Over the ridge to Bärenstein

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The hike follows the Erzgebirge-Vogtland ridge trail around Bärenstein and leads back to the starting point on the Czech side.

It starts at the hiking car park at the foot of Bärenstein. Initially, the trail follows the Erzgebirge-Vogtland ridge path along the edge of the forest and soon leads into the shady woodland. After a short while, the view opens up to the Cranzahl reservoir – an ideal spot for a first break.

The route then passes through the border town of Bärenstein and crosses over into the Czech town of Vejprty. Passing two churches, the path leads through meadows and woods. The ‘Günthers Ruh’ rest area is a great spot for another break.

Hikers return to Germany through the forest. An optional detour to the Hotel Fichtenhäusel is available. The route then rejoins the Kammweg.

The ascent to the summit of the Bärenstein follows across meadows and through woodland. At the top, a summit cross, views stretching as far as the Fichtelberg and a place to stop for refreshments at the mountain hotel await. The return route leads gently back to the starting point.

Details

n°95455637
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  • Walking
    Activity: Walking
  • ↔
    Distance: 11.36 km
  • ◔
    Average duration: 4h 20 
  • ▲
    Difficulty: Moderate
  • ⚐
    Back to start: Yes
  • ↗
    Ascent: + 378 m
  • ↘
    Descent: - 372 m
  • ▲
    Highest point: 899 m
  • ▼
    Lowest point: 653 m
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Photos

At the summit of the Bärenstein, view towards the Fichtelberg
At the foot of the Bärenstein
Cranzahl Dam
Between Germany and the Czech Republic

Description of the walk

Start: The hike starts at the foot of the Bärenstein

Markings: The route is not consistently marked throughout. Please use the digital route map.

(S/E) From there, we follow the Erzgebirge-Vogtland ridge trail to the Cranzahl dam.

(1) Just before the dam, the path turns left and then left again at the next junction until the first houses of Bärenstein come into view.

(2) Take Alte Sportplatzstraße towards the town centre, then turn right onto Max-Harnisch-Straße and finally left towards Hauptstraße and across the border into the Czech Republic.

(3) Take the first right and then turn left uphill towards the first church.

(4) From here, continue slightly to the left uphill until you cross the railway tracks.

(5) Immediately after the railway tracks, keep left and then turn right straight away to reach St Martin’s Church.

(6) Above the church, the path leads left again. At the second fork, walkers must turn left; the path now leads downhill again.

(7) Finally, the path leads into the countryside and past the Günthers Ruh rest area on the right to the next border crossing.

(8) Keep left here, and you will rejoin the Erzgebirge-Vogtland ridge trail. Follow the signposting to the left and uphill towards Bärenstein.

(9) From the summit, the route descends back to the car park at the starting point.(S/E)

Waypoints

  1. S/E : km 0 - alt. 832 m - At the foot of the Bärenstein
  2. 1 : km 1.96 - alt. 718 m - Cranzahl Dam
  3. 2 : km 3.15 - alt. 783 m - Links to Alte Sportplatzstraße
  4. 3 : km 4.3 - alt. 703 m - Border with the Czech Republic, next right
  5. 4 : km 4.57 - alt. 721 m - Church
  6. 5 : km 5.11 - alt. 717 m - Cross the railway tracks, then keep left
  7. 6 : km 5.48 - alt. 752 m - St Martin’s Church, then left
  8. 7 : km 6.35 - alt. 732 m - Into the forest
  9. 8 : km 7.86 - alt. 660 m - Border crossing, then keep left
  10. 9 : km 10.47 - alt. 839 m - Bärenstein
  11. S/E : km 11.36 - alt. 836 m - At the foot of the Bärenstein

Notes

Equipment

  • We recommend weatherproof clothing, sturdy footwear and a packed lunch for the journey.
  • Please carry your ID card (as this is a cross-border tour to the Czech Republic)

Getting there

Public transport

How to get there

  • Take the B95 main road directly to the start of the route at the hiking car park on Kammweg by the B95 (Bärenstein)

Parking facilities along the route

  • Car park – B95
  • Car park on the Bärenstein
  • Bärenstein car park, Bergstraße
  • Car park Bärenstein, Am Markt

Coordinates

  • DD 50.505439, 13.019613
  • GMS 50°30'19.6"N 13°01'10.6"E
  • UTM 33U 359570 5596703
  • w3w ///grip.set.view

Places to stop for refreshments

Worth a visit

Editor’s tip

Don’t miss the view from the Bärenstein at the summit cross

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