Zschopau walks

Experience the unspoilt nature and diversity of the landscape along the romantically situated Zschopau Valley. The starting point for this varied hike is Zschopau railway station, with a view of Wildeck Castle. The town is closely linked to the history of motorcycling: with DKW, it once became the world’s largest motorcycle production site. Museums in the castle and the former factory serve as a reminder of this. Modern art is showcased in the work ‘Fließgleichgewicht’ on the Purple Path. The trail follows the Zschopau through green riverside landscapes and gardens. In Hennersdorf, a covered wooden bridge is a striking feature, before the route heads uphill through the forest to the Kunnerstein viewpoint, which offers beautiful views of the valley. A further climb leads to Augustusburg Palace, one of the most significant Renaissance palaces. Museums, restaurants and panoramic views make a visit well worth it. Below lies the old town with St Peter’s Church and further art along the Purple Path.

Three districts and sweeping views around the Heidberg This enjoyable circular walk connects the three districts of Gornau, Dittmannsdorf, Witzschdorf and Gornau, forming a varied tour around the Heidberg. You can start the walk in any of the three villages. Those starting in Dittmannsdorf pass a lovingly designed farm with a pond before a small forest provides shade and finally wide views over fields and meadows open up. With these panoramic views, the route gently climbs uphill on a wide dirt road before descending towards Gornau. A quiet deciduous forest with small ponds provides relaxation before a bridge leads into the village. Shortly afterwards, the path plunges back into nature and runs along meadow paths with impressive views of the Höllmühl and Zschopau valleys. Augustusburg Castle – the "crown of the Ore Mountains" – majestically accompanies the last section of this harmonious little hike in the distance.

If you are looking for unique rock formations, magnificent views and healing waters, you couldn't make a better choice. This varied circular walk starts at the historic market square in Wolkenstein, near the castle high above the Zschopau Valley. The EB long-distance hiking trail leads down into the rock labyrinth of Wolkenstein Switzerland. From the bridge cliff, there is an impressive view of the stone arch and railway bridge over the Zschopau.The trail continues to the Anton-Günther-Höhe and down to the Warmbad spa area with its drinking pavilion and water playground.Passing the historic mining area with its old tunnel shaft, the E3 trail leads to Zeisigstein with sweeping views of the Annaberg region.Along the Zschopau river and through the romantic Wolfsschlucht gorge, the path climbs back up to Wolkenstein.

Around Marienberg and to the Drei-Brüder-Höhe on the EB and E3. This circular route, approximately 16.9 km long, connects the most beautiful vantage points around the hilltop town of Marienberg and starts at the town hall. Founded in 1521, the town impresses with its grid-like layout, modelled on the Renaissance ideal city.The route follows the long-distance hiking trails E3 and Eisenach–Budapest, combining culture and nature in a unique way. It offers superb views of the surrounding area.First, the trail leads to the Bergmagazin with its museum and library.It continues past the Kaiser and Gondel ponds to the Drei-Brüder-Höhe with its viewing tower and refreshment stop.The route then passes through Großrückerswalde with its fortified church and on to the fish ponds, which are perfect for a rest.The tour finally leads back to Marienberg via old paths and the former railway line.

The mining trail covers 13.7 kilometres through the "Greifenstein area" and features over 30 stations with impressive evidence of historical mining as well as traces in nature, landscape and culture.

This hike combines the three long-distance trails E3, EB and the Zschopautalwanderweg into a challenging but stunning tour with incredible views. This varied tour starts at the historic Frohnauer Hammer, a landmark of Annaberg-Buchholz. Along the E3 long-distance trail, a demanding climb leads to sweeping views of the town, St Anne’s Church and the Pöhlberg.The route takes you over hills and fields to the Dörfler Höhe with its impressive panoramas, before the descent to Dörfel begins.The route then runs through the Zschopau Valley along nature trails, past the Schlettau natural swimming pool to Schlettau Castle.The return route takes you uphill along an avenue with views stretching as far as the Fichtelberg.Finally, the Teufelskanzel offers a last spectacular view of Annaberg before the tour ends at the starting point.

A leisurely walk with fascinating panoramic views and the enchantment of fairy tales This varied circular walk starts at the car park below the Pöhlberg. A short climb leads to the ‘Butterfässer’, a striking basalt formation by the side of the path. Hikers then follow the middle Pöhlberg circular trail, which delights families in particular with its little fairy-tale stations. After just a few steps, sweeping views open up over fields, villages and the ridges of the Ore Mountains as far as Keilberg and Fichtelberg. This panorama accompanies much of the walk and repeatedly invites you to pause and take it all in. About halfway along the route, sure-footed hikers may wish to take a detour to the historic St. Briccius treasure trove. The route continues through peaceful mixed woodland, past old clay pits, a former quarry and the former site of the ski jump. You eventually return to the starting point via the old bobsleigh track.

