Mentioned for the first time in written records in 1312, the town originally consisted of three parts: Oberherwigsdorf, the so-called hub, a knightly residence mentioned 1359, and the actual location of the church, Herwigsdorf, with its independent bodies. After the Reformation, the Celestiner monks at Oybin were forced to sell the town that they were able to acquire in the 15th century to the city of Zittau. Mainly characterised up until this point by farming, weaving crafts developed more and more, which led to today's famous image of thickly settled traditional-style homes. Mittelherwigsdorf stretches approx. three kilometers north-west of Zittau into the Rietsche/Ritzebach and Mandau valleys. The 7.5 kilometer long Waldhufendorf's shape is reminiscent of the form of a horseshoe. The town's three kilometer-long hiking trail 'Barfussweg' is a special highlight for all athletes and nature fans.