Zu den Linden Gasthaus & Pension

Vineyards and viticulture

by german_eagle

Vineyards dominate the scenery, and the traditions of viticulture are the essence of locals in Radebeul.

Old documents prove an 800 years old tradition of viticulture in the region. Originally brought here by the Bishops of Meissen, the Dukes of Saxony encouraged the locals to increase the quality of the wine.

In the late 19th century winegrowing became an economical waste and more and more vineyards became residential areas, except those on the hillsides. After WWII the communist leaders had no interest in such a "bourgeoise" activity and yet more vineyards had to be given up.

The fall of the wall brought the change. More and more vineyards were re-cultured again. Private owners got their vineyards back and started winegrowing again. A specialty are the dry stone walls. Since the hillsides are steep you need these stone walls to prevent slides. At the same time these walls make winegrowing here a manual work - and this is expensive.

Walking through the vineyards, along the dry stone walls, enjoying the views (and maybe tasting one or the other grape :-)) is pure fun. Organic winegrowing is wide spread, and so you might find wormwood and roses instead of the smell of pesticides.

Hoflößnitz Palace - Dioramas of Baroque Life

by Kathrin_E

"Harvest Parade"

A room at the top of the stairs on the second floor presents two dioramas, home-made by someone in the village almost 100 years ago. They show two scenes from life in Hoflößnitz in baroque times.

The first one shows a harvest parade. Triumphant Bacchus is riding on the wine barrel, accompanied by musicians, dancers, and local people carrying grapes.

"Hunting in Winter"

In the second diorama, on a snowy winter's day Elector and Electrice and their suite set out on horseback for hunting.