a red dot. We walk downstream along the Polenz, first on the tarmac service road, then on a small meadow path right next to the Polenz.
The name Polenz or "Poliza" comes from the Slavic and means something like "field stream". Endangered species such as the bullhead live in the fish-rich Polenz. Otters and beavers have also been recorded. Occurring birds include the dipper, kingfisher, grey wagtail and black stork. There is also evidence of eight species of bat. Over the years, cottagers have settled along the Polenz river. Agriculture and crafts developed. The water power of the Polenz was utilised and three mills were built in the past, the last of which only ceased production as a grinding mill in 1992.
Our path winds its way through the Polenz valley with small ascents and descents, past small granite rocks and wide meadows. On the other side of the river, we can see the forest mill through the trees and walk past the bone mill until we reach the Bockmühle (restaurant) at the bottom of the valley.
The Bockmühle takes its name from a miller called Bock, who ran the mill here with his family as early as the 16th century. The name remained, although millers with different names ran the mill here in the following centuries. The "Bockmühle" inn was built in 1876/77. The mill estate now consisted of a farm, as well as a grinding and cutting mill.
From the Bockmühle, we walk back along the same path (uphill) until we reach the junction to Neustadt. Our path is marked with a green line. A beautiful forest path, partly over roots and with steeper climbs, leads through the Hohes Birkigt nature reserve. The forest is being replanted here, but the trees with our markings (green line) have been sawn down so that you can still see the markings and find your way easily.
In the middle of the forest, you will come across an artistically crafted wooden cross that has been here since 1922. The memorial cross is dedicated to the Bautzen natural scientist and local historian Professor Guido Lamprecht (1856-1922), who died of a heart attack at this spot during his annual spring excursion.
The route then continues through the forest for a while before reaching the tarmac cycle path (Cunnersdorfer Straße). In the direction of Polenz/Neustadt, we walk past a historic wayside pillar, which is a listed building. It was erected in 1820 at a crossroads of important paths. The Pirnaer Steig (today a ploughed-over field) was used by the Neustadt linen weavers to transport their goods to the Pirna fairs. Another route led down the valley via Niederpolenz to Bischofswerda. The opposite direction towards Ehrenberg (Schuhmanns Grund) is now a cycle path. The former "communication route" from Polenz to Cunnersdorf is now also a cycle path.
We stay on this cycle path until Polenz. If you have left your car at the outdoor pool, turn right onto Flämmigtweg in the village. At the bus stop, turn left along the "Obere Siedlung" road to Mittelweg.
