Zittau Mountains Nature Preserve

Explore Saxony's youngest nature preserve …

Located in the heart of Europe, the Zittau Mountains extend along the Saxon-Bohemian border. They have a diversified natural landscape, including volcanic butts, picturesque floodplains and magical sandstone formations.
 
Enjoy a leisurely paced ride on the historical, steam-powered narrow-gauge railway going from Zittau, town of Lenten veils, into the Zittau Mountains. The train goes along the recreation area of Olbersdorf Lake and the botanical butterfly conservatory, through to
either the via ferrata at the Nonnenfels massif or Mount Oybin castle and monastery.
 
Sandstone & mountain inns  By what freak of Nature these sandstone formations and rock massifs were placed on top of each other.
  
Often, hikers will find them only along hiking trails. Jutting rocks include the Kelchstein and Scharfenstein, which is also called the "Upper-Lusatian Matterhorn", whereas fairytale rock formations, such as "Brütende Henne" ('Broody Hen') and "Teekanne" ('Teapot'), are rather hidden in the forest. The highest mountains – Lausche and Hochwald – have distinct peaks about 2,600 feet (800 metres) in elevation. The hiking trail network of the Zittau Mountains Nature Preserve is about 270 miles (435 km) in total length. For instance, it is an absolute pleasure hiking along the 66-mile (107-km) Upper Lusatia Mountain Trail and enjoying the excellent services offered by Upper Lusatia's hiking hotels. There are also quaint mountain inns located on the summits, making for the perfect rest stop for hikers.
 
Go on a bike tour! This region has five long-distance cycling routes. The 289-mile (465-km) Oder-Neisse cycle route is one of them, boasting UNESCO World Heritage Sites such as the Muskau Park (Fürst-Pückler-Park Bad Muskau) and Castle, St. Marienthal Abbey (Kloster St. Marienthal) as well as the historic town centre of the Baroque city of Zittau.
 
Another fantastic route is the Umgebindehaus-Radweg (Upper Lusatian half-timbered house cycling route). Or, try one of the other 13 themed routes to enjoy the varied cultural landscape and tempting restaurants alongside the routes. If you are looking for some steep uphill and challenging downhill biking, the Zittau Mountains, where the difference in altitude is 1,970 feet (600 metres), are ideal for you.
 
A paradise for regular and occasional climbers There are 114 rocks, with an altitude of up to 197 feet (60 metres), in the Zittau Mountains for you to choose from, ranging from beginner to moderate. The region also has two via ferratas: "Nonnensteig" in Jonsdorf and "Alpiner Grat" in Oybin. Weissbachtal valley and the health resort towns of "Kurort" Oybin and "Luftkurort" ('air spa') Jonsdorf are the three major climbing areas of the Zittau Mountains. You can also take a guided rock climbing trip, lead by experienced climbing guides. Oh, by the way , even small children can climb Mount "Töpfer". Yes indeed, the Zittau Mountains Nature Preserve is unique and just fabulous!