The River Röder

The “Röderauwald Zabeltitz” covers an area of approximately 283 hectares and encompasses several villages in our region, including Wildenhain, Zabeltitz, and the villages of the Röderaue. This specially protected area is bordered by the Große Röder, the Kleine Röder, and the Röderwildbett, also known as Geißlitz.

The Große Röder rises in Röderbrunn near Rammenau, crosses the Elbe-Röder triangle from the town of Großenhain towards Gröditz and Spansberg, and flows into the Schwarze Elster in Kozilienzien.
At Zabeltitz, the Große Röder is divided into three parts by several weirs: the Kleine Röder, the Röderwildbett (Geißlitz) and the Große Röder.

The Kleine Röder flows via Koselitz to Kozilienzien, supplying water to the pond areas. The Große Röder feeds water to the ponds in Zabeltitz and Frauenhain, among others. In the past, it was also used occasionally as a millrace.

The Geißlitz flows in the old, developed Röderbed (Röderwildbett). It is primarily used for flood protection.

Due to the Röder and several oxbow lakes, this region is characterized by many wetlands. The pond areas are nestled in a floodplain forest, which is ideal for walking or a relaxing bike ride. The vegetation also changes its appearance in a very interesting way – from marshlands to ash and black alder forests to swamp forests. This pond landscape is home to a wide variety of bird and other animal species.

The ponds are ideal for breeding. Beavers are also native to this area. You will encounter water areas partly surrounded by reeds with idyllic forest stands. The paths often run close to the water, partly between the ponds, offering a good view of the water and its rich wildlife.