Womo Leisnig

Pride of place in the medieval heart of Leisnig (15 minutes’ walk) goes to Mildenstein Castle, one of the oldest in Saxony and with its roots in the 10th century. Behind the metre-thick walls, it once housed a prison and tours take in gruesome displays of torture instruments as well as the Romanesque castle chapel and medieval knights’ halls. Be sure to get out to Buch Abbey (10 minutes’ drive), a medieval Cistercian monastery set over the Freiberger Mulde river valley; you can visit the restored chapter house, abbot’s house, infirmary and chapel. Every second weekend a massive farmers’ market takes place in the courtyard. The surrounding Maylust hiking area has numerous scenic trails along the river. You can also discover the river by bike; the Mulde Cycle Path runs along its banks and takes you to the confluence of the Zwickauer Mulde and Freiberger Mulde at near Sermuth (45 minutes by bike), where the two tributaries merge. It's a peaceful spot with scenic views, picnic areas and a scattering of cafés and restaurants.