Wesenitz

Wesenitz
Wesenitz near Helmsdorf (Stolpen)
Country	Germany
Basin features
Main source	Lausitzer Bergland
River mouth	Elbe 50°57′49″N 13°53′39″E / 50.96361°N 13.89417°E / 50.96361; 13.89417Coordinates: 50°57′49″N 13°53′39″E / 50.96361°N 13.89417°E / 50.96361; 13.89417
Physical characteristics
Length	83 km (52 mi)

The Wesenitz is a river in the Free State of Saxony, Germany, right tributary of the Elbe. Its total length is 83 km. The Wesenitz runs through the tourist regions of the Lusatian Highlands and Saxon Switzerland. Its name is derived from Sorbian language wjaz (Elm).

The Wesenitz originates near Neukirch/Lausitz and flows southwest through Bischofswerda, passes Großdrebnitz, flows through Stolpen and Dürrröhrsdorf-Dittersbach. The Wesenitz joins the Elbe near Pirna.

Stolpen Castle is officially documented first time for the year 1222 when it was a property of the Bishop of Dresden-Meissen. In 1559 it had been passed over to Augustus, Elector of Saxony. The castle's fame originates from the period 1716 till 1765 when Augustus II the Strong imprissoned here his mistress Countess of Cosel.

The Liebethaler Grund, the "Gateway to Saxon Switzerland", is a picturesque ravine. Near a former hydropower station the world's biggest memorial to Richard Wagner can be visited.

Beginning with the inauguration of Johann V. of Weißenbach in 1476, the Bishops of Meißen until 1559 and later the prince-electors of Saxony performed fish farming of carps in two ponds between Goldbach and Kleindrebnitz respectively in Bischofswerda, which were fed with Wesenitz water. The fish farms were of approximately 20 ha each and had to be closed due to economic and technical reasons about 1815.