Polenz Valley

The Polenz meanders gracefully through its idyllic valley, which has been a nature reserve since 1940. In March, the meadows are transformed into a flowering spectacle when the spring snowflakes unfurl their white blossoms. On hot summer days, a hike along the river rewards you with refreshing coolness, while fascinating ice formations form in winter.

The year 1800 can be seen as the peak of Caspar David Friedrich's euphoria in Saxon Switzerland. The then 25-year-old visited the region at least five times that
year. In addition to his multi-day adventure in Uttewalder Grund, Friedrich visited the area around Hohnstein at the beginning of July. He also wandered through the lovely Polenz Valley and discovered the imposing sandstone block covered in pine trees.
Years later, he used the rock study in his painting "View into the Elbe Valley". With artistic freedom, he lifted the colossus weighing several tons to a vantage point and replaced the pines with spruces.

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