Dorfchemnitz: Church, Forest Art and Trails

Dorfchemnitz combines a distinct valley setting with a well-documented architectural history. The Dorfchemnitz Church and the forest and woodworking culture of Blockhausen, associated with Dorfchemnitz, are the main features that shape the destination. Signposted trails and sweeping views across the Ore Mountains round out the picture. You can plan your stay around your own interests: history, landscape, or both.

Landscape and Trails in Dorfchemnitz

Dorfchemnitz lies in a valley flanked by elevations reaching around 650 metres. From there, sweeping views open up across the Ore Mountains. The elevations and the valley give the landscape a clear frame; the approximate elevation also conveys a sense of its scale without identifying a specific viewpoint.

Local attractions include a signposted network of cycling and hiking trails, as well as a network of bridleways. This offers a choice of ways to explore the area: you can discover it on foot, by bike or along the bridleways. The landscape and historical sights offer different points of interest when planning your trip.

The Church and Its Architectural History

The first records of Dorfchemnitz Church date from around 1550, during the Reformation. The church’s present form dates from 1802 to 1804. Its tower, about 40 metres high, took on its present form in 1705—an earlier date than the current form of the church building.

The organ also has its own clearly dated history: Johann Christian Kaiser built it in 1803; in 1834, Karl Gottlieb Jehmlich moved it to the gallery. The different dates place the tower, the church’s present form and the organ in separate stages of construction and alteration. For those interested in cultural history, this provides an overview of several phases rather than just one year of construction.

Blockhausen: Wood Art and Forest

Blockhausen is a forest and wood experience centre associated with Dorfchemnitz. It features an exhibition of wooden sculptures created by chainsaw artists from around the world. Blockhausen is also home to the world’s longest table. The sculpture exhibition and the table make wood a tangible theme; Blockhausen is also a destination for forestry excursions.

The forest area around Blockhausen is a mixed forest of beech, maple, Douglas fir and silver fir. This brings the wooden works and their forest setting together under one theme. The cultural programme includes events such as cabaret and historic tractor gatherings, as well as chainsaw carving courses for beginners and advanced participants. The programme may change; check the dates before travelling.

Getting There

The route to Blockhausen is signposted from the B 101 and B 171. Signage and access details may change, so check them before setting out. Free parking for Blockhausen is available on Talstraße, between Mulda and Dorfchemnitz. Check the parking arrangements before your arrival as well.

Mittelsachsen in a Wider Context

The wider Mittelsachsen destination offers additional points of interest. Rochlitzer Berg, at 353 metres, is a remnant of volcanic activity; its red porphyry tuff is considered unique in Germany and Europe. The Porphyrland Geopark in Mittelsachsen invites visitors to hike and cycle. Regional cultural history has its own highlights, too: Rochsburg Castle has housed a museum since 1911. The “People Make Clothes” exhibition showcases 52 costumes spanning 1,000 years of European fashion history.

Discover more destinations: Voigtsdorf, Schneeberg, Tannenberg, Burkhardtsdorf, Thalheim/Erzgebirge, Gelenau, Olbernhau, Niederwürschnitz.

See the broader travel overview: Erzgebirgskreis.