This day hike along the Kammweg trail leads from Schwarzwassertal to Reitzenhain and back via Czech territory. This varied circular walk follows the Ore Mountains ridge through the Saxon and Czech Ore Mountains. Particularly charming is the alternation between dense forests and open moorland, which give the region its distinctive character. The walk starts at the Schwarzwassertal car park in Kühnhaide. From there, the Kammweg trail leads towards the Stengelhaide Moor Nature Trail – a highlight featuring information boards on flora and peat extraction. The route continues via Köhlerei to Reitzenhain and across the border into the Czech Republic. Passing the abandoned village of Pohraniční, the route leads through peaceful woods and Böhmisch Kühnhaide to the highest point, the Lauschhübel (842 m), which offers beautiful views. The trail then leads back into the Schwarzwassertal valley, where you can stop for a leisurely break.

From Schlettau Castle to Scheibenberg and the organ pipes, on the region's long-distance hiking trails. The hike starts at the historic Schlettau Castle and leads along the Zschopautalweg trail into the gentle hills of the Ore Mountains. Via Walthersdorf with a detour to the Rosenbuschzeche mine and informative "Sparrguschentafeln" information boards, the route continues towards Scheibenberg.At the foot of the basalt mountain, you will meet the E3 and EB long-distance hiking trails. A detour to the lovingly maintained hiking hut rewards you with a view of the Fichtelberg. Via the Ottomar-Zahn-Steig, you finally reach the summit, mountain inn and observation tower.Passing the ski jumps and impressive basalt columns known as "organ pipes", the return route on the E3 and EB leads through forests and along the railway line back to the castle.

The Zwönitz Panorama Trail leads along scenic paths around the mountain town of Zwönitz, combining nature experiences with little cultural discoveries. From the market square, the route passes Blasius Church to the old Stollberg Railway, accompanied by sweeping views over Zwönitz and the Geyerschen Wald. Via Niederzwönitz, the tour leads up to the Galgenspitze and on to the Hammerteich with its waterfall. Along the way, walkers encounter legendary sites such as the ‘Headless Horseman’, enjoy views stretching as far as the Zwickau region, and reach the ‘Zwönitzblick’ viewing tower via Kühnhaide. A particular highlight is the Fuchsbrunn Bridge, an impressive relic of the former railway line to Scheibenberg, before the trail leads back to Zwönitz, passing traces of the town’s mining history.

A delightful hike between the railway, the dam and a World Heritage Site. The starting point for this varied circular walk is Schmalzgrube station on the historic Preßnitztalbahn railway. On the Erzgebirge-Vogtland ridge trail, walkers follow the tracks towards Jöhstadt – with a bit of luck, a steam locomotive will be passing through the valley. The trail runs through a cool stream valley with rest areas before passing the railway depot in Jöhstadt. Natural paths with beautiful views then lead on to Dürrenberg. Here, the route turns into the forest and crosses the border into the Czech Republic. The destination is the Preßnitz Dam, beneath which lies the village of Preßnitz, abandoned in the 1970s. The route heads back towards Schmalzgrube via Christophhammer. Shortly before the finish, the historic ironworks with its blast furnace, part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site, makes a striking impression. The tour ends at the starting point.

The hike connects the ridge path on the German side with the Preßnitz Dam in the Czech Republic. This varied circular route starts at Hirtstein, offering sweeping views across the Ore Mountains and an impressive basalt fan – a natural monument of volcanic origin. From the summit, the route descends through the forest to Schmalzgrube station, a stop on the historic Preßnitz Valley Railway. Following the tracks, the route takes the Erzgebirge-Vogtland ridge path. With a bit of luck, you might spot a puffing steam locomotive in the narrow valley. Through a shady stream valley and past rest areas, the path leads to Jöhstadt. It then continues close to nature along the edge of the forest before the tour leaves the ridge trail at Dürrenberg. In the Czech Republic, the path leads to the Preßnitz Dam, beneath which the former village lies. After the dam, the path climbs through quiet woods, with a detour to the Mönchsfelsen, before crossing the border once more. The route returns to Hirtstein across the wide plateau near Satzung.

