Zschopau

Zschopau (German pronunciation: [ˈtʃoːpaʊ]), is a town in the Erzgebirgskreis district of Saxony, Germany.

Geography

The town is located on the northwestern slopes of the Ore Mountains, on both banks of the Zschopau River, about 9 miles (14 km) south-east from Chemnitz. The highest point is Mt. Pilzhübel with an elevation of 597.8 m (1,961 ft). The municipal area comprises the village of Krumhermersdorf, incorporated in 1999. Since German reunification, Zschopau has lost about one fourth of its population.

Zschopau is famous for its motorcycle industry, particularly the DKW and MZ Motorrad- und Zweiradwerk GmbH brands, and the toy business VEB Plasticart.

Zschopau has a handsome parish church dedicated to St Martin, a town hall and a castle (Schloss Wildeck), whose construction started in the twelfth century.

Notable people

Zschopau (river)

The Zschopau (German pronunciation: [ˈt͡ʃoːpaʊ̯], Czech: Sapava [ˈsapava] or Šopava [ˈʃopava]) is a river in Saxony, Germany, left tributary of the Freiberger Mulde. Its source is in the Erzgebirge, on the slopes of the Fichtelberg, near the border with the Czech Republic. It flows north through the towns Schlettau, Wolkenstein, Zschopau, Flöha, Frankenberg, Mittweida and Waldheim. It joins the Freiberger Mulde in the village Schweta, west of Döbeln.

The Zschopau River flows northward for 130 km, into the Freiberger Mulde. The river has numerous roads and paths running alongside it. These trails are especially popular with cyclists. Mountain bikers often come here for tours. The undulating trails offer a brilliant riding experience to cycling enthusiasts. The trail is also known for the beautiful scenery, with castles and other medieval buildings appearing on the trail.

References