Best attractions and places to see around Hochhalde Trages. This area is a transformed former lignite mine spoil heap, now serving as a recreational and natural space. It features a blend of natural landscapes, hiking opportunities, and insights into the region's mining history. The location is recognized for its panoramic views and an extensive network of trails.
Last updated: May 26, 2026
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The Lusatian and Central German Mining Management Company (LMBV) built this 33 meter high observation tower in 2002 near the south-east corner of the Halden plateau. With the right weather conditions, you have distant views of the Ore Mountains, the Thuringian woodland and the Petersberg near Halle (Saale).
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The paddle wheel is a popular photo spot and place to linger. In addition to the imposing paddle wheel, you can see other mementos of the former mining industry. A small board gives further information.
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What an impressive backhoe wheel.
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An imposing paddle wheel.
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The Halde Trages (sometimes also Hochhalde Trages) is an artificially raised, plateau-like hill, which was created when the Espenhain opencast mine was opened up and was named after the neighboring village of Trages. The Trages dump is wooded and represents one of the highest elevations in the Leipzig administrative district. Source: Wikipedia
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Entire course of the nature trail: https://www.komoot.de/tour/1420552120
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at the observation tower The Halde Trages (sometimes also Hochhalde Trages) is an artificially heaped, plateau-like hill that was created when the Espenhain opencast mine was opened and was named after the neighboring village of Trages. The Trages dump is wooded and represents one of the highest elevations in the Leipzig administrative district. Source: Wikipedia
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Hochhalde Trages is located in the Leipzig New Lakeland area. It is a transformed former lignite mine spoil heap that has become a significant recreational and natural space. It offers panoramic views and an extensive network of trails, representing one of the highest elevations in the Leipzig district.
From the 33-meter high Trages Observation Tower, you can enjoy expansive views of the surrounding Leipzig New Lakeland. On clear days, the vista extends to the Ore Mountains, the Thuringian woodland, and even Petersberg near Halle (Saale). The platform is reached via 160 steps.
Yes, visitors can find remnants of the area's industrial past. Notable relics include an impressive paddle wheel, known as the Bucket Wheel Excavator Blade at Halde Trages, and the 'Baggerkanzel' (excavator pulpit). These serve as popular photo spots and provide insight into the former mining operations, with information boards offering further context.
Hochhalde Trages features a roughly 10-kilometer long circular hiking trail that winds across the area. The trails are generally well-maintained, though some sections may be unpaved and can be wet or slippery, requiring sturdy footwear. Information boards along the path detail the region's mining history, landscape transformation, and unique flora and fauna.
Yes, there are several easy hiking routes around Hochhalde Trages. For example, you can find easy loops like the 'Campfire area on Halde Trages – Trages Observation Tower loop from Thierbach' or the 'Trages Observation Tower loop from Mölbis'. You can explore more options in the Easy hikes around Hochhalde Trages guide.
Absolutely. The reclaimed spoil heap has developed into a valuable natural refuge with diverse flora and fauna. Over 241 higher plant species have been identified, including rare and endangered species like marsh helleborine and early marsh-orchid. The area is also home to larger mammals such as deer, wild boars, and badgers, and boasts 73 observed breeding bird species.
Beyond hiking, the area around Hochhalde Trages offers opportunities for cycling and gravel biking. You can find various routes, from easy to difficult, such as the 'Störmthaler Lake – Field Path to Dreiskau loop from Mölbis' for cycling or the 'View of Bockwitzer Lake – View of Bockwitzer Lake loop from Eula' for gravel biking. Check out the Cycling around Hochhalde Trages and Gravel biking around Hochhalde Trages guides for more details.
Yes, Hochhalde Trages is considered family-friendly. Many attractions, including the Trages Observation Tower and the Bucket Wheel Excavator Blade, are suitable for families. There are also designated facilities like the Shelter and picnic area on the Mühlenweg near Mölbis, providing comfortable spots for breaks.
Access points to the circular hiking trail are available from Mölbis and Thierbach, which typically offer parking facilities. A memorial stone in the village of Trages is also near a parking lot, providing another potential starting point for your visit.
Hochhalde Trages can be enjoyed year-round, but spring and autumn offer particularly pleasant hiking conditions with mild temperatures and vibrant natural scenery. Summer is also popular, especially for combining a visit with nearby lakes like Störmthaler See for water activities. Always check local weather conditions before your visit, as some unpaved sections of trails can be wet or slippery.
Yes, there are facilities available for visitors. You can find a Shelter and picnic area on the Mühlenweg near Mölbis, which is a good spot to rest and enjoy a meal. Additionally, the main area of Halde Trages offers numerous places to sit and take a break.
Halde Trages is unique because it is an artificial hill created from the overburden of the Espenhain open-cast mine. It has been transformed into a 'green' landscape, representing one of the highest elevations in the Leipzig district, offering both natural beauty and a testament to landscape reclamation.


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