This easy walk leads from Jöhstadt to Steinbach, with the Preßnitztalbahn railway always within easy reach. The starting point for this special tour is Jöhstadt station, the hub of the historic Preßnitztalbahn. The heritage railway has been lovingly restored and keeps railway history alive. From the station, the path runs along the edge of the forest with lovely views of Jöhstadt. After the depot, the route enters the shady forest and follows the railway line and the Schwarzwasser stream. A rest area along the way invites you to take a break before reaching Schmalzgrube. It is well worth taking a detour here to the Schmalzgrube ironworks, an important testament to the region’s mining heritage and part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site ‘Erzgebirge/Krušnohoří Mining Region’. The trail continues through peaceful woodland, passing further rest areas. At the Andreas-Gegentrum-Stolln, another relic serves as a reminder of the mining history, before the tour ends at Steinbach station.

The steam trains of the Fichtelberg Railway puff between Cranzahl and Kurort Oberwiesenthal several times a day. Those who like to be active themselves can cover the entire route or just a section of it on the "Erlebnispfad Bimmelbahn" (Bimmelbahn Adventure Trail), which runs largely parallel to the railway. The Bimmelbahn adventure trail combines nature, technology and Erzgebirge culture in a special way. It starts in Cranzahl, where a visit to the Räuchermannmuseum (smoking man museum) is well worth it. The trail runs parallel to the narrow-gauge Fichtelberg Railway through fields, meadows and shady forests. The whistling and puffing of the steam locomotive accompanies the hike and offers beautiful photo opportunities. In Neudorf, hikers can visit the "Zum Weihrichkarzl" workshop, which showcases traditional handicrafts, and the original Soup Museum. Along the route, rest areas, shelters and panoramic views invite you to take a break. The destination is the spa town of Oberwiesenthal with places to stop for refreshments and sights to see. The return journey can be made comfortably by steam locomotive.

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.

Forest loop with sweeping views and a viewing platform This scenic circular walk starts at the Spiegelwaldbaude with the striking König-Albert-Turm, the highest point of the route. The path initially leads through typical spruce forests to the edge of the woods, offering beautiful views of Grünhain. The route then continues at a leisurely pace around the Spiegelwald. The alternation between shady woodland and open sections constantly offers new perspectives on the landscape. A highlight is the Aussichtspilz, also known as the ‘Balcony of the Ore Mountains’. Here, a rest area with an impressive panorama invites you to take a break. The route then follows a former railway embankment before a short climb leads back towards the Spiegelwaldbaude. To finish, it’s well worth the climb up to the observation tower for a 360-degree view of the Ore Mountains.

Discover the lower reservoir of the Markersbach pumped-storage power station, nestled between hydroelectric power and a forest idyll. The walk starts at the lower reservoir of the Markersbach pumped-storage power station. Information boards on the dam explain the function of Germany’s second-largest pumped-storage power station, which plays an important role in storing renewable energy. As you cross the dam, the striking viaduct catches the eye. Deutsche Bahn is currently testing autonomous driving on this historic railway line. The route then leads along well-maintained paths through varied woodland, circling the lower reservoir once. Beautiful views of the water and landscape open up time and again. Rest areas along the route invite you to linger. A particular highlight is the “Mühlchen” with its small water wheels, seating and play facilities. A few metres further on, a large water wheel, a shelter and a Kneipp facility await. From there, the route leads back to the car park.

Old town idyll, history and panoramic views around Schwarzenberg The tour starts at the historic Erlahammer manor, part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site Ore Mountains/Krušnohoří Mining Region. A small exhibition introduces visitors to the region's eventful history.From here, the route continues uphill along the Silberberg hiking trail through meadows, fields and woods, with ever-widening views. In Pöhla, the ski jump dominates the townscape and an idyllic pond invites you to take a break.Then you continue along the European long-distance hiking trail E3 towards Schwarzenberg, accompanied by magnificent panoramic views. In Schwarzenberg, the old town with its castle invites you to explore at length before finally returning to the manor house along the Schwarzwasser river.

UNESCO World Heritage Site, sweeping views and Ore Mountains charm on the Silberberg hiking trail and the E3. The tour begins at Herrenhof Erlahammer, an impressive ensemble of half-timbered buildings and part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site Ore Mountains/Krušnohoří Mining Region. A small exhibition on regional history sets the mood for the hike.The trail then leads uphill across meadows, fields and through shady forests – always accompanied by beautiful views of the valley and the Ore Mountains. In Pöhla, it is worth stopping at the ski jump and the idyllic pond with rest areas.From here, the route follows the E3 long-distance hiking trail through the village and uphill on a quiet road.It then returns to Herrenhof through open countryside and forest.