Following the trail of the second circular route, one walks through the historic city center and then over the upper town into the quiet outskirts of Glauchau.
The path starts at the Glauchau Market Square, which was planned as early as the 13th century and with its angled access roads represents an architectural peculiarity of that era. The valuable historic buildings have shaped the appearance of the square since around 1820. The carillon made of Meissen porcelain, visible in the bell tower of the historic town hall, enchants visitors daily at 9:05 AM, 12:05 PM, and 6:05 PM with its melodies. The beautiful bronze fountain reflects the history of the city. The weaver symbolizes Glauchau as a city of cloth makers, the market woman represents market and trade, and the playing children depict
the life in the city. The movable figures invite you to play.
We now leave the market via Obere Marktstraße and walk along small old alleys toward the city theater, which is well known far beyond the region and offers a unique atmosphere. Shortly before the theater, the path leads down into the valley to the underground tunnels. This extensive tunnel system beneath the city center can be visited on guided tours or by individual appointment. Next to the entrance to the tunnel system, the path follows Hirschgrund, going up the stairs past the Rosarium (with its beautifully colorful blooming roses
and rhododendrons) and through the alleys of the upper town of Glauchau. At the upper end of the valley, the path passes the Rudolf Virchow Clinic. Those interested can take a small detour to the historic clinic building (1914) with an attractively landscaped park and a large fish pond and rest on one of the many benches.
The path now turns left in front of the clinic and shortly afterward right at the smallest museum of the city (guardhouse at the former barracks gate). It continues along the cemetery wall. Again, a small detour is worth it here. The cemetery, established in 1869, resembles a large park with magnificent linden and chestnut avenues, colorful blooming rhododendrons, and numerous splendid family graves of former factory owners and wealthy citizens of the city. At the end of the cemetery, the path turns left and you enter the scenically very charming nature reserve “Am Rümpfwald”. Formerly a military training area, it has developed over many years into a precious open land habitat with a variety of animal and plant species. To the right of the path, an area crisscrossed by small paths with benches and information boards invites you to linger. At the next crossroads (with a shelter), the view opens up towards the Bismarck Tower. It forms the widely visible
landmark of the city. At 46 meters high, this tower built in 1910 from Pirna sandstone is the highest still existing Bismarck tower. On some days of the year, the tower is open, allowing visitors to enjoy the great view (in good weather up to the Battle of the Nations Monument in Leipzig and to the Fichtelberg). The path continues straight through the crossroads, through the forest and the Mühlendrehe, with a view of Niederlungwitz, down into the valley. On weekends, you can stop at the Jagdstube inn, which lies directly on the path. After crossing the main road, it goes a little through Niederlungwitz before the path crosses the main road again and leads to the forest edge. Always along the forest edge with views of meadows, church, and school of Niederlungwitz, the path continues to Bergstraße and then follows it back up into the city.
At the intersection with Glauchauer Straße, there is an opportunity for a small detour: Turning left here into the small street allows you, always keeping right, to walk peacefully and in green surroundings through garden areas and an animal enclosure. This is especially worthwhile if you are traveling with children.
If you prefer not to, you follow the signs along Glauchauer and Lungwitzer Straße to Talstraße. Here the detour via the animal enclosure rejoins the main route. On the right is a great playground offering plenty of variety for families with children. The Talstraße is crossed. The path now leads past the outdoor pool (with a large swimming pool, slide, and varied toddler area, entrance from Lungwitzer Straße) through the green belt of Carolapark. At the end of the park, several seating areas invite you to linger again. After crossing Schlachthofstraße, follow various small alleys to Leipziger Straße and then back to the city center. On the right side, you first get an open view of the former weaving school, now a vocational school center, and the Schiller Park. Shortly thereafter, also on the right, you can see the imposing former Reich Post and Telegraph Office (1893). Not far from there begins the Glauchau pedestrian zone, which invites you to stroll with various shops. Continuing straight ahead you reach the starting point of the tour back at the market. The attentive hiker may have noticed that they crossed or passed through several valleys in the city center. The green belts running through Glauchau are also a special feature of the city. Glauchau was built on seven hills. Between the pedestrian zone and the castle, you can end the day with an ice cream, in a café, or restaurant.
