Königsweg (King's Path)

At the beginning of the hike, the hiker enjoys the splendor of the castle and pond complex. Immediately after leaving the village of Moritzburg, the hike leads into the Friedewald, parts of which were specially designed by the Saxon electors for hunting. The still existing system of aisles and avenues lets the visitor feel the extent of the courtly hunts. Forests and ponds are embedded in a small hilltop landscape and today declared a nature and bird reserve. The more than 25 ponds are connected by an ingenious canal system and are fed exclusively by rainwater. Therefore, they are also called sky ponds. On large parts of the hiking trail you can enjoy the idyllic tranquility of the pond and forest area, and with a little luck even observe white-tailed eagles, egrets and other rare animals. The hike then leads past mysterious-looking traces of former game preserves, such as quarry stone walls, canals, aisles, feed cellars and ditches.

In the last part of the hike, the King's Path leads to a landscaped garden with the Pheasant Castle, which is also called "paradise in a nutshell" because of the complete courtyard in a very small space. Built as a summer palace in rococo style on a hill, it forms a unique landscape ambience in combination with the lighthouse, harbor and large pond, which gives an idea of the opulent courtly festivities celebrated here. Resting places invite you to linger even today.