Wildcats are rarely seen in the wild. But in Plauen, you can watch one of the extremely shy animals feeding in the wildcat enclosure at Pfaffengut.
On the trail of the wildcat
In the Pfaffengut estate, which is located in Plauen on the outskirts of the town towards Jößnitz, the adventure trail of the same name was created in the estate park as part of the BUND project "Wildkatzensprung".
Along nine stations in the natural and enchanted park, you can immerse yourself in the world of wildcats on a short and exciting circular trail. You can learn a lot about the European wildcat and its habitat from child-friendly information boards.
The path through the park also leads along romantic paths to a pavilion, which invites you to take a short break. The wildcat trail is accessible daily - but on Sundays you can also watch the animals being fed.
Feeding the wildcats
The highlight of the tour is the wildcat enclosure with the two wildcats Wally and Wilma. As wildcats are extremely shy, you have the best chance of seeing them if you come to the Sunday feeding. This takes place every Sunday at 15:00.
Under the curious eyes of the visitors, the two get their long-awaited food. This is the best place to observe the little tigers. The wild cats fish for their food with great skill and then retreat to quieter areas. But they still stay close to the feeding site so that they can still be easily observed. They balance quickly and silently over the branches and disappear again just as quickly.
And the wildcats are particularly happy when they can eat a small chick with skin and hair. The bones also provide them with minerals. During the feeding, you can learn a story or two about the life of the wildcats and the natural enclosure at Pfaffengut.
What else is there on the Pfaffengut?
The former estate grounds cover around seven hectares. In addition to the estate park, there is a farm garden, a rock garden, a large orchard and an agricultural history exhibition in the former cowshed.
The Pfaffengut is also a great starting point for a hike into the Elster Valley and you might even spot a wildcat in its native habitat. And very close by is the Pfaffenmühle, a cozy restaurant with a large beer garden and a small petting zoo.
Where is the Pfaffengut with the wildcat trail located?
- Förderverein Pfaffengut Plauen e.V.
- Vogtland Environment and Nature Conservation Center
- Pfaffengutstrasse 16
- 08525 Plauen
- Further information on the Pfaffengut homepage: www.pfaffengutplauen.de
The wildcat trail is open daily. There is a public feeding session every Sunday at 15:00. A guided tour with feeding is also possible at other times by arrangement.
The visit is free of charge. But please make a donation for the wildcat project at the entrance.
What to consider
Dogs are not allowed on the wildcat trail and of course the wildcats may not be fed.
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In the Pfaffengut estate in Plauen, at the end of the town towards Jößnitz, there is a wildcat enclosure where you can watch the extremely shy animals being fed. As part of the BUND project "Wildkatzensprung", the adventure trail in the estate park was created here, along which you can hike to nine stations. You can learn a lot about the European wildcat and its habitat from child-friendly information boards. The park leads to a pavilion that invites you to relax. The wildcat trail is open daily and on Sundays you can see the animals being fed.
The wildcat enclosure with the wildcats Wally and Wilma is particularly exciting. Visitors can see the wildcats in action during the Sunday feeding at 15:00. The animals are adept at catching their food and then retreat again. During the feeding you can learn more about the life of the wildcats and the natural enclosure at Pfaffengut. The grounds of the Pfaffengut include various attractions such as a farm garden, a rock garden and an agricultural history exhibition in the former cowshed.
The Pfaffengut also serves as a starting point for hikes into the Elster Valley and nearby is the Pfaffenmühle with a cozy beer garden and a petting zoo. The wild cat trail is open daily and public feeding takes place on Sundays. A visit is free of charge, but donations are requested for the wildcat project. It is important to note that dogs are not allowed on the wildcat trail and the animals should not be fed.
