Excursion Destinations Around Schwarzenberg in the Erzgebirge
Discover the most beautiful excursion destinations around Schwarzenberg in the Erzgebirge: Greifensteine, Auersberg, Talsperre Eibenstock and Fichtelberg.
The Erzgebirge unfolds around Schwarzenberg in all its diversity: forested ridges, rugged granite cliffs, expansive reservoirs and summits from which the view reaches all the way to the Czech Republic. Anyone spending their holiday here has an entire region full of rewarding excursion destinations right on the doorstep. We would like to introduce you to the most beautiful places in the surrounding area – ideal for relaxed day trips, sporty hikes or cultural discoveries. You will also find a detailed overview in our Erzgebirge Guide.
Schwarzenberg – the pearl of the Erzgebirge
Schwarzenberg has carried its nickname "pearl of the Erzgebirge" for over a hundred years – and with good reason. The large district town in the Saxon Erzgebirge district captivates visitors with its picturesque old town, where the church and castle sit enthroned on a rocky outcrop. This is encircled by a great loop of the Schwarzwasser river, lending the historic townscape its unmistakable appearance.
A highlight is Schloss Schwarzenberg, first mentioned in documents back in 1212. Between 1555 and 1558 it was converted into a hunting lodge. Today, as an associated site, the castle complements the region's mining heritage and stands as a symbol of the manorial and sovereign administration of mining in the western Erzgebirge. A stroll through the historic lanes is worthwhile at any time of year.
UNESCO World Heritage Montanregion Erzgebirge
The entire region is shaped by centuries of mining history. In July 2019 the Montanregion Erzgebirge/Krušnohoří was recognised as World Heritage by the UNESCO World Heritage Committee in Baku. It comprises 22 components, 17 of them in Saxony and five in the Czech Republic.
Around Schwarzenberg, the mining landscapes of Eibenstock, which represents tin mining, and the Rother Berg with its iron ore belong to this unique World Heritage. Anyone interested in the history and mining past of the region will find here a living piece of cultural landscape that is second to none.
The Greifensteine – climbing and open-air theatre
A very special natural wonder is the Greifensteine, a striking group of granite rocks in the Erzgebirge. The highest rock reaches a height of 731.7 metres above sea level. Today seven granite rocks remain; six others were removed by quarrying work that ended in 1923. The rocks lie between the villages of Ehrenfriedersdorf, Geyer, Jahnsbach and Thum.
For those with sporting ambitions, the Greifensteine are a true paradise: the rock towers, up to 13 metres high, can be scaled on more than 100 climbing routes. But even without climbing experience, a visit is worthwhile. In the middle of the woodland between Geyer and Ehrenfriedersdorf lies the Naturtheater Greifensteine with over 1,200 unnumbered seats. Since as far back as 1952, the unique open-air stage has been used during the summer months of July and August for around six weeks – an atmospheric experience under the open sky.
On the Auersberg – the oldest observation tower in the Erzgebirge
A rewarding destination for hiking enthusiasts is the Auersberg, which rises 1,018.2 metres above sea level. It lies in the heavily forested western Erzgebirge near the Czech border, on the territory of Wildenthal, which has belonged to Eibenstock since 1994.
At the summit, a special piece of history awaits you: the stone observation tower is 18 metres high, was inaugurated in 1860 and is considered the oldest stone observation tower in the Erzgebirge. From up here you can enjoy a sweeping view across the forested heights of the region.
Talsperre Eibenstock – water as far as the eye can see
Not far away lies the Talsperre Eibenstock, the largest drinking-water reservoir in Saxony. It was built from 1974 to 1987 and went into operation as early as 1982. The mighty dam is impressive, rising 57 metres above the valley floor and even 65.5 metres above the foundation base.
The reservoir fulfils several functions at once: it serves drinking-water supply, flood protection, low-water augmentation and energy generation. Embedded in the heavily forested landscape, it is an impressive structure and a popular excursion destination for everyone who appreciates the tranquil natural setting of the western Erzgebirge.
The Fichtelberg – Saxony's highest summit
If you want to reach great heights, you should not miss the Fichtelberg. At 1,214.88 metres above sea level, it is the highest mountain in Saxony. It lies near Oberwiesenthal in the Erzgebirge district, just about 1.5 kilometres north of the state border with the Czech Republic.
A technical monument and at the same time a comfortable way to the summit is the Fichtelberg-Schwebebahn. It is the oldest aerial cableway in Germany and went into operation back in December 1924. From the valley station at 905.5 metres it leads up to the mountain station at 1,208.9 metres – a nostalgic and at the same time view-rich experience at any time of year.
Your starting point in the heart of the region
As varied as the excursion destinations around Schwarzenberg may be – they are most beautifully explored from a peaceful home base. The Sonnenhotel Hoher Hahn lies in a relaxed hillside setting in the district of Bermsgrün, south of the town centre, with hiking and cycling trails right beside the house. A lockable e-bike garage with charging station makes the hotel the ideal starting point for tours into the surrounding area. After an eventful day you can relax in the indoor pool, the Finnish sauna and the quiet zone, before treating yourself in the restaurant with half board and culinary themed evenings. We look forward to welcoming you here with us.