Best natural monuments around Bockau are found within the picturesque natural landscape of the Erzgebirgskreis district in Saxony. The municipality is nestled in an area known for its diverse natural features, including officially designated natural monuments and significant natural attractions. These sites offer varied ecosystems, geological formations, and opportunities for nature observation. The region's elevation, ranging from 450 to 1,100 meters, contributes to its scenic appeal and varied natural environments.
Last updated: August 18, 2026
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The Sosa Dam is a dam in the Free State of Saxony. It serves to supply drinking water to the western Ore Mountains and to provide flood protection. The dam was built between 1949 and 1952 in the Höllengrund valley south of Sosa, which has been part of the town of Eibenstock since 2011, in the Ore Mountains, and was finally put into operation in 1952.
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a great corner, always worth a trip
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The largest waterfall in Saxony and one of the highest German waterfalls outside the Alps is located in the immediate vicinity of Blauenthal. This former site of a flour and board mill was bought by Andreas Blau around 1530 and converted into a hammer mill. After the First World War, the owner of the paper factory had a new ditch dug above a steep rock face in order to use the water to drive his turbines. On Sundays and public holidays, the machines stood still and the water rushed down into the valley.
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The dam was built between 1974 and 1987. The town of Muldenhammer with a few reactors and a railway line was originally located in this valley.
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The Talperre Sosa barrier wall is the last quarry stone wall built in Germany. The quarry stone masonry of the dam body is made of granite. This granite was quarried in the nearby quarry. The Maxhütte in Unterwellenborn developed a special mixed binder "Sosa - special binder" for the construction of the dam wall. Source: http://www.sosa-online.de/Talsperre.html
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The dam is the last quarry stone wall built in Germany. The (quarried) stones required for the dam wall of the Sosa dam (construction period 1949 - 1952) came from the quarry in Sosa (today the site of the charcoal charcoal snack bar and show charcoal factory). There had been plans for dams in the Zwickauer Mulde and Kleine Bockau areas since 1908. In September 1915 it was announced in the Schönheider Wochenblatt by the Schwarzenberg Royal Authority that preparatory work was being carried out for the dams on the Zwickauer Mulde near Eibenstock and on the Kleine Bockau near Sosa. The work would affect the Neidhardtsthal, Muldenhammer, Hundshübel, Eibenstock, Schönheide, Schönheiderhammer, UnterSupportengrün, Sosa, Blauenthal and Wildenthal corridors. The dam plans before the First World War came from the city of Zwickau and were the subject of discussions by the Saxon state parliament on several occasions. The war and the subsequent period of inflation initially prevented these plans from continuing. In 1924, plans were resumed to build a series of dams in the Erzgebirge and Vogtland. However, planning for Sosa was suspended. The construction is still considered technically remarkable today given the simple means used.
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Bockau offers a diverse natural landscape. You can discover officially designated natural monuments like the Mückenbächel and the Mückenbächelwiesen, which are protected for their ecological significance. Other notable features include the granite rock formations of the Devil's Stones, the panoramic views from Auersberg, and the serene forests of Morgenleithe. The area also features the protected Tal der Großen Bockau, known for its gorge and varied habitats, and impressive waterfalls such as the Blauenthal Waterfall and the Small Cascades on the Floßgrabenweg.
Yes, several natural monuments in the Bockau area are suitable for families. The Devil's Stones offer climbing routes for all skill levels and provide both sun and shade. The Blauenthal Waterfall and the Small Cascades on the Floßgrabenweg are also considered family-friendly spots for a break or a short walk. Additionally, the Eibenstock Dam is a great place for families, offering impressive views and information boards about its construction.
The natural monuments around Bockau are excellent starting points for various outdoor activities. You can enjoy extensive hiking and cycling, including mountain biking and gravel biking. For specific routes, explore options like the "Zwickauer Mulde River Trail" or the "Blauenthal Waterfall – Valley of the Große Bockau loop." You can find more details on these activities and routes in the Gravel biking around Bockau, MTB Trails around Bockau, and Road Cycling Routes around Bockau guides.
Yes, some natural monuments in the area have historical significance. The Princes' Cave, for instance, is not a natural cave but a medieval mine tunnel with a fascinating history related to the Saxon Prince Abduction. The Blauenthal Waterfall, while appearing natural, was created to drive turbines for a paper factory, showcasing the region's industrial past.
The natural monuments around Bockau are beautiful year-round. Spring and autumn offer pleasant temperatures for hiking and cycling, with vibrant foliage in autumn. Summer is ideal for longer outdoor excursions and enjoying the lush greenery. Even in winter, the landscape can be picturesque, especially with snow, though some paths might be more challenging. The Auersberg lookout tower provides stunning panoramic views in clear weather, regardless of the season.
Absolutely. The Auersberg, the third-highest mountain in East Germany, features a stone lookout tower built in 1860. From its summit, you can enjoy spectacular panoramic views extending to the Vogtland district and the Bohemian Erzgebirge. The Devil's Stones also offer an excellent summit experience with great views.
The Tal der Großen Bockau is a Natura 2000 protected site, making it significant for its diverse habitats and species. It features a gorge with forested steep slopes, small-scale beech mixed forests, rock formations, and remnants of riparian forests. This area provides an opportunity to experience a pristine natural environment with varied flora and fauna, making it valuable for nature enthusiasts and those interested in biodiversity.
While popular spots like Auersberg can attract many visitors, areas like the Mückenbächel and Mückenbächelwiesen, as officially designated natural monuments, offer tranquil opportunities for nature observation away from the main tourist trails. The Morgenleithe mountain also provides a serene forest landscape ideal for relaxation and quiet walks.
Visitors particularly appreciate the diverse natural beauty and the variety of experiences. The Devil's Stones are loved for their climbing opportunities and excellent summit experience. The Blauenthal Waterfall is often described as very pretty and worth a visit, despite being man-made. The Small Cascades on the Floßgrabenweg are noted as a beautiful spot for a break. Overall, the combination of unique geological formations, protected natural areas, and scenic views makes the region highly appealing.
The Mückenbächel and Mückenbächelwiesen are officially recognized natural monuments designated for their rarity, uniqueness, or beauty, representing preserved natural environments typical of the local ecosystem. The Devil's Stones are also unique as the most significant climbing rocks and characteristic summit of the region, composed of granite.
Yes, the Mückenbächel and Mückenbächelwiesen are officially designated natural monuments, meaning they are protected areas. Additionally, the Tal der Großen Bockau is a Natura 2000 protected site, recognized for its diverse habitats and species, ensuring its preservation as a significant natural environment.
The highest point you can visit among the natural attractions in the area is the Auersberg, which stands at 1,019 meters (3,343 feet). It features a lookout tower that offers extensive panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.


Extend your search for the best caves by checking out these guides of the top ones around Bockau: