Wanderung: Zur Porphyrlandschaft bei Gimritz

The Saale River Valley, the Templer Chapel, and a Romantic Rock Landscape

Hiking Trip: To the Porphyry Landscape Near Gimritz

What to Expect

We’ll meet at the main train station in Halle and take the bus to Wettin. From there, we’ll first hike through the Saale floodplain to Mücheln, where you can marvel at the legendary Templar Chapel. Afterward, we’ll immerse ourselves in the untamed nature of the porphyry landscape—a unique refuge for flora and fauna and one of the geological hotspots in the Lower Saale Valley Nature Park. We’ll pass through the idyllic Lauchengrund with its legendary “Devil’s Pulpit” and follow the trail of the former Wallwitz-Wettin railway line (1903–1971). The return route takes us through meadows and fields, treating us to sweeping views of the countryside and of Wettin and its imposing castle. From there, we’ll take the bus back to Halle. A short but delightful loop just outside the city gates!

The highlights of this tour

• Saale floodplain near Wettin

• Templer Chapel in Mücheln

• Wettin/Gimritz Porphyry Landscape Nature Trail

• Lauchengrund with the Devil’s Pulpit

• Remains of the former Wettin-Wallwitz railroad

• Röhrenteich

Tour Information

Meeting point:Halle (Saale) Central Station

Travel:Bus ride approx. 40 minutes, no transfers

Hike starting point:Wettin bus stop, Saalestraße

End point:Wettin bus stop, Saalestraße (loop hike)

Length:10 km

Elevation gain:110 hm (ascent), 110 hm (descent)

Duration:2.5 hours of pure walking time + breaks for refreshments and information, as well as sightseeing (approx. 5 hours total)

Difficulty:easy to moderate (the tour is also suitable for less experienced hikers)

Max. group size:20 people

Ticket price:10 € (plus transportation costs)

About Me

Hey, I’m Thomas, a certified hiking guide with the German Hiking Association and a passionate hiker. My heart beats for the wonderful landscapes of my home region—whether it’s the Saale-Unstrut, the (Southern) Harz, or the Lower Saale Valley. From Halle, you can often reach breathtaking natural and cultural landscapes worth exploring in less than an hour. My favorites: quiet trails, ancient places of power, and the most beautiful views. I’d love to share my passion with you and invite you to come along—into the breathtaking, mysterious, and beautiful nature right on your doorstep. I’d be thrilled to have you join me! 

Why I Love This Tour

This tour combines cultural highlights and history with unique natural beauty in a breathtaking rocky landscape, and because it’s a hidden gem, it’s not very crowded.

Participation & Registration

• The number of participants is limited to 20 people.
• Please book your ticket in advance to secure your spot.
• You’ll receive the exact details about the meeting point and how to get there after booking your ticket, approximately 2 weeks before the tour.

Meals & Notes

• We’ll take a longer break along the way—please bring something for a small picnic.
• Please make sure you bring enough water with you.
• We’ll meet at the main train station and travel there together—it brings us closer and feels like a hiking trip from the old days. Of course, you’re also welcome to go directly to the tour’s starting point if you prefer. 
• Participation is at your own risk.
• The tour generally takes place in any weather (except in the event of severe storms or similar conditions)—so sturdy shoes, weatherproof clothing, and a good attitude are a must 😉

Contact

If you have any questions about the tour or my other offerings, feel free to email me at wandern@posteo.de